The exercise science major at Bethany takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the human body and how it works in health and disease.
Exercise science majors consider how the body moves and responds to exercise. Students learn how to prescribe appropriate exercise for clients with special medical concerns. Bethany’s major was designed to fulfill the requirements of governing bodies that oversee the field of exercise science. You are also encouraged to take electives or a formal minor in the fields of health communication or business administration. Graduates go directly into a wide variety of workplace opportunities or pursue graduate studies in physical therapy, rehabilitation, or wellness.
Read full Major Requirements below. The Exercise Science program is also offered as a minor.
Student Stories
Read about these students from our Exercise Science Program:
Alex Stefanske (’14)
Alex, a 2014 Bethany graduate, works at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, which provides rehabilitation services for people with short- and
Dan Stark (’12)
Dan Stark, a 2012 Bethany graduate, is in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at The College of St. Scholastica
Emily Peterson (’11)
Emily, a 2011 Bethany graduate, is working toward her doctorate in physical therapy at the University of North Dakota in
Meet the Faculty
For more information, see the Exercise Science Department.
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Lyle Jones MTH 148 507-344-7352 | Associate ProfessorHead Coach Women's Basketball | MTH 148 507-344-7352 | |
 | Matt Kuster MTH 142 507-344-7428 | Professor | MTH 142 507-344-7428 | |
 | Tiffany Young Klockziem MTH 140 507-344-7583 | Professor- Health & Human Performance | MTH 140 507-344-7583 | |
Major Requirements
Note Bethany’s Program Requirements Disclaimer when planning your coursework.
Mission Statement
The exercise science major provides opportunities to create and foster positive attitudes toward physical and mental health. Liberal learning skills are integrated throughout the major via critical thinking, writing, and oral interpretation from a Christ-centered perspective, maintaining the mission of Bethany Lutheran College.
Academic work within the major empowers students to demonstrate and educate others on the importance of lifelong fitness, while at the same time providing theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to establish a lifestyle for themselves and others that promotes health and prevents disease.
An exercise science graduate will be prepared for a career in a variety of health and fitness fields or to pursue an advanced degree. Finally, our graduates are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and Christian ethics through a Biblical worldview and a personal philosophy of wellness.
Student Goals
- Develop broad learning consistent with the philosophy and objectives of Bethany Lutheran College.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in the principles of biology, chemistry, health and wellness, nutrition, human growth and development, human anatomy, and physiology as they relate to responses and adaptations during physical activity and exercise.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the field of exercise science including motor learning and development, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and aerobic and anaerobic conditioning responses in health and disease.
- Demonstrate competency in health and fitness testing and measurement of individuals.
- Assess, design, implement and re-evaluate fitness programs for all individuals.
- Interpret appropriate research and apply it to the practice of exercise science.
- Formulate a personal philosophy of wellness integral to balanced healthy living.
Program Learning Outcomes
A Bethany Lutheran College exercise science graduate will:
- Demonstrate competency in health and fitness testing, and measurements of individuals.
- Appropriately assess, design and implement fitness programs for all individuals.
- Formulate a personal philosophy of wellness consisting of a balanced, holistic outlook, including Christian ethics, as applied to the field of exercise science.
- Interpret appropriate research and apply it to the practice of exercise science.
Core Requirements
One of:
- BIOL101 Principles of Biology and Lab
- BIOL151 General Biology I and Lab
- BIOL152 General Biology II and Lab
- CHEM107 General, Organic and Biochemistry and Lab
- CHEM113 General Chemistry I and Lab
All of:
- BIOL221 Human Anatomy and Lab (prerequisite: BIOL151 or consent of instructor)
- BIOL222 Human Physiology and Lab (prerequisite: BIOL221)
- HLTH103 Healthful Living or HLTH240 Current Health Issues
- HLTH201 Nutrition
- HLTH206 Advanced First Aid
- PHED217 Lifetime Health and Fitness
- PSYC120 Human Growth and Development
All of the following, with a grade of “C–” or higher required:
- HLTH330 History and Philosophy of Wellness
- PHED310 Motor Learning and Behavior
- PHED350 Kinesiology (prerequisite: BIOL221)
- PHED470 Research and Writing in Exercise Science
All of the following, after prerequisites BIOL221 and BIOL222 have been completed, with a grade of “C–” or higher required:
- BIOL490 Introduction to Human Gross Anatomy and Lab
- HLTH470 Introduction to Diseases and Disorders
- PHED450 Exercise Physiology and Lab
- PHED455 Strength and Conditioning
- PHED460 Exercise Testing and Prescription
- PHED480 Topics in Exercise Science
Recommended courses:
Minor Requirements
A minor in exercise science requires the following courses:
- BIOL221 Human Anatomy and Lab — (prerequisite: BIOL151 or consent of instructor)
- BIOL222 Human Physiology and Lab
- PHED450 Exercise Physiology and Lab
- PHED455 Strength and Conditioning
- PHED460 Exercise Testing and Prescription
Next Steps
Start picturing yourself as an Exercise Science student at Bethany! Schedule your personal visit today, or learn more about our campus.