Two students working on a classroom study with a treadmill

College of Arts & Sciences

Exercise Science

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Dr. Erin Holt

Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Department Chair

Department of Applied Health Sciences

What is exercise science?

About

At its core, exercise science is the study of how exercise and the human body interact. But it goes much deeper than that. Using a scientific approach that explores the connection between fitness, nutrition, exercise, diet, and overall health, you’ll prepare for a wide range of health-related careers or postgraduate studies, such as a physical therapy program.

Why study exercise science at Baker University?

As an exercise science major at Baker University, you’ll experience in-depth classroom work and practical, hands-on learning opportunities. The exercise science major draws from a variety of disciplines, including biomechanics, human anatomy, chemistry, biology, nutrition, and kinesiology.

Clinical experience is a crucial part of Baker’s exercise science program. You’ll engage in a full semester of clinical experience at a local hospital, physical therapy or occupational therapy clinic, fitness center, or wellness program.

Baker’s exercise science program is accredited by the Commission of Allied Health Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences, making it the first and only fully accredited program in Kansas.

         

Exercise science program outcomes:

  • During the 2022-2023 academic year, our exercise science program reported a 100% retention rate and an 93%* graduation rate.
  • The same year, the exercise science program saw a 87%* placement rate for graduates employed within one year of graduation.
  • Exercise science majors seeking to attend graduate programs and professional schools had a 100% acceptance rate.

*Graduation rate is based on the number of students with conferred degrees divided by the number of students admitted in the cohort year. Because of COVID-19 athletic eligibility changes, students are choosing to remain at the university for another year. Student-athletes currently represent about 90% of students in the exercise science program.

**Placement rates indicate graduates employed within one year of graduation plus graduates admitted to higher degree programs. Several of our graduates secured employment in areas outside of exercise science (e.g., law enforcement and the military) or pursued technical degrees in allied health areas, which is often the career choice of these students from the time they begin in the exercise science program.

Professor Erin Holt working the classroom with students on anatomage table

What can you do with an exercise science degree?

As an exercise science major, you’ll go on to make an impact on the lives of others through the promotion of positive health habits and lifestyle behaviors. Here are some popular careers related to exercise science:

  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Personal trainer
  • Wellness coordinator
  • Physical education teacher
  • Athletic trainer
  • Fitness manager
  • Dietician
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Program director
  • Massage therapist

Exercise Science Scholarships

The Department of Applied Health Sciences gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:

  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Exercise Science
  • Benjamin A. Gessner Award
  • Thomas G. Manson and Frances B. Manson Scholarship
  • Robert L. Miller Scholarship
Exercise science student studying nutrition

Exercise Science Course Descriptions

Meet the Faculty

Jonathan Fiser

Adjunct Professor of Applied Health Sciences

M.Ed Exercise Science from Wichita State University

Expertise: Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Therapeutic Exercise, Motor Learning

Dr. Erin Holt

Chair of Applied Health Sciences Department, Associate Professor of Applied Health Sciences

B.A. Park University, M.A. Southeast Missouri State, Ed.D. Delta State University

Office: Mabee Hall 405

Dr. Loree L. Weir

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

B.S. Eastern Washington University, Ph.D. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Expertise: Exercise Physiology

Office: Mabee Hall 404

Dr. Kyle York

Assistant Professor of Biology

Ph.D. Cleveland University

Expertise: Human anatomy and physiology

Office: Boyd Science Center 227

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Erin Laurie

Assistant Professor of Applied Health Science

B.S. Kansas State University, M.S. Kansas State University

Expertise: Community nutrition and public health

Office: Mabee 403