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Exercise Science Major with a Health and Wellness Degree Concentration at Grace College includes hands-on training at a Christian College.
Programs & Majors
Exercise Science

Exercise Science Major - Health and Wellness Degree

  • On-Campus

As an exercise science major at Grace, you’ll explore the relationship between the human body and physical activity, as well as best practices in coaching, training, and instructing others. After completing the degree, you’ll be prepared for graduate training or a post-undergraduate career in fields such as physical or occupational therapy, medicine, training and coaching, and education.

At Grace College, the exercise science program is founded on the truth that God designed the human body for movement and activity. In our study, we honor the Creator and steward the body God has given us to use, move, and manage during this lifetime.

The program’s foundational courses provide an overview of the exercise science field, featuring classes such as Kinesiology, Strength and Conditioning, and Principles of Coaching. With a health and wellness concentration, you’ll be instructed in human health in addition to human movement. The health and wellness concentration is ideal for students planning to enter fields such as occupational therapy, health coaching, and cardiac rehabilitation.

At Grace, we stress experiential learning. That’s why you’ll experience engaging and hands-on courses that include lab components and interactive exercises. By the end of the program, you’ll have experienced fitness and wellness tests firsthand before you recommend them to clients or patients.

A distinguishing characteristic of Grace’s exercise science program is that each student is required to complete field learning. You may intern at a fitness or wellness center in your hometown, or you may work at Grace’s very own Center for Movement and Wellbeing, a center dedicated to fostering the movement, health, and wellbeing of Kosciusko County through research, education, and collaboration.

Upon graduating with an exercise science health and wellness degree, you’ll have a variety of options. You may enter graduate training for fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic medicine. Or you might work in professions such as athletic training, coaching, health education, or any career that calls for an understanding of the human body’s movement.

Exercise Science – Health and Wellness Concentration is great for those who are:
  • Critical Thinkers
  • Creative
  • Caring
  • Smart
  • Flexible
  • Communicators
  • Serving Others
Educational Focuses
  • Health & Wellness
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
Internship Opportunities
  • Kosciusko Lutheran Hospital (LKH)
  • Optimum Performance Sports (OPS)
  • YMCA
  • Baker's Youth Club (BYC)
  • Positive Fitness
  • Haymaker Crossfit
Career Opportunities
  • Physical Therapy
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Athletic Training
  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Cardio Rehabilitation
  • Nutritionist
  • Occupational Therapy
Featured Staff Member
christina walters Assistant Professor of Exercise Science; Director, Program Director Exercise Science
Christina Walters

M.S., L.A.T., F.M.S.

Director, Center for Movement and Well-Being; Director, Exercise Science Program

Featured Staff Member
T.J. Zinke

Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Exercise Science - Health and Wellness Degree FAQs

What do you learn in the exercise science program?

In this exercise science program focused on health and wellness degree, you’ll build a foundation of knowledge about the human body that builds into a cross-section where body movement and health intersect. You will learn how to instruct, train, and coach clients toward health and wellness in your own career.

Which careers are open to graduates in health and wellness?​

After graduation, health and wellness degree majors can find numerous career options within the exercise science field. You could apply your knowledge of health to work as a coach or an athletic trainer. Furthermore, you might pursue a career as a nutritionist, exercise physiologist, or occupational therapist.

Are there service or outreach opportunities focused on community wellness?​

At Grace, you’ll have the unique opportunity to serve at the Center for Health and Wellbeing, a program that personalizes wellness and movement for the community through assessment, education, research, and collaboration. 

What role does faith play in the health and wellness curriculum?​

Our health and wellness program centers on the idea that God is the ultimate creator of the human body. In your classes, you will not only learn about the ways He designed the body for activity and movement, but also how to steward His creation for good.

Can I get certified as a health coach or wellness specialist at Grace?​

In order to pursue a career as a health coach or wellness specialist, you will need to pursue a certification. There is a wide variety of certifications available to graduates. As you explore these different certifications, your Bachelors degree in health and wellness professors will guide you through which options best fit you and your future career. 

What research or campus initiatives are connected to health and wellness?​

Grace College promotes campus health by offering The Center for Health and Wellbeing, a program that helps others improve their health and wellness. Students also have access to the Gordon Health and Wellness Center, our on-campus facilities that offer opportunities to work out, run, or participate in their favorite sports.

What internship opportunities are available for exercise science majors?

As an exercise science major, you’ll be required to pursue an internship, which will provide hands-on experience in the health and wellness field. You could intern at the Center for Health and Wellbeing at Grace, help at the Baker’s Youth Club (BYC), find a job at the YMCA, and more.

What types of classes are offered for exercise science majors with a concentration in health and wellness?

In this program, you will gain an understanding of exercise science through courses such as Principles of Coaching, Strength and Conditioning, and Kinesiology. As you gain a solid understanding of your profession, you’ll gain hands-on experience through an internship of your choice. 

Diverse Metrics of Success

200

Observation hours completed throughout the degree

50%

of Exercise Science Students choose to go on to Graduate School

100%

Of classes include real-life application

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Exercise Science Major with a Health and Wellness Degree Concentration at Grace College includes hands-on training at a Christian College.
Gordon Recreation Center
Exercise Science Major with a Health and Wellness Degree Concentration at Grace College includes hands-on training at a Christian College.
Is your calling in health and exercise science? Grace College offers exercise science degrees with professors who integrate faith and skills.

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“Grace has prepared me for this next step through being involved as an athlete and a coach, as well as the emphasis they put on education and making sure each student has what they need to succeed.”

Allison Vroon

Grace College Student

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