The exercise science major embraces a strong science foundation and focuses on the scientific aspects of exercise related to healthy, injured, and high-risk populations to understand the consequences of physical activity. Exercise science is an applied discipline; therefore, the curriculum includes laboratory and laboratory-type activities in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and exercise testing and leadership. In addition, campus- and community-based projects are incorporated into the curriculum to provide exercise science, students, exposure to various populations, similar to those they may encounter in their chosen professions, keeping in mind our mission of Knowledge, Faith, and Service.Â
Exercise Science is an excellent pre-professional course of study for careers in:Â
- Exercise physiologyÂ
- Cardiac rehabilitationÂ
- Physical therapyÂ
- Occupational therapyÂ
- Other areas of sports medicineÂ
General Education Requirements for all Bachelor's degrees
Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Requirement
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Alex Lowen
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Southwestern Adventist University and the four years I spent there truly went by way too quickly. I experienced huge growth in my spirituality while at Southwestern, thanks to the many events the Spiritual Life & Development team hosted. I also gained many close friends and was able to take part in athletics by playing on the basketball team and in various intramural leagues.
I originally started as a biology major but switched my degree to exercise science at the beginning of my junior year. I am so glad I did because, through the coursework in the Exercise Science program, I took a class called Biomechanics which showed me what I wanted to do as a future career. When I started school at SWAU, it was not my plan to pursue graduate school after completing my undergraduate degree. However, Dr. Paulino Santos-Andino and Dr. Vesa Naukkarinen instilled in me the importance of higher education and inspired me to get my master’s degree. I truly believe speaking with them and following their guidance prepared me for higher education and for my future career.
Without my professors’ willingness to spend time outside the classroom to mentor me, I would not be where I am today. Overall, SWAU’s exercise science program and faculty made a lasting impact on my life.
Class of 2015
Alex Lowen
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Southwestern Adventist University and the four years I spent there truly went by way too quickly. I experienced huge growth in my spirituality while at Southwestern, thanks to the many events the Spiritual Life & Development team hosted. I also gained many close friends and was able to take part in athletics by playing on the basketball team and in various intramural leagues.
I originally started as a biology major but switched my degree to exercise science at the beginning of my junior year. I am so glad I did because, through the coursework in the Exercise Science program, I took a class called Biomechanics which showed me what I wanted to do as a future career. When I started school at SWAU, it was not my plan to pursue graduate school after completing my undergraduate degree. However, Dr. Paulino Santos-Andino and Dr. Vesa Naukkarinen instilled in me the importance of higher education and inspired me to get my master’s degree. I truly believe speaking with them and following their guidance prepared me for higher education and for my future career.
Without my professors’ willingness to spend time outside the classroom to mentor me, I would not be where I am today. Overall, SWAU’s exercise science program and faculty made a lasting impact on my life.
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