Through mentoring, students are given the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research. The department collaborates with state health programs, parks and recreation programs, and local and regional school districts to provide students with opportunities for hands-on experience and professional training.

Many graduates from the program are accepted into advanced degree programs in physical and occupational therapy or are admitted to medical schools.

  • Pre-Physical Therapy: The pre-physical therapy emphasis is designed to prepare students to enter into a graduate degree program in physical therapy. Physical therapists help people who have limited abilities to move and perform functional activities. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sport and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.
  • Physical Education Teaching: This emphasis prepares students to teach or coach physical education activities in grades K-12.

  • Exercise Science: The exercise science emphasis is science-based and focuses on the integration of anatomical, psychological, biomechanical, and physiological principles related to human movement, exercise, and rehabilitation. Many students complete the exercise science emphasis in order to build a strong foundation prior to pursuing graduate study in exercise science fields or health professions, such as medical school, dentistry, or chiropractics.

 Exercise Science Emphasis

This emphasis prepares students for the following careers, in addition to being an excellent pre-medical major:

  •     Private and corporate fitness
  •     Personal trainer
  •     Rehabilitation
  •     Fitness instruction
  •     Strength and conditioning specialist
  •     Cardiac rehabilitation
  •     Manager of an exercise facility

Physical Education Teaching Emphasis

  •     Elementary and secondary physical education teacher
  •     High school/college sports coach/manager
  •     Youth and sport camp director
  •     Sports management and marketing
  •     Professional referee, official, umpire

Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis

The pre-physical therapy emphasis prepares students to enter into a graduate program, after which, they will be qualified for the following positions:

  •     Physical therapy
  •     Physical therapy assistant
  •     Physician’s assistant
  •     Occupational therapy
  •     Chiropractics