Exercise and Sports Science

This program offers a BS and a minor.

A student raises her hand in a sports science class; an illustration of the musculature of the human leg is projected onto the wall.

Program Description

The Exercise and Sports Science major is intended for students who want to gain knowledge of the human body, how it moves, and the physiological adaptations to exercise. This program combines a rigorous scientific curriculum with hands-on experience to prepare students to promote physical activity, wellness, and athletic performance.

Throughout the courses, ESS students will develop applicable skills for assessing and evaluating fitness levels in various populations while providing evidence-based exercise programs.

The Exercise and Sports Science major provides diverse career paths and opportunities to make a positive impact on public health. Students explore the mechanics and function of human movement to enter into the growing and in-demand fitness and healthcare-related fields. These opportunities will allow students to grow in communication and critical thinking skills that are applicable to their chosen career path.

Signature Courses

Exercise Physiology with Lab

Exercise Physiology explores the human body’s physiological adaptations to short-term and long-term exercise.

The Physiology Lab involves using sophisticated equipment like force plates with cameras, ECG, EMG, and VO2 max analyzers to give hands-on experiences to analyze and measure how the body responds to exercise in real time.
Advanced Biomechanics

This course provides in-depth analysis of the biomechanics of gait, posture, movement, and injuries. We also examine the mechanisms of injury occurrence, risk reduction, and the estimation of forces.

Career Outcomes

Career Outcomes
- Physical Therapists
- Athletic Trainers
- Occupational Therapists
- Chiropractors
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches
- Personal Trainers
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialists
- Exercise Physiologists
- Fitness Center Directors
- Corporate Wellness Program Administrators

A student uses an instrument to measure the knee of an athlete; her teacher watches over to guide her.

Why Cottey’s Exercise and Sports Science Program is Unique

Exercise and Sport Science students will have the opportunity to pursue internships related to their future career fields to build experience while connecting with industry professionals and refining their career goals.

ESS students are also offered the opportunity to have hands-on experience with Cottey student-athletes through assessing and evaluating their fitness levels to provide objective feedback on training regimes and injury patterns based on data gathered from force plates, EMGs, and VO2 max analyzers.