BS in Health Sciences: Exercise Science and Human Performance

The exercise science and human performance specialization will prepare the STU student to enter several health professions majors such as, strength and conditioning coach, hospital fitness and cardiac rehabilitation specialist, human and athletic performance specialist, wellness coordinator, recreation and sports director.

St. Thomas University’s Exercise Science and Human Performance Degree will put you in a profession that is at the forefront of what the world is now learning is the best medicine, physical activity! Exercise has proven to be an important element in the prevention and treatment of disease. Throughout the program students will learn the value of exercise and discover that movement and exercise is the best medicine to combat illnesses like obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type-2 diabetes, some cancers and more. This same medicine improves your mental health and mood, muscle and bone strength and your overall chances of living longer. This profession focuses on how physical activity can improve health and wellness. Upon the completion of this degree students will be able to help all individuals of all walks of lives to better their fitness goals.

This all-encompassing specialization will allow freshman or transfer students an avenue to learn about exercise science, kinesiology, motor development, anatomy/physiology, and better understanding of numerous health and wellness topics affecting the U.S.

  • Students will obtain hands-on experiences with exercise physiology, strength & conditioning and fitness assessment and evaluation
  • Will prepare students to sit for elite certifications in exercise such as National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exams
  • Offered at a small private institution with a low professor to student ratio to ensure success.
  • Will provide all students with an internship within the profession of interest

Program Highlights

  • An opportunity to learn from professors with specialties in biology, athletic training, exercise science, strength & conditioning, and health administration for increased exposure to a multidisciplinary approach to student learning.
  • Small class sizes and personal advising to ensure all individual needs are met
  • Hands-on labs will ensure direct application of knowledge to further enhance the student learning experience and make relatable to real-world skills
  • Internships for all students completing this program that can lead to employment opportunities

Career Landscape

  • Salary range for several Exercise Science and Human Performance occupation is:
    Strength and Conditioning Coach/Specialist is $46,458, to 74,686 Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist is $54,950, to 74,000, Recreation and Sports Director $46,279 to 83,736
  • Allied Health Professionals make up more than 60% of the workforce
  • Healthcare is 18% of the U.S. economy, twice as high as in other countries
  • The demand for healthcare workers between now and 2026 will grow by approximately 18%
  • Increasing percentages of healthcare jobs require bachelors and graduate degrees

Internship and Job Placement Opportunities

An internship will be offered in the last semester of the program for hands-on experience and experiential learning for a better understanding of the chosen field of exercise science and human performance. The internship possibilities are endless given the number of college and professional sports teams in south Florida.

The team doctors for STU work for Baptist Health and professional sports teams which will allow for possible opportunities.  STU has over 1,000 athletes and opportunities to work with the athletic trainers and physicians to observe in real time evaluation, treatment, health screening, exercise protocols and rehabilitation services.

 

Curriculum

  • Kinesiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Exercise Prescription
  • Motor Learning
  • Strength and Conditioning

 

Featured Professors

Dr. Nichole Lowe, a DPT graduate from Northwestern University, has worked and taught at The Ohio State University, and specializes in sports rehabilitation. Dr. Lowe enjoys teaching courses that connect human movement to function and performance.

 

Program Contacts:

Kathy Williams Ed.D., LAT, ATC, CSCS
Assistant Professor & Athletic Trainer
Program Director for Health Sciences
KathleenWilliams@stu.edu
(O) 305.474.6072

External Resources