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

Real-world approach to teaching.

About

Baker University’s exercise science program combines in-depth classroom work with practical, hands-on experience. The small class sizes ensure our students are fully prepared when it’s time for them to enter graduate school or a professional field.

The program is primarily designed for client-facing practitioners, although we routinely send students on to complete graduate research. Whether assisting in faculty research and conducting independent studies or working within community wellness programs, our exercise science students have more opportunities to apply what they learn than their peers at larger universities.

Professor Erin Holt working the classroom with students on anatomage table

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

A full-semester of clinical experience at a local hospital, physical therapy or occupational therapy clinic, fitness center, or university research laboratory promises students an immersive educational experience.

Female exercise science students and Professor examining classmate for activity
Exercise science students performing hands on activity in class
Two female students working with stethoscopes

Exceptional Experience

01/03

Success after Graduation

Exercise science students from Baker go on to thrive in graduate programs related to allied health such as exercise science, biomechanics, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. They also thrive in occupations related to sports performance, health education, and fitness and wellness.

Applied & Original Research

All students have the opportunity to do original research with a faculty member and present their research at regional and national conferences. Some have even traveled internationally.

Allied Health Care Observation

Students preparing for a career in allied health care participate in shadowing experiences with health care professionals. Learn more about allied health care and pre-chiropractic at Baker.

First and Only

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

Program Outcomes

  • During the 2020-2021 academic year, our exercise science program reported a 92% retention rate and an 83%* graduation rate.
  • This same year, the program saw a 92%** placement rate for graduates employed in the field within one year of graduation.
  • Students 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.

Two female students working with stethoscopes

Careers

Our exercise science majors have gone on to the following careers:

  • Physical therapy and occupational therapy
  • Fitness and wellness
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Athletic training
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Dietetics
  • Chiropractic and physicians assistant
  • Physical activity in public health
Two exercise science students working on a project for class

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

Parmenter and long student center

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