TU to begin offering bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science
Post Published On:Starting fall semester 2021, Thomas University will begin offering a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science. The degree will be offered on-campus and will provide students with a wide range of hands-on coursework including required science classes to prepare students for advanced graduate degree programs or careers as health and fitness professionals.
“Over the years we’ve heard from students that they wanted a degree like this,” said Deana Baker, Science Programs Director and Assistant Professor of Biology. “This degree isn’t like a traditional physical education degree or sports management degree. Because of its strong science foundation, the program prepares students for graduate school, if that’s the route they want to take. If not, they’ll be ready to earn a specialized certification and enter the workforce with this degree.”
The bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science will require classes such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy and physiology, along with biomechanics, sport psychology, exercise testing and prescription, injury prevention, motor learning, sport sociology, sport management, nutrition, and coaching theories and methods.
“One of the things that I think that will make this program unique is the emphasis on certification and experiential learning,” Baker said. “It’s a scientific approach to the human body, and all the things that go into that, including psychology and sociology. This includes all the elements and sub-disciplines of being an athlete and performing at your best level.”
Students will do more than just learn concepts from books. They will apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The culmination of the degree program will be the senior seminar. During the class, students can choose to complete a research projects on a topic of their choosing that will help prepare them for graduate school or they can prepare for and take a certification exam of their choice.
For example, students with the bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science will be equipped to become certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, sports coaches, wellness coaches, and sports officials. They could also choose to pursue graduate degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, clinical exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports management, nutrition, or public health.
“Either way, students who earn this degree will have many career options,” Baker said. “We’ll guide them and help prepare them according to how they want to use their degree.”
For more information about the new bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science, visit Thomasu.edu or call the Office of Admission at 844-862-6978. Appointments by phone or video conference are available with admissions representatives and student success advisors.
