About The Program
The Exercise Science Program is grounded in a vision and mission of leadership and service to others, with a focus on the science of human movement and behavior. It emphasizes acquiring relevant skills and application experiences for careers dedicated to the science of human movement, the study of behavioral study and the respect for the dignity of the human person.
Program Details
Knowing how to prescribe movement requires a deep understanding of how the human body works. At ¿Û¿Û´«Ã½, you'll begin your education with foundational courses like anatomy and physiology that explore how the body functions through different stages of life and degrees of health. In labs, practicums and independent studies, you'll learn to read, interpret and conduct your own research. Then you can narrow your focus on more specialized interests in upper-level classes like Strength and Conditioning or Kinesiology.
Program Learning Goals
- Develop knowledge, skills and dispositions in the science of human movement and behavior through an integrated curriculum across content domains.
- Learn expertise in the application of knowledge, skills, and dispositions within course, field, and internship experiences relevant to professional values and goals.
- Implement communication skills across multiple domains, e.g., written, oral and physical, that serve a primary role of conveying knowledge through implementation of practice, feedback, therapy and ongoing support.
- Learn problem-solving, critical thinking and reflective practices indicative of a knowledge and evidence-based practice based on a framework of conceptual knowledge.
- Practice appropriate professional behaviors as demonstrated through knowledge, skills, and dispositions within coursework, internship and professional opportunities.
- Exercise values-based, ethical behavior grounded in the liberal arts, observed through personal and professional behaviors, dedicated to the dignity of each person and representative of the Ignatian ideal of a leader in service to others.
Learning in the Field
As an exercise science student, you'll complete career exploration your first year, followed by 36 hours of practicum experience during your sophomore and junior years, and a 150 hour internship your senior year at places like Building Blocks Therapy or the Cleveland Clinic. Students can gain additional practical skills by assisting with the annual fitness testing with the local fire departments each year and use that data for research projects.
Career Prospects
A degree in exercise science prepares you for a range of health careers, from medical and allied health fields like physical therapy and nutrition to various fitness and wellness industries. Students also pursue jobs on the business side of healthcare, such as medical sales, or enter the sports industry, as a athletic coach or strength and conditioning specialist.
Program Highlights
98%
The acceptance rate for ¿Û¿Û´«Ã½ University students entering dental, medical, or other health related professional school
14%
Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations
23%
The estimated job growth for cardiac/pulmonary rehab specialists over the next decade, outpacing other industries by far
Leadership
Featured Courses
EPA 412 Exercise Testing and Prescription
Provides an overview of the proper assessment and interpretation of various exercise tests, and appropriate exercise prescriptions, and prepares students for the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist certification.
ESC 4033 Theoretical Principles of Strength and Conditioning
This course explores disabilities and their effects on movement and motor development within settings such as schools, physical education, recreation, athletics and allied health programs. It focuses on the causes of disabilities, creating suitable learning and therapy environments to improve physical development and motor skills, and examines current qualitative and quantitative research. The course also covers techniques for assessment, program development and implementation, along with a hands-on practicum experience.