Discover the Opportunities with Health and Exercise Science
Engaging in the many opportunities within the Health Exercise Science Program program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ can enhance your education. Through internships, research projects, community-based service, study away programs, and student clubs, you will build stronger relationships with your peers and faculty, learn about various career paths, and build professional connections.
Human Performance Lab
The Human Performance Lab is a dedicated space for learning and skill development in the field of exercise physiology. Within the lab, you learn to use state-of-the-art equipment such as an EKG machine and oxygen analyzer, to gain proficiency and confidence in your technical abilities under the guidance of experienced faculty.
Movement Studio
The Aerobics Studio in Lund Center is utilized in the Exercise Leadership class, to learn how to plan movement patterns applying knowledge of biomechanics. The class emphasizes the importance of effective communication and how to motivate participants to be challenged and supported in their fitness journeys by creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
Internships and Student Teaching
Students are strongly encouraged to pursue an internship, including having the flexibility within the major courses to accommodate a full-time internship for a semester. Faculty members and the Career Development Office are available to help you identify a site such as the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center or doing corporate wellness at the Verizon Center in Mankato. Student teaching is coordinated with the Education Department and provides the needed experience to start a job in the education field upon graduation.
Community-Based Service
Students have the opportunity to provide health coaching or personal training services one-on-one with a Â鶹ÊÓƵ employee for a semester. You learn to tailor your coaching program to meet the specific needs and goals of the client and practice communication, goal setting, program design, and client assessment.
Study Away
Many students study away for a semester or go on the popular course to study the history of the Olympics at various sites around the world. You can work with your faculty to find coursework that can be applied toward the completion of your degree, allowing you to gain a global perspective on health and exercise while experiencing different cultures and healthcare systems.
Student Clubs
The department supports two student clubs, which provide students with opportunities for personal connections and professional growth.
- The Pre-Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Club is a social and educational club that regularly brings in outside speakers and professionals from the field who share their insights about career pathways, industry trends, and networking opportunities.
- The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Barbell Club aims to provide students with a safe and inclusive space to learn and practice weightlifting techniques. The club's goal is to help students become comfortable using weightlifting equipment while promoting proper form and technique.
Faculty and Student Research Program
Research opportunities are abundant within the department, allowing you to delve deeper into areas of interest. These research experiences provide valuable learning through data collection, analysis, and interpretation to enhance critical thinking skills. Senior year includes a capstone project. Over 300 research projects have been presented at professional/organizational meetings.
Students work with a faculty mentor to design research proposals and engage in data collection, reduction, and analysis. HES 220 Statistics in Exercise Physiology, HES 250 Research Methods, and HES 300 Research Presentation are required courses for majors in Exercise Physiology and an elective for students pursuing other majors.
This course, normally completed at the sophomore level, assists students with identifying a research topic/question, designing a study, and initiating a review of existing research. Some majors who do not take this course may decide to work one on one with a faculty mentor to accomplish these preliminary goals and pursue the study during the junior and senior years. Students typically present their research at an appropriate regional or national conference venues. Faculty-student research projects enable students to improve research skills and prepare for graduate study.
Some students author more than one study and some students co-author studies. Many studies are presented at regional conferences such as the Northland Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine. Studies are also presented in national venues such as the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and the national conference of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.