HHK: Exercise Science

About the Major

The exercise science major embraces a strong science foundation with a focus on applied concepts of exercise as it relates to healthy, injured, and high-risk populations.   to understand the of physical activity. Exercise science is an applied discipline; therefore, the curriculum includes laboratory and laboratory-type activities in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and exercise testing and leadership. In addition, campus- and community-based projects are incorporated into the curriculum to provide exercise science students exposure to various populations similar to those they may encounter in their chosen professions.

The exercise science program prepares students for careers in:

• Personal Training
• Strength and Conditioning
• Corporate Wellness
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Health Fitness & Promotion

A major in exercise science prepares students for graduate study in areas such as:

• Exercise physiology, biomechanics, or kinesiology
• Medicine or Chiropractic
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Athletic Training
• Nutrition

It also prepares students to enter professional schools such as physician assistant, nursing or medical schools. At the baccalaureate level, students are prepared for careers in preventative exercise, wellness programs, and to work with populations to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles.

It combines practical experiences, theoretical study and rigorous coursework in exercise prescription, anatomy & physiology, assessment evaluation of fitness and health outcomes.

Real-world focused, the major helps students develop the interpersonal and professional skills needed for client interaction, fitness assessment and evaluation of client needs, and integration of this information into a rehabilitation or exercise program.

Hands-on learning is an integral part of the OWU Exercise Science program. Students will benefit from lab and research opportunities, diverse client interaction, community outreach initiatives and more.

Internship opportunities help synthesize learning outcomes, builds networking contacts and hones analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

• Students have the option to focus their coursework toward a pre-professional track that prepares them for many health professional schools, such as physical therapy, physical therapy assistant, physician assistant, chiropractic, and occupational therapy (OWU has a 3/2 master’s program agreement with Washington University of St. Louis’ in occupational therapy program-MSOT.

Since the exercise science major is experientially based, many exercise science majors participate in an internship experience. Internship opportunities exist in various areas under the umbrella of Health and Human Kinetics, focusing on areas of interest to each student.

In addition to the required experiences, opportunities exist for students to engage in undergraduate research activities with select faculty members in the Health and Human Kinetics.

OWU’s Ex. Science program is a great foundation to prepare students for the following graduate schools and professions:

Physical or Occupational therapist

• Strength and conditioning coach
• Personal trainer
• Fitness professional
• Community program/wellness coordinator
• Recreation and sports director
• Group exercise leader
• Medical-based fitness center manager
• Cardiac rehabilitation professional
• Manager of corporate wellness program

Pictures of Experiential Learning:

• Exercise is Science (ACSM) Fit OWU
• Special Olympics
• Early Childhood Center