Major code BS8122

College of Health Sciences and Professions
Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, School of
Grover Center E160
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.566.0470
Fax: 740.593.0289
johnsos1@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/chsp/ahsw/

Division of Exercise Physiology
Contact Person: Sharon Rana, rana@ohio.edu
Website: www.ohio.edu/chsp/ahsw/exercise-physiology/undergraduate/index.cfm

Program Overview

The exercise physiology program at Ohio University prepares students for the application of exercise physiology in health/fitness, clinical diagnostics, rehabilitation, and performance settings. This program also prepares students to advance to higher degrees in exercise physiology and other health-related disciplines. Students often pursue certification through the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association to enhance employment opportunities. 

This degree includes a solid background in basic sciences to allow the student to develop an understanding of how the body responds and adapts to exercise stimuli. Students also develop the applied skills to evaluate physical fitness and to design and administer appropriate exercise prescriptions.

Exercise Physiology Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration

The Exercise Physiology Pre-Physical Therapy concentration (BS8171) provides students a solid background in the life sciences as well as applied exercise sciences. This concentration requires three additional courses for a total of nine additional credit hours to the exercise physiology degree and is manageable with students enrolled in 13-18 credit hours over eight semesters. Students interested in this concentration must meet all of the requirements for the exercise physiology major (BS8122) and the following courses:   HLTH 2300  ; PSY 2710  ; PSY 2410  OR PSY 3420  . The concentration is designed to meet the prerequisites of the physical therapy program at Ohio University and most other institutions ( note : there are no uniform requirements for physical therapy schools).  Students interested in applying to a particular physical therapy graduate program should consult that school’s catalog or website for exact prerequisites ad work with your academic advisor.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond university admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

A degree in exercise physiology will prepare students for three different professional directions: pre-professional program preparation, exercise physiology research and exercise physiology applications.

Pre-professional Preparation

Many exercise physiology students use their degree in exercise physiology as a preparation for application to a graduate level professional program, such as: physician assistant, chiropractic school, occupational therapy, or medical school. The basic science background of this program helps to prepare students for application to these professional programs. Completion of the Pre-Physical Therapy concentration prepares students for the requirements needed to apply to physical therapy graduate programs.

Exercise Physiology Research

Some students are interested in pursuing a career in a research environment, such as academia. The research direction of exercise physiology requires an even greater emphasis on the basic sciences with more classes in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. This can be accomplished by supplementing their degree with these courses.

Exercise Physiology Applications

Many exercise physiology students desire to use their knowledge to work with individuals or groups to promote physical fitness, health and/or performance. These individuals or groups include: health/fitness, clinical/rehabilitation, and athletic performance. The program prepares students to work in all three of these areas.

Requirements