Applied Health Science Major in Pennsylvania
Discover the Applied Health Science program, perfect for students passionate about health and wellness within a Christian framework. This program leads to careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health and more. Gain hands-on experience and prepare to make a meaningful impact in health fields.
100%
of first-year
students receive financial aid
students receive financial aid
98%
of the class of 2025 were
employed or in a graduate program
within 6 - 9 months after graduation
employed or in a graduate program
within 6 - 9 months after graduation
12:1
student to faculty ratio
Study Applied Health Science at a Christian University
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‐Arcadia Articulation Agreement
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:
- Go on to medical, physical therapy or occupational therapy school or complete other advanced degrees in the allied health fields
- Study in an accelerated degree program, if you wish. Messiah offers accelerated degree options in athletic training and occupational therapy (both of which may have applied health science for the bachelor's degree).
- 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 or pre-professional student
- Conduct research with faculty members in our state-of-the-art Human Performance, Nutrition, and Athletic Training Labs.
- Work with the campus wellness program
- Design personal fitness programs for individuals
- Pursue graduate studies in specialized fields such as cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, fitness program leadership or exercise physiology
- Participate in conferences at the regional and national level
- Participate in college honors and departmental honors programs
Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program helps place students in a variety of applied health science internships. A few examples include:
- Pro and local sports teams
- Physical therapy clinics
- Cardiac rehab programs
- Health clubs
- Personal training facilities
- Corporate wellness programs
As a graduate of the applied health science program, you will be equipped to secure positions such as:
- Exercise scientist
- Personal trainer
- Fitness or wellness director
- With additional schooling: physical therapist, occupational therapist, chiropractor, exercise physiologist, doctor and public health advocate
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:
- Discover significant presuppositions common to both the Christian faith and the field of health and exercise science, with particular attention given to ways in which the Christian world view can enlighten the discipline
- Apply your disciplinary knowledge and Christian values in meaningful and practical on or off-campus experiences. Through these experiences, you will demonstrate a commitment to use your knowledge in ways that benefit and serve others.
- Learn to write in a clear, scholarly fashion
- Develop an understanding of the anatomical and physiological responses to acute and chronic exercise and critically analyze human movement patterns
- Be equipped with the necessary background knowledge to pursue graduate study in specialized fields such as cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, fitness program leadership or exercise physiology
- Attain the skills and abilities necessary for entering a variety of health and exercise science careers
- Be able to prescribe individual movement activities designed to achieve satisfactory fitness levels and improve athletic performance
- Have the ability to conduct research in accordance with the principles of sound qualitative and quantitative research interpretation and procedure
Programs related to Applied Health Science
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.
Course options for Applied Health Science:
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
Careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
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.
Where they work
- Tx Team
- Cumberland Physical Therapy
- Excentria
- Results Fitness
- Boston Celtics
- Arise Chiropractic Wellness Center
- Power Train Sports Institute
- Aligned Medical Group
- IMG Physical Therapy
- Metrosports physical therapy
- Eastern Maine Medical Center
- Arthritis and Sport Orthopedics
- Community Health System
- Phoenix Rehabilitation and Services
- NovaCare RehabilitationCorporate Fitness Works
- Hershey Medical Center
- Bethany Village
- Parisi Speed School
- AmeriCorps/Red Cross
- La Jolla Athletic Club
- John J. Barcklow Foundation
- Lawndale Christian Fitness Center
- Mid-Hudson Athletic Club
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
What they do
- Aquatics Coordinator
- Cardiovascular Technician
- Exercise Physiologist
- Exercise Technician
- Fitness Associate
- Grad Student - Physical Therapy
- Grad Student - Physician's Assistant
- Grad Student in Public Health
- Operating Room Assistant
- Performance Coach
- Personal Trainer
- Physical Therapy Aide
- Physical Therapy Technician
- Rehabilitation Aide
- Research Technician - Heart & Vascular Institute
- Residential Wellness Coordinator
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Student Life Coordinator
- Wellness Department
- Wellness Liason
- Pharmacy Technician
Graduate school
- Arcadia University
- Bloomsburg University
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- Drexel University
- East Stroudsburg University
- Marymount University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Misericordia
- Northeastern Ohio Medical University
- Oxford Brookes University
- Saint Francis University
- Temple University
- The Ohio State University
- The University of Oklahoma
- Thomas Jefferson University
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
- University of Montana
- Widener University
- Palmer College of Chiropractic
- NY Chiropractor School
- Messiah University
- Salus University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Duke University
98% of the Class of 2025 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
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
Hands-on and practical experience
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.
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
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.
Faculty and Faith
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.
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