Exercise Science (also known as Exercise Physiology) is a popular field within the natural sciences with broad and diverse research questions, academic paths, and career options. For example, understanding the effects of inactivity on the health and wellness in people of all ages is becoming increasingly important, given the impact of inactivity, poor nutrition, and overweight/obesity on chronic disease risk and mortality. In addition, ways to improve athletic performance, optimize training adaptations and recovery from exercise, and reduce injury risk are important areas of human performance research. Exercise Scientists study these questions and apply what they learn to improve health, wellness, athletic performance, injury prevention, and injury recovery. They do so by becoming physical therapists, athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, biomechanists, professors, researchers, rehabilitation specialists, wellness specialists, and other specialties within the field.
The Exercise Science major is designed to prepare students for pursuing professional studies in Physical Therapy, graduate studies in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology or Biomechanics, entry into Athletic Training, Cardiac Rehabilitation or related specialized Masters-level programs, or for successful careers in the health and wellness area. The program is in the Biology Department and is solidly based in the natural sciences, thus meeting the prerequisites for most graduate or professional programs. Students interested in pursuing professional programs or graduate school should see the notes section after the course requirements below.
Contact: Lisa Ferguson-Stegall, PhD
