Exercise Science
The Exercise Science (ESCI) major at our institution offers four distinct concentration areas, tailored to prepare students for various career paths in health risk intervention, fitness promotion, and sport programming. These concentrations include Fitness, Strength, and Conditioning; Pre-Athletic Training; Pre-Occupational Therapy; and Pre-Physical Therapy.
Each concentration has specific semester hour requirements, ensuring students receive tailored education to suit their career goals.
ESCI concentration areas include:
Our Fitness, Strength, and Conditioning concentration within the field of Exercise Science is a dynamic and comprehensive concentration designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving world of fitness and athletic performance.
At Defiance College, we understand the vital role that fitness, strength, and conditioning play in optimizing human performance, whether you aspire to become a personal trainer, sports coach, or work in sports medicine. Our program combines cutting-edge research, hands-on practical experience, and a strong foundation in exercise science to prepare you for a rewarding career in this thriving field.
By choosing our Fitness, Strength, and Conditioning concentration, you are taking the first step toward becoming a sought-after fitness professional, capable of helping individuals and athletes achieve their performance and wellness goals. Join us in the pursuit of excellence in exercise science and embark on a fulfilling career dedicated to improving human health and performance.
Are you ready to take your passion for fitness and athleticism to the next level? Explore our program and start your journey towards a rewarding career today!
If you aspire to play a crucial role in the world of sports medicine, injury prevention, and athlete care, this concentration is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in Athletic Training.
At Defiance College, we understand that athletic trainers are the frontline professionals responsible for keeping athletes in peak condition, preventing injuries, and facilitating recovery. Our Pre-Athletic Training Concentration is tailored to prepare you for competitive graduate Master of Athletic Training programs.
If you’re passionate about sports, athlete care, and making a meaningful impact on athletes’ lives, explore our Pre-Athletic Training concentration and embark on a fulfilling journey towards becoming a certified athletic trainer.
Are you ready to step into the world of athletic training? Start your journey today!
At Defiance College, we recognize that occupational therapy is a vital field that transforms the lives of individuals facing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. Our Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration is carefully crafted to equip you with the knowledge, skills, prerequisites and experiences needed to gain admission to competitive Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduate programs.
If you’re passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their daily living goals and regain independence, explore our Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare and embark on a fulfilling journey towards a rewarding career in occupational therapy!
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others through occupational therapy? Start your journey today!
Welcome to the Pre-Physical Therapy concentration, an integral part of our Exercise Science program at Defiance College. If you’re passionate about helping individuals regain their mobility, improve their physical function, and lead healthier lives, our specialized concentration is your gateway to a fulfilling career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
At Defiance College, we understand the pivotal role physical therapists play in the healthcare industry, and we are committed to preparing you for success in highly competitive Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate programs. Our Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration provides you with the essential knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to excel in this rewarding field.
If you’re passionate about promoting mobility, relieving pain, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all ages, explore our Pre-Physical Therapy concentration. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare and embark on a fulfilling journey towards a rewarding career in physical therapy!
Are you ready to make a positive impact on the lives of others through physical therapy? Start your journey today!
Major Learning Outcomes (MLOs)
By the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply essential knowledge of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and/or exercise techniques to create an appropriate health promotion, intervention or fitness program for various populations.
- Discuss the interrelationship between disease prevention, health promotion, and personal wellness.
- Integrate discipline specific knowledge and skills with the abilities to effectively read, evaluate, and utilize evidence-based practice and research.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal and professional communication skills in working with peers, clients, supervisors and professional colleagues.
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by considering unique characteristics and values of individuals to approach assessment and/or programming in a culturally sensitive manner.
Additionally, the required experiential learning opportunities (field experience and internship) supplement the exercise science courses with hands-on experiences and skills.
Our Exercise Science Strength and Conditioning concentration is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE)—the gold standard in strength and conditioning education. This accreditation means you’ll graduate from a program that meets the highest national standards and fulfills the educational requirements to pursue the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) credential. Beginning in 2030, graduation from a CASCE-accredited program will be required to earn the CSCS certification, giving Defiance College students a distinct advantage as they prepare for careers in strength and conditioning, athletic performance, sport science, and human performance.
Graduate Outcomes
Anytime Fitness
Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers
Dave’s Running Shop
Defiance Area YMCA
Defiance Clinic
LA Fitness
University of Minnesota