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Professor Lisa Ferguson Stegall, Exercise Science

Exercise Science Major

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

Unique bachelor's degrees in exercise science
 

Be on the cutting edge of improving human health and performance. With Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK’s exercise science major, you’ll get the knowledge and practical experience to enter this growing field of human physical performance and rehabilitation science. You can choose a BS or BA in exercise science, depending on where your interests are. With our BS in exercise science, you'll be prepared to pursue graduate studies in exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, athletic training, sports science, or enter professional programs for physical therapy or occupational therapy. A BA in exercise science will prepare you to enter the job market to work in the fitness and wellness industries, athletic training, and occupational therapy. Whatever your career goals, your major can be customized to prepare you for success.

Students in the exercise science program conducting collaborative research on beetroot supplements

Students in Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK's exercise science bachelor's degree program conducting collaborative research on beetroot supplements

Exercise science bachelor's degree and pre-health track

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Exercise Science research study coordinator Owen Sloop in a white coat

Getting involved with the exercise science program was the greatest thing that happened to me at Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK. Working collaboratively with professors in captivating classes, as well as through Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK's amazing research programs, allowed me to become an experienced scientist.

Owen Sloop '20, exercise science, kinesiology and exercise science; sr. clinical research technician at IQVIA in Saint Paul, MN

Exercise science program details

Student Research
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Internships
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Career Paths
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Grad School
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Opportunities for student research

At Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK, exercise science majors starting as early as their first year participate in research with faculty, something normally reserved for graduate students at other institutions. You get to design and conduct your own research project.

The list of possible research projects is as varied as your interests. For example, picture yourself:

  • Investigating how a beetroot supplement affects exercise efficiency and blood pressure in trained athletes
  • Exploring the levels of awareness about high blood pressure among college students 
  • Researching the effects of a seven-week yoga program on measures of functional mobility and perceived stress and fatigue levels in older adults
  • Investigating the effects of carbohydrate and protein beverages on exercise performance in elite cyclists
  • Study levels of awareness about the beneficial effects of exercise on the immune system among older adults

And during your research process, you’ll collaborate with scientists at major research institutions, publish your research in scientific journals, and present your work at local, regional, and national conferences. 
 

Learn more about undergraduate research at Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK 

Internships for exercise science majors

We make sure you leave Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK with work experience in the field of exercise science on your resume. And the opportunities are boundless. Whether you want to explore a career in research, physical therapy, athletic training, or other fields, we have internship opportunities for you.

Examples of past exercise science student internships include:

  • Special Olympics Minnesota, special projects coordinator and coaching intern
  • ACR Homes, personal care assistant
  • Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK Athletic Training, sports medicine assistant
  • Minnesota Icemen Baseball Club, strength and conditioning intern

Explore internships

Explore career paths for exercise science majors

Our innovative courses and one-on-one mentoring by faculty will give you the tools to succeed in a variety of jobs, such as:

  • Senior research scientist
  • Athletic trainer
  • Occupational therapist
  • Cardiopulmonary rehab therapist
  • Physical therapist
  • Clinical research specialist

And you can explore careers in many different fields, such as: 

  • Industry research and development 
  • Orthotics and prosthetics
  • Athletic training
  • Occupational therapy
  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
  • Physical therapy
  • Wellness coaching
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Personal training
  • Research program management

Take your studies further with graduate school

Our graduates have gone on to medical and graduate schools across the country in the pursuit of master’s and doctoral degrees. Examples of programs and schools include:

  • Master of Science in Athletic Training, University of Evansville
  • Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, University of Texas at Austin 
  • Cardiac Physiology master’s program, University of Wisconsin - River Falls 
  • Master of Science in Athletic Training, University of Montana
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin- Madison
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Minnesota
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Saint Catherine University

Integrative Physiology Laboratory
 

You’ll conduct much of your research in our Integrative Physiology Laboratory, where you’ll utilize equipment and tools to focus on three areas of research:

  • Age-related changes in physical function, mobility, and wellness
  • The metabolic and systemic adaptations that occur in response to exercise training in both younger and older adults
  • Nutritional supplementation, acute performance, and training adaptation

 

 

exercise science research space at Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK
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Jenna Rubbelke, Exercise Science major at Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK

Exercise science has a significant community aspect. All of our labs are hands-on, and we conduct them in the athletic training room on campus. What we learn in our labs would be demonstrations at larger universities, but we have the opportunity to work closely with student-athletes and our professors to better understand the material.

Jenna Rubbelke '25, exercise science; of North Saint Paul, MN

Exercise Science news

Divya Bhaskaran
September 3 2024 / Inside Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK News

Bhaskaran Publishes Research on Laryngeal Dystonia

Divya Bhaskaran , Assistant Professor in the Exercise Science program of the Biology Department, published a research paper in the Frontiers in Neurology Journal. The article, entitled "Effects of an 11-week vibro-tactile stimulation treatment on...

Take your next step today

Interested in exercise science? We’d love to send you information, including more on academics, sports, and student life at Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK.

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