Exercise Science Major (BA, BS)

Exercise Science professor Lisa Ferguson Stegall sitting amongst exercise equipment

Be on the cutting edge of improving human health and performance. With Hamline’s exercise science program, you’ll get the knowledge and practical experience to enter this growing field of human physical performance and rehabilitation science. You'll be prepared to pursue graduate studies in exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, athletic training, sports science, or enter professional programs for physical therapy or occupational therapy. You’ll also be well prepared to enter the job market to work in the fitness and wellness industries. Whatever your career goals, your major can be customized to prepare you for success.

Student research opportunities

At Hamline, students starting as early as their first year participate in research with faculty, something normally reserved for graduate students at other institutions. You get to design and conduct your own research project.

The list of possible research projects is as varied as your interests. For example, picture yourself:

  • Investigating how a beetroot supplement affects exercise efficiency and blood pressure in trained athletes
  • Exploring the levels of awareness about high blood pressure among college students 
  • Researching the effects of a seven-week yoga program on measures of functional mobility and perceived stress and fatigue levels in older adults
  • Investigating the effects of carbohydrate and protein beverages on exercise performance in elite cyclists
  • Study levels of awareness about the beneficial effects of exercise on the immune system among older adults

And during your research process, you’ll collaborate with scientists at major research institutions, publish your research in scientific journals, and present your work at local, regional, and national conferences. 

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Advanced Exercise Physiology Students_Spring 2024
Students conduct blood pressure research study

 

Research in the classroom

Students in Hamline's Advanced Exercise Physiology class build upon established research year after year. In the photo above, students are conducting a blood pressure research study as a follow-up to a previous study conducted and published in the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine

 

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Exercise Sciences lab


Integrative Physiology Laboratory
 

You’ll conduct much of your research in our Integrative Physiology Laboratory, where you’ll utilize equipment and tools to focus on three areas of research:

  • Age-related changes in physical function, mobility, and wellness
  • The metabolic and systemic adaptations that occur in response to exercise training in both younger and older adults
  • Nutritional supplementation, acute performance, and training adaptation

 

 

 

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Exercise Science research study coordinator Owen Sloop in a white coat

Getting involved with the exercise science program was the greatest thing that happened to me at Hamline. Working collaboratively with professors in captivating classes, as well as through Hamline's amazing research programs, allowed me to become an experienced scientist.

Owen Sloop '20, exercise science, kinesiology and exercise science; sr. clinical research technician at IQVIA in Saint Paul, MN

Internships for exercise science students

We make sure you leave Hamline with work experience in the field of exercise science on your resume. And the opportunities are boundless. Whether you want to explore a career in research, physical therapy, athletic training, or other fields, we have internship opportunities for you.

Examples of past exercise science student internships include:

  • Special Olympics Minnesota, special projects coordinator and coaching intern
  • ACR Homes, personal care assistant
  • Hamline University Athletic Training, sports medicine assistant
  • Minnesota Icemen Baseball Club, strength and conditioning intern
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Headshot of Alec Ralph Hamline student

Being an athlete, I wanted to learn how the body works. Because Hamline is a small community, we're able to connect and appreciate each others' backgrounds, as athletes, scientists, and professionals.

Alec Ralph '24, exercise science; of Sugar Land, Texas

Explore career paths

Our innovative courses and one-on-one mentoring by faculty will give you the tools to succeed in a variety of jobs, such as:

  • Senior research scientist
  • Athletic trainer
  • Occupational therapist
  • Cardiopulmonary rehab therapist
  • Physical therapist
  • Clinical research specialist

And you can explore careers in many different fields, such as: 

  • Industry research and development 
  • Orthotics and prosthetics
  • Athletic training
  • Occupational therapy
  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
  • Physical therapy
  • Wellness coaching
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Personal training
  • Research program management

Take your studies further with graduate school

Our graduates have gone on to medical and graduate schools across the country in the pursuit of master’s and doctoral degrees. Examples of programs and schools include:

  • Master of Science in Athletic Training, University of Evansville
  • Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, University of Texas at Austin 
  • Cardiac Physiology master’s program, University of Wisconsin - River Falls 
  • Master of Science in Athletic Training, University of Montana
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin- Madison
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Minnesota
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Saint Catherine University
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April 5 2023 / Inside Hamline News

Exercise Science Program Announces Publication of Beetroot and Exercise Study

A research study conducted by HU students Alyssa (Ali) Eastman & Owen Sloop in the Integrative Physiology Lab was published in the Journal of...