Health and Human Performance students learn from faculty with experience across athletic training, exercise science, physical education, sport and recreation management, and related professional fields.

Mary Jacobs is an Assistant Professor and head athletic trainer with experience in outpatient rehabilitation and high school athletic training outreach. Her professional interests include athletic injury rehabilitation, biomechanics, and human movement. She is also a Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner.

Dr. Nathan Reep serves as an Assistant Professor, Clinical Education Coordinator, and Athletic Trainer. His background includes athletic training in secondary school and collegiate settings, along with experience in strength and conditioning and clinical education.

Dr. Adam Thompson is Professor and Chair of the Division of Health and Human Performance and previously served as Director of IWU’s Athletic Training Program. His experience includes clinical care, sports medicine, and work with student-athletes, and his research interests include chronic stress and burnout in healthcare, manual therapy, and sports medicine.

Health and Human Performance students receive guidance from faculty advisors and other professionals throughout their program.

Regular interaction with faculty and professional mentors can help students develop professionally, explore career goals, build relationships within their field, and prepare for the transition from college into professional or graduate opportunities.

An Exercise Science degree can prepare you for careers in areas such as exercise physiology, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, personal training, strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, wellness, fitness leadership, and health agencies.

It can also provide a foundation for graduate study in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, nutrition, and other health professions.

The Exercise Science curriculum is designed around professional standards to help you build the knowledge and practical skills needed for careers and advanced study in health, fitness, rehabilitation, and related fields.

IWU’s Exercise Science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), reflecting its alignment with established standards for exercise science education.

Exercise Science students complete two professional experiences and a dedicated internship as part of the program.

These experiences allow you to apply what you learn in professional settings, explore potential career paths, and build relationships with professionals in the field. Placements may take place locally or elsewhere in the country based on your interests, professional goals, and available opportunities.

Yes. Exercise Science professional experiences and internships are completed in person.

Depending on the placement, an experience may take place during the academic year or over the summer. Internship opportunities are selected based on student interests, professional goals, and available placements.

Previous coursework may be evaluated to determine whether it can meet specific Exercise Science degree requirements.

Transfer evaluations are coordinated through the Registrar’s Office and program leadership. Course content and applicable accreditation standards may affect whether previous coursework can be applied to the degree.

IWU’s Exercise Science program combines an accredited curriculum with hands-on learning, professional experiences, faculty mentorship, and opportunities to work with exercise physiology and biomechanics equipment.

Students can develop practical skills while preparing for careers in exercise science or continued education in health and rehabilitation fields.

Students who are interested in human movement, health, fitness, and performance and are willing to invest in both classroom and hands-on learning are well suited for Exercise Science.

The program is especially suited for students who want to apply scientific knowledge in practical settings and prepare for careers or graduate study in health, fitness, rehabilitation, or related fields.

The Human Performance Lab gives Exercise Science students access to exercise physiology and biomechanics equipment and dedicated space for learning and research.

Students can gain experience with equipment and techniques they may encounter in graduate programs and professional settings while applying concepts from their coursework.