Program Overview
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science-BS
Overview
In pursuing Ottawa University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree, you will prepare to take an active role in helping people get fit and stay healthy as a health educator, personal trainer, or exercise physiologist. OU’s Exercise Science program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become effective professionals. Through practical and experiential learning opportunities, students are encouraged to engage in creative thinking and problem solving to help them become lifelong learners and reflective practitioners.
Ottawa’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree provides theoretical education that challenges students to apply this knowledge in real world, professional settings with diverse groups of people. Students majoring in exercise science are prepared for further study in professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, sports nutrition, massage therapy, personal training, strength and conditioning, coaching, biomechanics, exercise physiology and recreation administration.
The Exercise Science curriculum covers topics ranging from human anatomy and physiology to sports nutrition, providing you with a broad base of knowledge applicable to many different careers. You will develop strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Concentrations
Ottawa’s bachelor’s degree in exercise science offers two concentrations that allow you to tailor your degree in an area of specialization, such as:
- Strength and Conditioning Concentration
- Pre-Allied Health Concentration
By completing the coaching concentration, students will earn coaching certification through the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) offered by Human Kinetics Inc.
Career Outlook
Potential employment opportunities for exercise science majors include athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, sports nutritionist, occupational therapist, strength and conditioning coach among others, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs in this arena are projected to grow between 11 and 16 percent through 2029.
The median annual wage for exercise physiologists was $49,170 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,990, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,310. The median annual wage for athletic trainers was $48,440 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,470.
Perspective on the Exercise Science
Exercise science studies the body under physical stress such as exercise, physical sports, or occupational therapy. This helps practitioners, coaches, and trainers to ensure the safety and health of their patients and clients. The fields that exercise science involves are studies in kinesiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, exercise nutrition, fitness, and health science. Careers in exercise science are diverse and plentiful. Education in exercise science can lead to entry-level careers, such as fitness instructors and program directors, or act as the starting point for further education and careers such as doctors and occupational therapists.
Locations
Exercise Science-BS is offered at the following locations:
- Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
Courses
Exercise Science Major Courses
- History & Principles Of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
- Human Anatomy & Lab
- Care And Prevention of Athletic Injuries
- IDS: Psychology and Sociology Of Sports
- Sports Nutrition
- First Aid Instructor Training
- Kinesiology
- Adaptive Physical Education
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Holistic Wellness
- Exercise Physiology
- Exercise Physiology Lab
- Human Anatomy Exercise Science
- Human Anatomy of Exercise Science Lab
- Internship: Exercise Science
- Theory of Administration and Finance in HPER
- Senior Seminar
- Exercise Science: Comprehensive
Required Supporting Courses
- Introduction To Nutrition
- General Psychology
- Principles of Biology & Lab OR General Biology I and Lab
- Concepts of Chemistry OR General Chemistry I and Lab
- Intro to Human Communication OR Speech Preparation and Delivery
- College Writing OR Advanced Expository Writing
- Human Physiology & Lab
- Advanced Athletic Training
University Accreditation
Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Ottawa University
Overview:
Ottawa University is a private, non-profit institution offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. It has a strong focus on preparing students for a life of significance, emphasizing career development and personal growth. The university operates both traditional and accelerated programs, including online and evening options, catering to diverse student needs.
Services Offered:
Ottawa University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Gangwish Library resources, tutoring services, and academic advising.Student Life:
Campus events, clubs, and organizations, fostering a vibrant and engaging campus experience.Career Development:
Career counseling, job placement services, and internship opportunities.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, and loan options to support students financially.Student Services:
Health services, counseling services, and disability services.Parent Connection:
Resources and support for parents of students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ottawa University offers a diverse and engaging campus experience, with opportunities for students to:
Connect with peers:
Through clubs, organizations, and social events.Explore their interests:
Through various extracurricular activities and campus events.Develop leadership skills:
Through student government and other leadership opportunities.Engage in athletics:
Through participation in intercollegiate sports or recreational activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Personalized attention:
Small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide individualized support and guidance.Career-focused programs:
Programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in their chosen fields.Flexible learning options:
Traditional, accelerated, online, and evening programs cater to diverse student needs and schedules.Affordable education:
Competitive tuition rates and financial aid options make Ottawa University accessible to a wide range of students.Strong alumni network:
A supportive network of alumni provides valuable connections and career opportunities.Academic Programs:
Ottawa University offers a variety of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Business, Arts and Sciences, Education, Nursing, Engineering, and more.Graduate Programs:
Master's degrees in Business Administration, Education, Nursing, and other fields.Doctorate Programs:
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).Other:
- Ottawa University has two main campuses: Ottawa, Kansas (OUKS) and Surprise, Arizona (OUAZ).
- The university also offers online and evening programs in various locations, including Arizona, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and internationally.
- Ottawa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
- The university has a strong commitment to community engagement and service learning.
- Ottawa University is known for its welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
