Exercise Science combines an understating of body structures and function with an understanding of the role of exercise in the mediation of performance, health, and disease.
Consequently, there are many careers open to people with a degree in Exercise Science. For more information on careers in Exercise Science, click on the following link, Careers in Exercise Science, which will download a pdf of possible careers that has been published by The American College of Sports Medicine.
A degree in Exercise Science from Gonzaga requires students to develop analytical thinking skills, knowledge of scientific principles and the research process, and an ability to communicate their knowledge to others. Gonzaga's Department of Exercise Science seeks to develop critical thinkers and scientists who are capable of graduate study in exercise science and allied health sciences, as well as a variety of related disciplines, by using a scientific inquiry approach to learning and by challenging students through rigorous coursework and laboratory experiences.
The Department of Exercise Science offers a selection of courses that provides students with an opportunity for specialized work and original investigation of human physiological responses and adaptations to activity and exercise. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree provides an introduction to the physical and biological sciences, a concentrated study of the acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise, laboratory research in exercise science, and coursework which fulfills a number of graduate program prerequisites. At the basis of the B.S. degree is a strong foundation in the sciences, including Biology, Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics I & II; as well as Algebra, Statistics, Psychology and Nutrition. Laboratory experiences are emphasized to introduce students to the methods of scientific investigation, evaluation, and remediation of human function. The curriculum also includes applied work in exercise testing and prescription and is designed to furnish the basic knowledge and skills necessary for students to pursue certification options offered by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. In addition to the program requirements of the B.S. in Exercise Science, students must complete the University core requirements.
As a supplement to the coursework for the B.S. degree, students are encouraged to seek out opportunities for internships to gain practical experience and first-hand knowledge in a career field of their interest. Supervised internship experience is often required for admission to graduate programs in physical and occupational therapy, as well as physician's assistant programs. Because Spokane is a major medical center with several hospitals, a rehabilitation institute, and numerous clinical practices, students have little difficulty setting up internships in the community.
Most Gonzaga Exercise Science alumni pursue graduate study and/or training necessary for a varitey of careers, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, environmental medicine, nursing, physician's assistant, chiropractic, dentistry, public health, nutrition/clinical dietetics, alternative medicine, massage therapy, teaching and research in exercise science, and personal training. Programs and institutions to which Gonzaga student have been accepted include:
- Alternative Medicine
- Western Washington University
- Athletic Training
- Texas Tech University
- Biomedical Sciences
- Creighton University
- Biomechanics
- University of Alberta-Calgary
- University of Oregon
- University of Western Australia
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- University of Oregon
- Chirpopractic Medicine
- Life Chiropractic College West
- Palmer College of Chiropractic
- Dental School
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy
- College of Saint Catherine
- Creighton University
- Duke University
- Eastern Washington Universit
- Old Dominion University
- Pacific University
- Regis University
- Samuel Merrett College
- University of California-Stockton
- University of Maryland
- University of Montana
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Southern California
- University of Washington
- Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Exercise Physiology
- Baylor University
- Central Washington University
- University of Oregon
- Massage Therapy
- Inland Massage Institute
- Western Washington University
- Nuclear Medicine
- Swedish Hospital, Seattle, WA
- Nursing
- Linfield College
- Seattle University
- Occupational Therapy
- Colorado State UniversityPublic Health
- George Washington University
- Idaho State University
- Oregon State University
- Tulane University
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Washington
- Physician's Assistant
- Midwestern University, Pheonix, AZ
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine
- Public Health
- George Washington University
- Oregon State University
- University of Washington
Gonzaga Exercise Science students and graduates have been employed in a variety of fields and organizations, including Coeur d'Alene Physical Therapy ( Coeur d'Alene, ID); In Motion Physical Therapy, Performance Physical Therapy, and Holy Family Hospital Rehabilitation Services (Spokane, WA); the US Army Institute of Environmental Medicine (Natick, MA); and the Mayo Clinic Hospital (Phoenix, AZ).
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