The BS in exercise science and wellness combines the study of exercise physiology within the holistic context of health and wellness. The program integrates a hands-on, experiential learning laboratory working with various demographic populations (e.g., athletes, new moms, senior citizens). Through a dynamic collaboration between the University and the local hospital rehabilitation services, students are exposed to scenarios to apply theory to patient rehabilitation. Students learn techniques in coaching, counseling and effective motivational techniques during both internal and external internship experiences. The curriculum provides the knowledge to develop tailored exercise prescriptions to patients after an illness or injury that will promote improved health and wellness for the future. After completion of the program, the graduate will be well-positioned for a career in the physical fitness industry, hospitals, or schools. As the United States population ages, the need for healthy living and better fitness will demand more individuals to facilitate quality of life decisions and overall wellness. The exercise science and wellness major uniquely positions graduates to enter this new reality with the knowledge and experience to merge exercise with health and wellness. This major also aligns with the University’s mission to internationalize the curriculum by being one of the first majors at the University of Minnesota, Crookston to internationalize the program by integrating learner outcomes that challenge the students to reflect on their own learning and become global competent graduates. Program outcomes: • Apply exercise related principles to apparently healthy populations as well as those with cardiovascular, pulmonary and/or metabolic disease. • Administer health appraisals, assess client needs, design and administer appropriate programs such as smoking cessation, blood pressure, weight control, and nutrition counseling. • Design and administer appropriate strength, power, flexibility, agility, and cardio-respiratory programs based on clients’ goals, needs and abilities. • Integrate core and body mechanics into the exercise prescription for both consultative and on-site Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists. • Describe the implications of positive and negative health practices impacting physical, social, occupational, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and environmental health within a cultural context. • Discuss major health risks and diseases affecting contemporary society, and explore the principal ways to promote health and wellness through lifestyle and behavioral change throughout the lifespan and within a cultural context.

Students must complete 40 upper-division credits. A maximum of two “D” grades are allowed for core courses required in the program and technology requirements. This includes grades earned at UMC or transferred in from another institution.