Hands-On Learning
In classes like Cardiovascular and Flexibility Training, you'll apply fundamental theories to your own fitness level as you fully learn about techniques that you'll soon be teaching.
Exercise Science Major
The Exercise Science Major provides students with a strong science foundation emphasizing preparation for further specialized graduate study or direct entrance into a variety of fields related to exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport medicine, and direct entrance to upper level certifications in the rehabilitation and fitness industries.
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, undergraduates are encouraged to branch out and facilitate studies while working alongside professors.
OWU’s Exercise 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
Related Minors
Think Big
Undergraduate research, performed under the mentorship of expert faculty, is a central component of The OWU Connection.
A Theory-to-Practice Grant could fund your original research, internship, or creative project throughout the world.
Go Global
From your first year on campus, you can get off campus with Travel-Learning Courses, a key part of The OWU Connection. Journey to a distant land and immerse yourself in another culture. Learn how classroom theory truly connects with real-world experience.
The most recent Travel-Learning Courses in the department have taken students to Italy for studies of obesity, food philosophies, and traditions.
Food in Italy
Ohio Wesleyan University students Abby Bowman and Emily Sheridan share An Exploration of Selected Blue Zones Concepts in Community Food and Physical Activity Settings in Umbria, Italy.
How Rice Grows
Ohio Wesleyan student Morgan Barnard '20 explores the rice fields in Indonesia.
Get Real
Build your experience and connections to the professional world with internships with health and exercise centers, professional sports teams, community agencies, and businesses.
Every HHK major completes a 120-hour internship during their junior or senior year. Internships are crucial parts in gaining valuable experience in the real world.
Taylor Stevens ’20
Taylor worked with Peak Human Performance members to learn more about Functional Movement Screening
Jamie Grant '20
Jamie worked with OWU Field Hockey Coach to design and implement the team workouts
Major League
Kristie Prendergast ’15 worked in sponsorship and marketing for Major League Lacrosse’s Ohio Machine, where she worked with the announcer during the Machine’s summer season. She now is Corporate Partnerships & Premium Hospitality Representative with the Cleveland Indians.
Inspired Teaching
OWU faculty are outstanding scholars and researchers—and passionate teachers. They will push you, challenge you, inspire you, and work with you on your own research and creative projects.
They can even pack a 3-minute lecture with ideas, insight, and imagination. Check out our unique I³ lectures.
Highlights
Fitness Center
OWU's fabulous new Simpson Querrey Fitness Center houses the HHK Department and serves as a classroom and lab space for HHK students.
Internships
As a junior or senior you will complete a 120-hour internship in your chosen area of concentration. You will experience the effort and responsibility that comes with your potential career.
Field Experience
In courses like Motor Learning and Exercise Prescription, you’ll learn to prescribe exercise regimens and nutritional plans for adults. You will go through the same process you would in your professional career — plan, teach, observe, and make decisions to positively impact the health of each individual.
Graduate Outcomes
Alexis Roberts ’19
After graduating, Alexis was accepted at the University of Louisville, where she is pursuing a Master’s in Sports Administration. While at OWU, Alexis had an internship at the University of Kentucky and was a member of the NCAC mentorship program.
Department Contact Info
Location
Edwards Gymnasium
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
P 740-368-3725
HHK Department Contact
Department Chair: Andrew Busch
Assistant Professor of Health and Human Kinetics
Edwards Gymnasium 107-C
614-783-6917
ambusch@owu.edu
Academic Assistant: Wendi Kay
Edwards Gymnasium #107-A
740-368-3982
wwkay@owu.edu
Assistant Professor of Health and Human Kinetics
Edwards Gymnasium 107-C
614-783-6917
ambusch@owu.edu
Academic Assistant: Wendi Kay
Edwards Gymnasium #107-A
740-368-3982
wwkay@owu.edu