Health and Exercise Science (B.A.)

Health and Exercise Science (B.A.)

School of Science, Engineering and Health

Department of Health and Human Performance

At Messiah College, you’ll gain first-hand experience in the field of health and exercise science with particular attention paid to learning how your Christian faith and career aspirations can strengthen each other. Through labs, internships, supervisory assignments in the fitness center, research studies, and class projects, you’ll receive valuable hands-on experience in applying concepts presented in classes by seasoned faculty who are respected scholars. 

Messiah’s unique multi-dimensional approach to wellness offers course work in anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, chronic disease, health promotion, exercise psychology, sport sociology, and nutrition preparing you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need  to promote wellness among diverse population groups while aiding them in being good stewards of one of God's great masterpieces—the human body.

As a health and exercise science major at Messiah College, you’ll be able to:

• Develop an understanding of the anatomical and physiological responses to acute and chronic exercise and critically analyze human movement patterns.
• Work on a human cadaver as a pre-physical therapy student.
• Enroll in courses that focus on exercise psychology, elite athletic performance, stress testing, and ECG interpretation.
• Conduct research in accordance with the principles of sound qualitative and quantitative research interpretation and procedure.
• Pursue graduate study in specialized fields such as cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, fitness program leadership, or exercise physiology.
• Study abroad to complete an internship or clinical experience in physical therapy or in the health and fitness field (specifically in England, New Zealand, or Greece).
• Choose a double major, possibly in nutrition.
• Participate in conferences at the regional and national level.
• Build strong networks in the field through clinical experiences and professional contacts.
• Plan ahead by taking prerequisite course requirements for graduate school.
• Participate in college honors and departmental honors programs.

Options for this Major:

• Health and Exercise Science (PDF Listing)
  
• Pre-Physical Therapy concentration (PDF Listing)
• MSOT in Occupational Therapy (PDF Listing)