100%
100% of our students complete a 100-hour internship with department faculty support and guidance.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Human movement is a science. Exercise science at the University of St. Thomas provides you with the knowledge and tools to examine exercise, physical activity, rehabilitation and nutrition toward the goal of improving human health.
Why Study Exercise Science at St. Thomas?
Our program explores human movement by putting theory into practice. From collaborative research with faculty to clinical and internship experiences, you gain invaluable practical experience with advanced instruments and equipment. Many of our graduates pursue graduate school, as well as careers in physical and occupational therapy, clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, athletic training and pharmaceutical sales.
Become an Innovative Leader
Course Requirements
You complete courses focusing on human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics, ultimately gaining an understanding of body movement and function. You also explore psychology, biology, chemistry, physics and math which will make you a versatile professional prepared for the future.
Four-Year Plan
You start by completing foundational biology and chemistry courses, progressing to classes focusing on invaluable hands-on research experiences. We recommend connecting with a faculty member to plan your four years at St. Thomas.
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Scholarships
We offer the Bridget A. Duoos Endowed Research Fund Scholarship to students each year, sponsoring faculty-mentored research and travel funds for other student research. Dr. Duoos was a St. Thomas professor from 1995 to 2016 and chair of the Health and Exercise Science Department. She was a highly productive scholar, making significant contributions to the discipline and was a dedicated advocate to student academic success.
Internships
All of our students complete a 100-hour internship with one-on-one guidance from a faculty member. We often see students intern with large corporations, community-based organizations and physical therapy clinics. We designed the internship program to provide you with real-world experience to ensure you find a career that interests you.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You complete courses focusing on human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics, ultimately gaining an understanding of body movement and function. You also explore psychology, biology, chemistry, physics and math which will make you a versatile professional prepared for the future.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
You start by completing foundational biology and chemistry courses, progressing to classes focusing on invaluable hands-on research experiences. We recommend connecting with a faculty member to plan your four years at St. Thomas.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Scholarships
Scholarships
We offer the Bridget A. Duoos Endowed Research Fund Scholarship to students each year, sponsoring faculty-mentored research and travel funds for other student research. Dr. Duoos was a St. Thomas professor from 1995 to 2016 and chair of the Health and Exercise Science Department. She was a highly productive scholar, making significant contributions to the discipline and was a dedicated advocate to student academic success.
Internships
Internships
All of our students complete a 100-hour internship with one-on-one guidance from a faculty member. We often see students intern with large corporations, community-based organizations and physical therapy clinics. We designed the internship program to provide you with real-world experience to ensure you find a career that interests you.
Making a Difference
Our faculty are passing their knowledge and expertise on to students. Alumni are working in the community to make a difference in the world. You? You will meet fellow students passionate about living a healthy life.
Dr. Adam Korak
Dr. Korak is a biomechanist and new faculty member. He has an energized attitude, bringing new ideas and equipment with him such as the electromyography (EMG) machine that tests muscle stimulation and detects normal and abnormal functions. This lab equipment is invigorating student research and their academic interest in a variety of topics.
Dr. Heather Meeks ‘15
Dr. Meeks graduated from St. Thomas with her degree in exercise science, and participated in a research project focusing on health and human performance. She has since attended Palmer College of Chiropractic, and recently completed her doctoral clerkship at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She credits her experiences at St. Thomas to opening many doors to a bright future, and is forever grateful to be a Tommie.
Margaret Miller '19
Margaret’s ultimate goal is to attend dental school, and has actively pursued research opportunities within our department from three years. She recently presented at the Obesity Week Conference in Nashville with Dr. Leslie Scibora. She will graduate as a published contributor in the study of bone densitometry, a leader in our department and world traveler courtesy of her study abroad experience in Chile.
Career Paths
There are a number of career paths available to you after graduating from St. Thomas.
- Athletic trainer
- Occupational therapist
- Physical therapist
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Recreation and fitness specialist
- Pharmaceutical sales representative
- Graduate school – physical therapy, chiropractic, occupational therapy, etc.
Opportunities Aplenty
1 of 2
We are 1 of 2 schools in Minnesota to have an Anatomage table, allowing you to virtually dissect and understand the human body.
10/10
Ten out of ten students in the Biomechanics course complete a research project and write a grant for external funding.
Sports Science Institute
The Sports Science Institute offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for undergraduate students to work directly with D-I student-athletes, using cutting edge technology to gather data and help teams train.
Faculty With Real Experience
Dr. Lesley Scibora
Dr. Scibora was a chiropractor before she earned her PhD in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Brett Bruininks
Dr. Bruininks specializes in exercise physiology and earned his PhD in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Adam Korak
Dr. Korak earned his PhD in human performance at Middle Tennessee State University, where he specialized in exercise science.
Get Involved
Whether you are volunteering in the community or presenting your research at a conference, we are sure you will find plenty of opportunities to get involved at St. Thomas.
Connect With the Local Community
Special Olympics joins the Health and Exercise Science Club on the field for a kickball tournament, forming friendships and participating in fun competition to encourage physical activity and teamwork.
Addressing Real-World Problems
As part of the College of Arts and Sciences SOLV Initiative, Dr. Korak, Dr. Bruininks and Dr. Sage collaborated on a research study called “Mindful Movement: An Evidence-Based Resistance Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults.” They received grant funding from the YWCA.
Surrounded by Passionate Peers
In partnership with Residence Life, we offer the Tommies Do Wellness Living Learning Community for incoming first-year students which explores pathways to lifelong well-being through projects and experiential learning.
Gain Real-World Perspective
Students go on field trips to get real-world experience, visiting places like Northwestern’s 3D Gait Analysis Facility and the Minnesota Vikings training facility.
State-Of-The-Art Facilities
You will have many opportunities to engage with innovative equipment and technology in the exercise science program.
Anatomy and Biomechanics Lab
Two Anatomage tables, electromyography (EMG)
Physiology Lab
V02 Max and ECG, treadmills, polar heart rate station, force plates
Musculoskeletal Lab
BodPod, pQCT, Dexa
Improve Human Health
Exercise science students use their knowledge of human movement and the natural sciences to help others work toward a healthier life. Through impactful research with faculty to internships, our students are gaining important skills needed to move our world to a better future.
Take the Next Step​
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.