B.S. Exercise Science
The exercise science program at Concordia University, Nebraska offers you the opportunity to advance your knowledge, skills and abilities to create and execute exercise programs for a variety of individuals while staying current with innovative research by utilizing state-of-the-art human performance laboratory equipment.
Here, you will learn how to apply the gifts God has given you to enhance the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social well-being of others. Concordia Nebraska can help you prepare for a career in exercise and health settings, as well as graduate programs in these fields.
Because you’ll receive a broad-based, liberal arts education, in the exercise science program you’ll not only study human movement and skills specific to exercise science, you will also enhance your critical thinking, research and communication skills.
Promote wellness and physical fitness in your community!
Program Highlights
WHY STUDY EXERCISE SCIENCE AT CONCORDIA?
The exercise science program at Concordia University, Nebraska mentors and leads students in the advancement of knowledge, abilities and attitudes through the pursuit of a Christ-centered education in health and wellness. All students are given the opportunity for optimum spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of the gifts God has given them.
Recent Internships
- University of Nebraska Huskers Strength and Conditioning, Lincoln, Neb.
- Madonna Rehabilitation Center, Lincoln, Neb.
- Nebraska Orthopaedic Center, Lincoln, Neb.
- Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Lincoln, Neb.
- Colorado State University Rams Strength and Conditioning, Fort Collins, Colo.
- University of Texas Longhorns Athletic Performance, Austin, Texas
- Vanderbilt University Commodores Strength and Conditioning, Nashville, Tenn.
- Athletes Training Center, Omaha, Neb.
- Hackbart Chiropractic, Seward, Neb.
- Concordia University, Nebraska Athletics, Seward, Neb.
Recent Graduate and Professional Schools
- Concordia University, Nebraska (Coaching and Athletics Administration)
- Wichita State University (Sport Management)
- Concordia University, Nebraska (Public Health)
- Baylor University (Public Health)
- Creighton University (Physical Therapy)
- Washington University in St. Louis (Physical Therapy)
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant)
- University of Arizona (Physiological Sciences)
- University of South Dakota (Occupational Therapy)
- University of Nebraska Omaha (Athletic Training)
Recent Alumni Careers
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Biomechanist
- Nurse
- Athletic Trainer
- Exercise Physiologist
- Researcher and Professor
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
MEET OUR EXPERT FACULTY
As experts in exercise science our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.
Meet our students
“In my internship through the Health and Human Performance Department, I learned a lot about the physical therapy career, but also just working with patients I got a lot more open in talking to and learning to help people.”
Adam Meirose
Lincoln, Nebraska
Accreditation
Concordia University, Nebraska is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Degree Goals
An exercise science program graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:
- Develop critical thinking skills necessary to understand, analyze and problem-solve issues related to exercise science.
- Understand how the organic, skeletal and neuromuscular structures of the human body interact, adapt and contribute to motor performance, fitness and wellness.
- Develop and institute physical fitness and wellness assessment and maintenance programs.
- Play a leadership role in the promotion of life-long physical activity and fitness for all individuals.
Health and Human Performance Minors
- Coaching
- Parish Health
- Public Health
- Recreation
- Recreation and Sport Management
- Senior Adult Fitness
- Sport Ministry
- Sport Psychology
Career Outcomes
Physical Therapist
- Diagnose and treat patients who have health conditions that limit their ability to move and perform everyday activities
- Help restore patients’ physical function and mobility and promote overall wellness as you boost their quality of life
Athletic Trainer
- Provide preventative services, emergency care, therapy and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions for athletes
- Work with medical professionals, coaches and athletes to ensure that players maintain proper diets, evaluate the physical condition of athletes and establish dietary and fitness plans
Nutritionist
- Help clients alter their diet in a variety of ways in order to promote a healthier lifestyle and eating habits
- Help people work on weight loss, hormonal imbalances, digestion issues or food allergies by designing eating programs focused on nutritional balance
FAQs
What opportunities are available on- and off-campus for exercise science majors?
There are a lot of great opportunities at Concordia Nebraska for exercise science majors to increase their knowledge, find others who share their interests and gain practical, hands-on experience in the exercise science field.
The Health and Human Performance Club, in concert with the Pre-Med Club, is an organization that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle for the campus and community. Membership provides many opportunities for fellowship with other students and promotes future leadership through planning and supervising of physical education and health programs.
Phi Epsilon Kappa is a national health and human performance honor society. It gives students interested in physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, exercise science and sports medicine the opportunity to share their passions and interests. You can also make connections with current professionals and participate in research in the exercise science field.
Being part of the HHP department at Concordia Nebraska means you have the opportunity for class trips for adventure activity courses, including skiing in Colorado, health mission trips to Guatemala and Belize and trips to local conferences and exhibitions. Students can also teach and mentor Nebraska Special Olympics athletes, work on collaborative projects with local Nebraska high schools and intern at various health facilities.
Will I need to go to graduate school to find a career in exercise science?
You can obtain many careers in exercise science with just a bachelor’s degree, though if you’re invested in your field, you may choose to attend a graduate school to continue your studies and advance to higher positions. Some exercise science professions may also require professional certification.
What skills can I expect to develop through the exercise science major?
As an exercise science major, you can expect to take classes about anatomy and physiology, human biology, motor development, exercise physiology, exercise prescription for healthy and diseased populations, injury care and prevention, emergency care and first aid, as well as hands-on lab experience utilizing the most current equipment available today. You’ll also get a liberal arts education that will help you hone your communication, critical thinking and research skills, so you can excel in whatever career you choose after graduation.
Related Programs
Biology
With a degree in biology from Concordia Nebraska, you will be prepared to begin a career in the biological sciences right away, or to continue your education in graduate, medical, dental or veterinary school. As a biology major at Concordia, you learn essential skills such as time management and mastering complex material, as well as studying more in-depth topics such as microbiology, human anatomy and immunology to give you the knowledge you need to be successful in the field of biology.
Recreation & Sport Studies
At Concordia University, Nebraska, the recreation and sport studies major is designed to give you an experiential education. Take classes in orienteering, adventure activities and alpine skiing, among others. Learn about planning and management of PE courses, recreational activities, sports and facility management.
Public Health and Fitness
A degree in public health and fitness from Concordia University, Nebraska prepares you to develop and advocate for effective health programs, where you can implement policies that enhance the health of individuals, groups and communities. You’ll combine theory-based public health and fitness courses, laboratory experiences and internships to provide you with practical, career-focused skills in nutrition, biomechanics, global health, psychology, epidemiology, stress management, human anatomy and more.
1 Recent graduates attending graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.
2Average Class Size for Representative Subject Most Aligned with Major, Over Last 5 Years.