Exercise and sports science practitioners provide health care, technique/skill instruction and performance enhancement for the physically active population. Students gain foundational knowledge for this practice by studying how physical activity influences the human body. Clinical skill acquisition is also a necessary component. Courses within this degree program address both areas.
TU’s exercise and sports science program reflects the unique nature of the university and the community. The program is built on a foundation of scientific knowledge specific to the human body and how it is impacted by physical activity or physical stress. Our program has the flexibility to prepare students for health care graduate or professional programs, such as medicine, athletic training, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation and other fields closely related to exercise science, or to enter a corporate or commercial fitness setting.
The science foundation of the bachelor of science in exercise and sports science is complemented by practical application. Students majoring in exercise and sports science complete internships tailored to their specific career goals. Internships are designed to provide students opportunities to acquire clinical skills and ensure they are prepared to function in their chosen career setting. Students gain valuable firsthand experience, which strengthens their knowledge base and enhances their position in the job market after graduation. The city of Tulsa has an extensive medical community that offers a variety of student internship settings; in particular, physical therapy clinics and wellness/fitness centers.
Students may opt for the following tracks:
- Traditional – general studies for employment in wellness and fitness
- Rehabilitation and therapeutics – for work in cardiac and orthopedic rehabilitation and strength training
- Pre-health professional degree – provides prerequisites for physician assistant, dentist or physical therapist degrees
- Pre-athletic training – Prepares students to enter TU’s master of athletic training program
Depending on a student’s choice of major, along with a possible minor and electives, he or she can prepare for diverse fields. For example, a student under the traditional track may add a business minor, preparing them to work and perhaps later own a fitness center.