
Accelerated Athletic Training/MSAT 5-year Program
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Prepare for a career in one of the fastest growing and changing U.S. industries with our bachelor's of science (B.S.) degree in applied health science. Learn how your Christian faith applies to the field of health and wellness.
In Messiah University's applied health science Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program, you’ll gain firsthand experience in the field of applied health science with particular attention on learning how your Christian faith and career aspirations can strengthen each other.
Messiah’s unique multi-dimensional approach to health and wellness offers coursework 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 stewardship of one of God's greatest creations—the human body.
Messiah offers two accelerated degree options through the applied health science major: athletic training and occupational therapy. In both options, you can earn your bachelor's degree and your master's degree in just five years.
Pre-OT early assurance program
Pre-PT early assurance program
Messiah University has a 4+3 articulation agreement with the DPT Program at Arcadia University.
As an applied health science major at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:
Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program helps place students in a variety of applied health science internships. A few examples include:
As a graduate of the applied health science program, you will be equipped to secure positions such as:
For more information on career planning for the applied health science program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Through the applied health science program, you will:
In the Applied Health Science program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Applied Health Science (B.S.) Exercise Science Concentration
Applied Health Science (B.S.) Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration
Applied Health Science (B.S.) Pre-Professional Concentration
Graduates of this program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
95% of the Class of 2024 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
MEET ALUMNI FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND EXERCISE SCIENCE
You will gain hands-on experience in Messiah's state-of-the-art Human Performance Lab. The laboratory houses sessions for exercise physiology, kinesiology and research methods. In addition, this lab serves as a focal point for the undergraduate research initiative, where you can conduct original research presented and published on a regional, national or international level. You will learn to calibrate, use and modify the equipment for your specific needs through various classes or research projects.
Through internships, research and clinical courses, you’ll receive valuable hands-on experience in applying concepts presented to you in class by caring faculty, who are also respected scholars.
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.
In the applied health program, faculty-student relationships are essential. With our low student-to-faculty ratio, you have access to mentoring, personal attention, real connections, employment counseling and committed academic advising. Department faculty are an experienced group of Christian professionals who support each other and students. In addition, you will participate in a diverse program of experiential learning such as practica, internships, clinicals and undergraduate research. Woven throughout the entire program is faith integration of mind, body and spirit.