Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Sport Science

  • Overview

    Examine the relationship between exercise and human performance and the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

    The ESS curricula provides an opportunity for students to study aspects of human movement and human performance as a reflection of personal values and as an expression of an individual’s physical, psychological, and social nature.

    This undergraduate major will prepare you to address society’s growing concerns, from a holistic perspective, about wellness, fitness, injury prevention, rehabilitation, health, and social issues in sport.

    Exercise and Sport Science consists of several overlapping sub-disciplines, including biomechanics, biology, exercise physiology, chemistry, epidemiology, nutrition, psychology, sociology, sport history, and sport management. The program of study is designed to provide an effective blend of classroom instruction, immersive learning, community service, and practical experience.

    The Exercise and Sport Science major is intended to prepare qualified individuals for careers in clinical, corporate, commercial, and/or community exercise/wellness settings in the health, fitness, exercise, and sport industry, as well as to prepare students for graduate study in related fields.

    EXPLORE WPU EXERCISE FACILITIES

    EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE (BS) – SAMPLE 4-YeaR PLAN

    WPU student tests Exercise and Sport Science equipment.
    WPU ESS students dive deeper than just theory. They track and measure the numbers with access to state-of-the-art analytical fitness equipment
  • Courses

    The courses listed below are for the Academic Catalog and are subject to change. Please reference the Academic Catalog for further information and course descriptions. If you are a current student, please reference the catalog in which you come under.

    WPU offers a major in Exercise and Sport Science (B.S.; TUG only).

    Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science

    Liberal Education Core Requirements 49 credit hours
    Exercise and Sport Science Core Courses 19 credit hours
    Allied Requirements of ESS Major 8 credit hours
    Science Requirements of ESS Major 24 credit hours
    General Electives 20 credit hours
    Total Credit Hours for Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science 120 credit hours

     

    Exercise and Sport Science Core Courses 19 credit hours
    ESS 110: Introduction to Exercise and Sport Science
    ESS 230: Exercise Testing and Prescription
    ESS 312: Nutrition
    ESS 400 Exercise and Sport Physiology
    ESS 401 Biomechanics
    ESS 470: Senior Seminar
    Students are also required to earn certification in First Aid and CPR through the American Red Cross.

     

    Allied Requirements of ESS Major 8 credit hours
    PEH 100: Lifetime Fitness and Wellness
    PSY 101: General Psychology
    PSY 245: Sport Psychology

     

    Science Requirements of ESS Major 24 credit hours
    BIO 380: Anatomy and Physiology
    BIO 381: Human Physiology
    CHE 111: General Chemistry I
    CHE 112: General Chemistry II
    PHY 211: College Physics I
    PHY 212: College Physics II

    Minor in Science in Exercise and Sport Science

    Minor in Exercise and Sport Science 18 credit hours
    ESS 110: Introduction to Exercise and Sport Science
    ESS 210: History of American Sport
    ESS 312: Nutrition
    ESS 320: Principles of Strength and Conditioning
    ESS 470: Senior Seminar
    PSY 245: Sport Psychology

    Note: Students must pass BIO 101: Principles of Biology before declaring a minor in Exercise and Sport Science.

  • Faculty
    Lisa Bonner
    Department Chair of Science and Mathematics; ​Professor of Biology
    ​Associate Professor of Biology
  • Careers

    The Exercise and Sport Science degree provides undergraduate preparation for a wide variety of careers in medical technology, athletic training, therapy, health and wellness coaching, teaching, and more.

    Positions can be obtained, after graduation, as exercise and sport science specialists in various settings (e.g., corporate wellness, sport medicine clinic, YMCA, community recreation, professional athletics, campus recreation, government, parks & recreation, military, sport coaching, sport management, health settings, and fitness centers).

    While some students will pursue further education for graduate school in allied health professional degrees (e.g., sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, nursing, cardiac rehabilitation or other medical specialties) or in specialized areas of exercise science and sport settings (e.g., fitness/wellness, exercise rehabilitation, sport administration/management, exercise physiology, exercise/sport psychology, and biomechanics).

    Examples of Possible Employment:

    • Adapted Physical Activity
    • #Aquatics Director
    • Athletic Administration in a High School
    • *Athletic Trainer
    • *Biomechanist
    • Campus Recreation Specialist
    • *Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
    • Coach at a High School or College
    • Director of Youth Camps/ Sport Programs
    • *Epidemiologist – Physical Activity
    • *Exercise Physiologist
    • Fitness Instructor at Commercial Fitness Center
    • Director of Corporate Fitness Center
    • Sports and Recreation Director at a Resort
    • Health Club Manager
    • Health & Wellness Consultant
    • #*Massage Therapist
    • **Medical Doctor
    • *Occupational Therapist
    • Parks & Recreation Specialist
    • #Personal Trainer
    • #*Physical Education Teacher at School or College
    • *Physical Therapist
    • *Physician Assistant
    • **Professor of Kinesiology, Physical Education
    • *Recreational Therapist
    • #*Registered Nurse
    • *Respiration Therapist
    • Sales Consultant for Pharmaceutical, healthcare, sport or fitness products
    • *Sport Administration at a College/University
    • Sport Management
    • *Sport Psychologist for Performance Enhancement
    • Sports Information Director
    • Sports Journalist
    • Sport Marketing
    • Sports Officiating
    • #Strength and Conditioning Coach

    Note

    *Graduate degree required
    #Professional certification required

WPU Student, Aerieal Vineyard, throws a Karate kick.
WPU Student, Aerieal Vineyard, throws a Karate kick.
#PrepareAtPeace

Our students pack a punch. Follow along as Aerieal Vineyard ’20 fights her way to a spot on the USA Karate Olympic Team.

WPU Student Competing for Spot on USA Karate Olympic Team
Exercise and Sport Science Major
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