Exercise Science and Wellness

Exercise Science and Wellness

The exercise science and wellness program combines the study of exercise physiology within the holistic context of health and wellness. The program integrates a hands-on, experiential learning laboratory working with various demographic populations, including athletes, new moms, senior citizens, and more. Through a dynamic collaboration between the University and the local hospital rehabilitation services, students are exposed to scenarios to apply theory to patient rehabilitation. Students learn techniques in coaching, counseling, and effective motivational techniques during both internal and external internship experiences. The curriculum provides the knowledge to develop tailored exercise prescriptions for patients after an illness or injury to promote improved health and wellness. After completion of the program, graduates will be well-positioned for a career in the physical fitness industry, hospitals, or schools.

As the United States population ages, the need for healthy living and better fitness will demand more individuals to facilitate quality of life decisions and overall wellness. The exercise science and wellness program uniquely positions graduates to enter this new reality with the knowledge and experience to merge exercise with health and wellness.

This major also aligns with the University's mission to internationalize the curriculum. It was one of the first majors at the University to internationalize the program by integrating learner outcomes that challenge students to reflect on their own learning and become globally competent graduates.

After completing the program, graduates will:

• Describe the implications of positive and negative health practices impacting physical, social, occupational, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and environmental health within a cultural context.
• Identify major health risks and diseases affecting contemporary society and describe the principal ways to promote health and wellness through lifestyle and behavioral change throughout the lifespan.
• Administer health and wellness appraisals and comprehensive fitness assessments of apparently healthy populations and those with controlled diseases.
• Assess personal health, wellness, and fitness needs and goals of various populations.
• Design and administer appropriate fitness programs that include health-related and/or skill-related components based on the client's needs and goals, using sound physiological and biomechanical principles.
• Identify, analyze, and design appropriate comprehensive health and wellness programs, including nutrition counseling and stress management, using evidence-based practices and theory.

Exercise Science and Wellness Major Courses