Exercise Science and Health

An inactive and sedentary lifestyle is considered to be a major health risk for the U.S. population. There are ways to help people overcome the health risks and other problems associated with injury, obesity and inactivity. A Bachelor of Science/Physical Education (B.S.P.E) in Exercise Science offers you a unique opportunity to be actively involved in helping people become fit. Our graduates join a field of highly qualified professionals who enjoy working in the world of health and fitness in a variety of settings.

As a student in the exercise science and health program, you'll develop knowledge of strategies, leadership skills and the technical abilities to plan, implement and evaluate programs designed to improve the health and fitness levels of individuals. Graduates are prepared for graduate programs in exercise science, medicine, health or allied health areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and nursing.

Prepare for Success

Acceptance into the exercise and health science program requires good test scores and the skills necessary to work one-on-one with people in a health setting. If you’re interested in health, fitness and in helping people, you may have the perfect interests and talent to pursue a degree in exercise science and health.

Your First Year

Students can expect to take some of these courses in their first year:

• Biol 120 and 121 – Human Anatomy and Physiology
• FCS 205 – Concepts in Human Nutrition
• PEP 100 – Introduction to Sports Science
• H&S 288 – First Aid Emergency Response

What You Can Do

Graduates of the exercise science and health program at the University of Idaho may become a:

• Fitness specialist
• Personal trainer
• Fitness director
• Health fitness professional
• Group exercise coordinator
• Director of wellness

Opportunities

A degree in exercise science is in high demand nationwide. Salaries generally range from $30,000 - $40,000, depending on the location. You may pursue careers in health promotion and exercise programming in corporate, medical and community organizations, and sport performance enhancement centers. Graduates are also prepared to attend graduate programs in exercise science, medicine, health or allied health areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and nursing.

Current Research

Current program faculty research interests include:

• Temporal changes in posture during sensory manipulations
• Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer's
• Dementia and its impact on posture and balance
• Blood pressure changes on the maintenance of upright balance
• Investigating the relationships between physical activity, food intake and chronic disease
• Studying the relationship between the built environment and obesity in children and adults
• Development of methodologies to improve the measurement of physical activity and food intake
• Posture and balance across the lifespan

Activities

• Physical Education, Sport Science and Health Club (PESSHA)
• Dance Majors and Minors Club
• Latin Dance Club
• Athletic Trainer Student Club

Hands-On Experience

Before graduation, each student will complete a semester-long internship with an agency, clinic or organization. Exercise science and health students also are actively involved in research and service. Examples of current student research includes:

• Working with older populations and balance issues
• A statewide initiative to measure body mass index in children
• The training effects of underwater treadmills on athletes

Facilities

The Physical Education Building (PEB) is home to the Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Department. The PEB facility has two full-size basketball courts, two dance studios and the only squash court on campus. The Human Performance Laboratory is also housed in PEB. Students also have access to the athletic department’s underwater treadmill for research.

We also offer courses at the ASUI Kibbie Dome, the Swim Center, the Student Recreation Center and various outdoor facilities across campus (tennis courts, Guy Wicks Field, Kibbie Sprint Turf, Dan O'Brien Track & Field). For more information about these facilities, click on the links below.

• Memorial Gymnasium
• ASUI Kibbie Dome
• Swim Center
• Student Recreation Center

Faculty Involvement

Students are actively involved with faculty daily. With a small student-to-faculty ratio, students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and to also be part of research opportunities and hands-on experiences.

Kathy Browder, Ph.D.
Department Chair: Heath, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance; Professor
Research interests: Biomechanics related to injury etiology, prevention, and rehabilitation
» View Kathy Browder's Profile

David Paul, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Research interests: Investigating the relationships between physical activity, food intake, and chronic disease; Studying the relationship between the built environment and obesity in children and adults; Developing methodologies to improve the measurement of physical activity and food intake.
» View David Paul's Profile

Sharon Stoll, Ph.D
Research Interests: Moral reasoning in Competition, Moral development in competition and physical activity; Servant leadership in physical activity; sport ethics.
» View Sharon Stoll's Profile