The Exercise Science program is designed to prepare students for fulfilling careers that transform lives. Those careers start in the Department of Exercise Science and Human Performance, where students can delve into exciting topics such as kinesiology, exercise biomechanics, the physiology of exercise, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. You’ll work closely with your classmates and professors to conduct exciting research projects on topics like the importance of movement and muscular activation. Our courses are full of hands-on experiences and your education will be complemented by internship opportunities. Most importantly, you’ll graduate ready for the workforce, or to advance towards graduate school or professional studies.
Our program prepares you for those studies through our degree tracks, which include pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy and pre-athletic training.
Workforce Ready
A degree from the Department of Exercise Science and Human Performance is a great first step towards a host of exciting career possibilities. Here are just a few opportunities that our students may consider:
- Personal or athletic trainer
- Nutritionist
- Corporate wellness specialist
- Health education specialist
- Life coach
An undergraduate degree from the Department of Exercise Science and Human Performance is also a good first step towards advanced studies in occupational therapy, physical therapy and more. Lander also has a slate of graduate degrees that will unlock even more career potential.
Program Goals
The goals of the Lander University Exercise Science Major prepare students to be able to:
- Identify and discuss major factors in the evolution of the field of exercise science from its early historical roots to its present position in exercise related careers;
- Describe and apply bioscience (anatomical, physiological/biochemical, and biomechanical) concepts and changes occurring in the human organism to physical activity, conditioning, and health-related fitness across the lifespan;
- Describe and utilize a variety of methods, techniques, and procedures to assess the health related components of fitness and subsequently develop appropriate exercise prescriptions that address physical activity, conditioning, and health-related fitness in diverse populations;
- Understand the scientific method of conducting research and possess the ability to utilize discipline-based research in order to analyze the validity of health-related consumer information; and
- Exhibit professional dispositions in the exercise-related community conducive to promoting healthy lifestyles.
Entrance Requirements
A student may declare a major in Exercise Science (Level I/pre-professional) upon enrollment in the university. However, Exercise Science majors will not be allowed to enroll in 300- and 400-level (professional) exercise science courses until they have been formally accepted into Level II (professional) of the Exercise Science Program. The application for Level II Acceptance can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Bruna Lynch at blynch@lander.edu.
*See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses