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Exercise Science

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Why study Exercise Science at Westminster College?

The exercises we are supposed to be doing change on a daily basis, but it isn't all folly. It's based on a science involving the study of human movement and how that movement affects human behavior.

At Westminster College, explore the science of exercise and its role in health, fitness, and optimal sport performance. This will prepare you for careers in health and medicine e.g. physician, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training. The major also prepares you for professional certifications and graduate school if you are interested in more extensive study in exercise science.

view exercise science program plan

view physical education program plan

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Beyond the Classroom

This major includes capstone research and/or internship, tailored to your career goals. You are encouraged to obtain professional certifications such as ACSM Personal Trainer or Health/Fitness Instructor certification, as appropriate.

“The Exercise Science department at Westminster helped prepare me for graduate school. One thing in particular was my semester long research project in regards to STIs to complete my public health minor. I was given the opportunity to work through the process of researching a topic, gathering current data, and interpreting what I collected throughout the semester. I know it will help me in the future.”
Hannah Marshall '18

Exciting Opportunities

HES department also has a Public Health minor that students can add to enhance their major.
Study Abroad: Students have studied abroad: e.g. Eat Like a Greek – Student learn about Mediterranean Diet in Greece; Public Health initiatives in Rwanda and Tanzania with Ms. Gowin, Dr. Bob Hansen, and Humanity for Children.
Co-curricular Clubs: Many majors are active in organizations such as Education Association and/or Westminster Peer Health Educators.
Many Peer Health Educators attend Meeting of the Minds Conference (NASPA) in Spring each year. Service Learning: Students in HES 207 teach health education and nutrition lessons at Bartley Elementary School. WC learn about teaching effective health lessons, and together they enjoyed trying “new-tritious” foods: e.g. guacamole, jicama, hummus.

What Our Grads & Interns Do

Athletic Training Graduate program
Capital Region HealthPlex Personal Trainer and Aquatics Instructor (Graduate School)
Nutrition Associate, University of Missouri Health Care
Physical Education Teachers
Physical Therapy School
Physician Assistant, McLeod Orthopedics in Florence, South Carolina
Saint Louis University Master of Public Health, University of Missouri Medical School
Trinity International University Athletic Training Graduate Program
University of Missouri Nursing Program

In the Classroom

HES 350 Adapted Physical Education: providing fitness assessments and instruction over 6-8 weeks at Callaway County Special Services and Fulton Public School.
HES 357 Community Nutrition, provide nutrition education with community partners: HeadStart, Growing Years Child Development, Callaway County YMCA, area athletic teams, Fulton Public Schools
Research: Research on Balance and Traumatic Brain Injury
Kinesiological Performance Analysis
Research on College Students STI knowledge.
Internships Sites: Westminster Athletic Training Department, Special Olympics, Peak Performance, Callaway County Special Services, Fulton Public Schools, Presbyterian Manor.

Public Health Minor

Minoring in Public Health will supplement a major in fields such as international studies, transnational studies, science, social science, and allied health professions programs. You will put your knowledge to action with service learning and broaden your professional scope in health-related careers. Tailor your studies to your profession goals.

You can secure employment in the health care industry, research and clinical settings, community health, and not-for-profit and health education programming, depending on their attributes of your major. This minor creates a health focus in your major discipline that could open up opportunities for graduate study.

Public Health Minor Program Plan

Stay Connected

Check out what Westminster exercise science students and alums are doing and get department updates.

Exercise Science News

Faculty have field experiences as athletic trainer, registered dietitian, and clinical exercise physiologist. These experiences provide students with practical knowledge in their courses.

Most students in this program will also have an internship their junior or senior year. Internship options include working with athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or community health providers.

Students that major in Exercise Science will have the background knowledge to work for many specialty areas for certifications including; advancement in human performance, nutrition, disease prevention, management, and recovery, mind-body wellness, musculoskeletal rehabilitation/orthopedics, and special populations. Department advisors work with students to choose and prepare for advanced knowledge and certifications. Many students have chosen the following organizations to receive certifications in:

The National Strength and Conditioning Association https://www.nsca.com/certification-overview/.

The American College of Sports Medicine https://www.acsm.org/get-stay-certified/get-certified.

The American Council of Exercise https://www.acefitness.org/.

While many of our students choose to go on to graduate schools for physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, public health, and other allied health fields, there are many students that go into the workforce right after graduation. There are opportunities to work in health education, fitness programming, business industries, sports facilities. Department advisors work with students to find internships early and help with networking opportunities.

Being involved on campus is essential to building your skills in leadership. It is highly recommended to take on leadership role in Greek organization, athletics, or clubs/organizations on campus. There are many to choose from, but our majors are typically found in Peer Health Educators, Nutrition and Fitness Association, Pre-Health Care Club, and Remley Women’s Center.