About the Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
The Strength, Nutrition, and Personal Training Associate in Applied Science (AAS) prepares students with the knowledge and experience required to be eligible for the following certifications:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health and Fitness Instructor Certification;
- ACSM Personal Trainer Certification;
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Personal Trainer Certification; and the
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification.
This degree will provide students with a stronger educational background, making them more marketable in the field of fitness and nutrition. This degree will also meet the needs of individuals with existing degrees in such fields as Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Athletic Training and other health-related disciplines.
Registered dietitians, clinical exercise physiologists, personal trainers, exercise specialists, strength and conditioning specialists, coaches, athletes and others interested in acquiring knowledge in exercise, nutrition and health are also eligible for this program.
If you would like more information or have any questions regarding the AAS degree, please contact the AAS Advisor lisa.lewis@gcmail.maricopa.edu
Requirements
Students are responsible for proper selection of courses and admission to University and professional programs.
General Education Courses (15-17 Credits)
| Subject | Course Name (Course Credits) |
|---|---|
| English |
ENG101 - First Year Composition (3), and ENG102 - First Year Composition (3) -Or- ENG107 - First Year Composition, ESL (3), and ENG108 - First Year Composition, ESL (3) |
| Communication |
COM100 - Introduction to Human Communications (3) -Or- COM110 - Interpersonal Communications (3) |
| Critical Reading & Thinking | CRE101 - Critical and Evaluative Reading I (3) |
| Mathematics | MAT120 or MAT121 or MAT122 - Intermediate Algebra (3-5) |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (10 Credits)
| Subject | Course Name (Course Credits) |
|---|---|
| Social and Behavioral Science |
CFS205 - Human Development (3) -Or- HES100 - Healthful Living (3) |
| Natural Science | BIO160 - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (4) |
| Humanities and Fine Arts | Any approved general education course in this area (3) |
Required Fitness Component (18-20 Credits)
| Subject | Course Name (Course Credits) |
|---|---|
| Health | HES154 - First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (3) |
|
Physical Education |
EXS112 - Professional Applications of Fitness Principles (3), and EXS125 - Introduction to Exercise Physiology (3), and EXS145 - Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (3), and EXS139 - Practical Applications of Personal Training Skills & Techniques Internship (1-3) |
| Series |
Please select one of the following pairs of courses:
EXS132 - Cardiovascular Fitness: Physiological Principles and Training Techniques (2), and EXS275 - Methods of Enhancing Physical Performance (3) -Or- EXS132 - Cardiovascular Fitness: Physiological Principles and Training Techniques (2), and EXS130 - Strength Fitness-Physiological Principles and Training Techniques (3) |
Required Nutrition Component (12 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name (Course Credits) |
|---|---|
| FON105 |
Nutrition for Fitness Professionals (3) Note: If you have completed your Personal Trainer's Certifcation, FON105 will replace FON100 with an instructor signature. |
| FON210 | Sports Nutrition & Supplements (3) |
| FON230 | Nutrition for Special Populations (3) |
| FON247 | Weight Management Theory (3) |
Other Required Courses (9 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name (Course Credits) |
|---|---|
| MGT253 | Owning and Operating a Small Business (3) |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology (3) |
| PSY215 | Introduction to Sports Psychology |



