Exercise Science Major
Exercise science focuses on preventive health and the well-being of individuals and communities. Students also study human performance and injury prevention.
Why should I study exercise science?
The field of exercise science offers a dynamic pathway for health scientists and fitness-oriented individuals looking to make a significant impact on people’s lives. This bachelor of science degree integrates several science disciplines with a strong emphasis on the human model and hands-on experiences. Unlike traditional science programs, exercise science provides flexibility in career options beyond the lab setting, allowing you to focus on strength and conditioning, sports performance, athletic training prerequisites, health coaching, or pursue various nongraduate school health, fitness, and wellness careers.
What can I do with this degree?
With a B.S. in Exercise Science, you open the door to a wide range of exciting career pathways. Graduates often find fulfilling roles in orthopedic clinics, health and fitness industries, personal training, strength and conditioning, medical research, health coaching, medical device sales, and more. This degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in diverse health and wellness careers.
Our graduates are employed as:
- Exercise therapist
- Personal care attendant
- Physical therapy aid
- Research technician
- Health care liaison
- Health and well-being professional
- Human performance specialists
- Exercise physiologist
Our alumni complete these programs at schools such as:
- University of Minnesota
- St. Catherine University
- Minnesota State University Mankato
- Mayo Clinic College of Health Sciences
- University of Ohio
- University of North Dakota
- Palmer College of Chiropractics
- Northwestern Health Sciences University
- Des Moines University
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Dubuque
- Arcadia University
- Midwestern
- Concordia University St Paul
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- College of St. Scholastica
- Belmont University
- University of Arlington Texas
What skills will I develop?
Throughout your journey in exercise science, you will develop a comprehensive set of skills essential for success in the field. Our program offers 35-40 credits of applied science courses, including biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. This interdisciplinary core provides a solid foundation before advancing into more application-focused courses. You will gain hands-on experience in client settings, allowing you to effectively address health needs related to lifestyle, aging, and disease.
Skills you will develop:
- Research skills
- Team development
- Time management skills
- Listening to patients to hear beyond what they describe
- Community-based learning
- Collaboration
- Clinical work
- In-depth study of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
Our program offers unique opportunities to engage in research and hands-on experiences. We provide an integrated, interdisciplinary education model to teach students how to clinically apply knowledge in a professional setting. The emphasis on the human model allows for direct client interaction, providing you with real-world experience. The program provides a systematic investigation of new knowledge through mentored research in an area of the student's choice. Our program also includes opportunities for networking, volunteering, and peer mentoring to connect with individuals both within and outside of Bethel.
70%
of department graduates go on to pursue medical school, physical therapy, physician assistant, or other advanced degree programs
Bethel is one of the first universities that hires practicing clinicians to show students how to apply textbook concepts in a professional setting.
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Upcoming Events
MAY 11 2024
1:30 p.m. Brushaber Commons Atrium
Come support and celebrate our Bethel Science students! Find out about their research and internships during their presentations at our Science Research symposium.