Indiana Wesleyan University
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    Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church. The University was founded in 1920 as Marion College and is committed to liberal arts and professional education.

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    Indiana Wesleyan University offers over 280 academic programs, certificates and endorsements in business, technology, education, science, ministry, nursing and more. We offer program options online, on campus in Marion, IN, and at our onsite regional centers in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

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    Whether your intent is to complete an associate degree, finish your bachelor's degree, prepare for special education licensure, enter the world of higher learning with a master's degree, pursue a doctoral degree, or earn one of our many certificates, our education programs are designed specifically for your busy lifestyle.

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  • Exercise Science

Everyone is aware of the decline in physical activity and the obesity epidemic in the United States of America. So what can you do to help change this problem and impact the world for the better?

A Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Indiana Wesleyan University boosts your knowledge about exercise, nutrition, and spiritual health. This holistic approach to wellness that Exercise Science majors learn brings book knowledge to life, making profound improvements in others' lives immediately through professions like cardiac rehabilitation, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and more. A degree in Exercise Science can be a stepping stone to pursue a graduate-level degree required for some career paths like physical or occupational therapy, physician's assistant, etc. or to start a career in Athletic Training. 

Your learning experience at IWU will take you far beyond the classroom by utilizing hands-on experiences in IWU's Human Performance Lab which is equipped with a metabolic cart, ECG system, Biopac EMG System, Bod Pod, Monark bikes, Kistler force plate, and other pieces of equipment to ensure that our graduates have experience with current laboratory measurement techniques.

By committing to changing the world with Christ-like kindness, our graduates go a step beyond achieving success; they feel fulfilled. The holistic approach that Exercise Science majors learn combines knowledge of spiritual health.

 

Exercise Science is an accredited program through CAAHEP, which offers one-on-one advising to help ensure that you are taking the right courses to prepare you for whichever area of exercise science most interests you. Whether you are going straight into the exercise science profession or planning to go on to a graduate program, IWU's Exercise Science major can prepare you for success.

CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation (COAES), CAAHEP reviews and accredits over 2000 programs in twenty-eight (28) health science occupations (caahep.org). Our program is accredited through March 16, 2028.

CAAHEP
25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158,
Clearwater, FL 33763

Faculty

At Indiana Wesleyan University, our Exercise Science program is designed to offer a Christ-centered approach to improving your knowledge and application as you prepare for graduate school and other careers. Our faculty members are recognized leaders in the field by ACSM, NSCA, and NATA; many faculty currently practice the trade, conduct research, and contribute to scholarly literature.

Meet The HHP Faculty

IWU Exercise Science Student Pass Rates on Certification Examinations and Graduate Placement

Graduate Placement

2018-2019

2019-2020

2020-2021

2021-2022

Last 4 years aggregate

Number of graduates from program

24

21

16

20

81

Number of graduates employed in the field within 1 year of graduation

4

6

5

4

22

Number of graduates continuing education

16

11

10

11

48

Percentage of placement

83.33%

80.95%

93%

75%

86%

Certification Exams

Number of graduates who challenged a certification exam

1

5

3

2

12

Number of graduates who passed a certification exam

1

5

2

2

11

Percentage of students who passed a certification exam

100%

100%

67%

100%

91%

FAQ's

How Does the exercise science program at indiana wesleyan university Prepare me for direct entry into the workforce or graduate school?

Many exercise science occupations are characterized by very competitive fields. Several career paths in exercise science require experience or observation hours as well as a minimum 3.0 grade point average prior to consideration for acceptance. Shadowing opportunities are a great way to increase practical experience and gain a sense for what a particular exercise science field entails.
The Excercise Science program at IWU helps students complete prerequisite courses, meaning required for entry, for most graduate programs; these prerequisites often include biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and psychology. It is important to note that requirements will vary by graduate school so students ought to research to ensure the essential classes are completed on time. For additional assistance, the graduate school of choice should have a website helpful in offering further information.

What is the Difference between Pre-Physical / Pre-Occupational Therapy Programs & Exercise Science Major at Indiana Wesleyan University?

There is often confusion associated with these two programs. The pre-physical therapy and pre-occupational therapy programs at Indiana Wesleyan University are focused programs composed of classes that encompass most of the requirements for entry into graduate physical and occupational therapy programs. These programs can be completed by individuals of any major. On the other hand, exercise science is a major composed of classes that prepare students for work in a variety of settings. Individuals with a degree in exercise science can choose to continue on to several graduate programs, ranging from occupational and physical therapy to physician's assistant. If choosing not to attend graduate school, students graduating with an exercise science degree also have the opportunity to become certified in a variety of fields. Some of these include personal training, health and wellness coaching, cardiac rehabilitation and strength and conditioning coaching. As a student at Indiana Wesleyan University, you can major in exercise science and also be in the pre-physical therapy program. You have the opportunity to continue at graduate school for physical therapy regardless of your completion of the pre-physical therapy program. As long as you meet all prerequisites for the graduate school of your choice. The programs offered at IWU are simply a guide for you as a student in your class completion and status that helps identify your academic track. Upon completion of IWU's pre-physical or pre-occupational therapy programs, you may not meet all of the prerequisites for a particular graduate program, so it is important to confirm the requirements for your graduate school of choice during your time at Indiana Wesleyan University.

What are the Differences between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy?

Individuals also tend to confuse occupational and physical therapy. Both of these fields can be pursued with an exercise science degree. While both include rehabilitation, occupational therapy is centered on providing patients with the understanding and management techniques necessary to help them reach normal, independent functioning. Acquiring or relearning skills and learning to cope with individual circumstances are both focuses in this field. Home and emotional environments are studied. Physical therapy, on the other hand, focuses on the treatment of injuries or medical procedures that may be causing impairment. Prevention of further injury is also a component. In simple terms, occupational therapy is more of an aid to normal living while physical therapy acts as a cure for injury. Occupational therapists tend to require greater training in fine motor movements while physical therapists need understanding in gross motor movements. In addition, occupational therapy has more of an emotional aspect to it than does physical therapy. In most rehabilitation cases, physical and occupational therapists are combined and complement one another in treating a patient.

 

If you are considering schools that offer an exercise science degree in Indiana, you should take a good look at IWU. We are a Christian university that offers a variety of Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral (DPT and OTD) programs. Contact us at 866-GO-TO-IWU for more information about any of our degree completion and other adult education programs.

CAAHEP Logo

Career Paths

A graduate-level degree, beyond this program, may be required to pursue some of the careers listed.

Exercise Physiology
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab
Biomechanics
Athletic Trainer
Nutritionist / Registered Dietician
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physician’s Assistant

Researcher
Kinesiotherapist
Personal Trainer
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Corporate / Adult Fitness
Wellness Centers / Health Agencies
Fitness Leadership
Group Exercise Instructor

 

Search more jobs for this degree.

Courses

One of the best ways to discover a degree program is to check out the course listings. Preview the courses for Exercise Science at Indiana Wesleyan University using the course catalog.

 

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