Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I pursue an exercise science degree from Mount Union?

   There are many reasons to major in exercise science at Mount Union including an opportunity to choose the track (graduate school or clinical) you want to pursue depending on your intended career choice, ample opportunities to get real-world experience outside of the classroom, state-of-the-art exercise science lab equipment and facilities,  and independent and collaborative research studies with faculty.

2. What types of hands-on learning opportunities can I expect as an exercise science major?

   Students pursuing an exercise science degree at the University of Mount Union have ample opportunities to get real-world experience outside of the classroom. In fact, our Clinical Track was designed to provide students with as much hands-on experience as possible. Some of the practical experiences we offer include, but are not limited to: internships; fitness programs in a variety of settings including YMCA’s GIFT and BIFT Programs, local elementary schools, Alliance Community Hospital, Alliance Fire Department, Copeland Oaks Retirement Community and Mount Union; and independent and collaborative research. By getting involved in these experiential and clinical field opportunities, you can strengthen your skills in prevention, diagnosis, immediate care, and rehabilitation of athletic-related injuries and illnesses.

3. What is the Exercise Science Seminar Series?

   The Exercise Science Seminar Series is a sequence of three courses offered during the sophomore and senior years of the exercise science curriculum. Each seminar has a unique focus, relevant to the student and where they stand in the curriculum. The series provides standardization on important topics and allows for students to receive the information in a timely and effective manner. Students earn one credit hour per seminar. While there is some work required outside of the classroom, the intent of the series is not to be overly rigorous, but practical and applicable to the student’s academic career and overall life skills.

4. What extracurricular clubs can students become involved with?

   There are many clubs on campus that allow students to become more involved. From guest speakers to job interview and professional school application preparation, Mount Union’s Exercise Science Club offers future exercise science and allied-health professionals with tips and hands-on experiences, allowing them to explore what their future may hold first-hand. The Inter-Science Research Club provides an opportunity for students and faculty from multiple disciplines to come together and examine the latest research findings in exercise science, biology, chemistry, and psychology. Students who are passionate about exercise can find like-minded communities and ways to maintain physical and mental well-being with the Lifting and Fitness Club. The Raider Sport Science Club permits students to gain experience working with athletic teams to collect and analyze relevant data on athletic performance. Whatever your interests are, there is a club to help students expand their horizons and become engaged on campus!

5. What types of facilities and equipment will be available to exercise science majors?

   Mount Union’s Exercise Science Program is housed in the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex (MAAC), which is well-equipped with modern laboratory equipment. Students will be exposed to the state-of-the-art equiment in both classroom and laboratory settings in addition to when they are conducting research independently or alongside Mount Union faculty. Exercise science majors will benefit from an electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate monitors, sphygmomanometers, laboratory treadmills, cycle ergometers, metabolic carts, Ballistic Measurement System, electromyography (EMG), clinical analyzers, and body composition devices.

6. What types of jobs can I expect with an exercise science degree?

   An exercise science degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities including, but not limited to: exercise technologist, exercise specialist, program director, exercise leader, health/fitness instructor, health/fitness director, advanced personal trainer, and certified strength and conditioning specialist. In addition, courses at Mount Union will prepare you for certification exams in a variety of areas.

7. Is exercise science an adequate major for individuals looking for a pre-physical therapy program?

   Exercise science is definitely an adequate major for those students intending to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. In fact, our Graduate Track incorporates many courses that specifically prepare students who are interested in continuing their education. However, please keep in mind that Mount Union’s exercise science major is not a pre-physical therapy program or degree. We recognize the similarities between the two programs and capitalize on that, but exercise science is much more than just a physical therapy feeder program.

8. What graduate programs would I be prepared to pursue after earning my exercise science degree?

   Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science will prepare you to apply for a variety of graduate programs including, but not limited to: physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), physician assistant (PA), chiropractic, nutrition, exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist, and biomechanics.

9. Will I be prepared to sit for additional certifications?

   Mount Union’s exercise science curriculum is designed to provide students the laboratory and personal hands-on, real-world experiences needed to complete certification examinations offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) including Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), NSCA-Certified Personal Trainers (NSCA-CPT), Tactical Strength and Conditioning-Facilitator (TSAC-F), Certified Personal Trainer® (CPT), Certified Health Fitness SpecialistSM (HFS), Certified Group Exercise InstructorSM (GEI), Certified Clinical Exercise SpecialistSM (CES), Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist® (RCEP), Exercise is Medicine® Credential, ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET), ACSM/NCPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT), and ACSM/NSPAPPH Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS).

10. Who do I contact if I have questions about Mount Union's exercise science degree?

    For more information, contact Dr. Ron Mendel, professor and chair, Department of Exercise, Sport, and Nutrition Sciences, at (330) 829-8172 or cnhs@mountunion.edu.

11. Can I study abroad while majoring in Exercise Science?

    Absolutely! The Exercise Science faculty firmly believe that studying abroad can be one of the most meaningful experiences for a student, so much so, that we have revised curriculum plans for those students who want to study abroad during their time at Mount Union. Student-athletes who are concerned about missing their season or off-season can consider studying abroad during a 4-week or 5-week term during the summer. The Exercise Science faculty have experience teaching and working internationally, so ask them about this exciting opportunity, or visit the Center for Global Education for more information!