The College of St. Scholastica

About the Department

The Department of Exercise Physiology offers undergraduate (Bachelors of Science) and graduate (Masters of Science) degrees in exercise physiology. The goal of the undergraduate and graduate exercise physiology programs is to prepare students for careers in clinical, applied, and research settings. The graduate program is a focused one-year sequence composed of eight courses (four per semester) culminating in an internship or thesis completed during the summer. The common theme of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum is a focus on the study of human physiology as it relates to exercise, physical activity, sport, and health. Graduates of the program continue on to a diverse range of clinical and applied settings ranging from health care and fitness/wellness to athletics and entrepreneurial endeavors. Some graduates also choose to pursue graduate and professional degrees to better position themselves for careers in teaching, research, and other healthcare professions.

The exercise physiology programs at St. Scholastica expose students to hands-on learning through the numerous courses that have laboratory components utilizing the two fully-equipped exercise physiology laboratories in addition to the anatomy laboratory for cadaver dissection. Additionally, the SHAPE UP program is housed within the Exercise Physiology Department and affords students the opportunity to work one-on-one with members of the St. Scholastica community to achieve their health and fitness goals. The exercise physiology faculty have a wide range of backgrounds and are at St. Scholastica because they are educators first and enjoy teaching and working with students. The faculty also pursue various scholarly activities which include conducting original research studies and scientific writing. The low student-to-faculty ratio and classrooms equipped with the latest technology foster a friendly environment that is conducive for learning. The department is located in the new academic wing of the Burns Wellness Commons which is a recent addition to the college (2008) and features a state-of-the-art academic, fitness, and athletic complex.

The College of St. Scholastica is an independent private college offering programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional career fields. Ninety-seven percent of graduates are employed within career fields or graduate school within six months of graduation. The college is rated as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by US News & World Report magazine and is ranked among the top Midwestern Universities in “America’s Best Colleges” 2010 survey. The Exercise Physiology Department is part of the college’s School of Health Sciences which is also home to physical therapy, occupational therapy, health information management, social work, and athletic training. The College of St. Scholastica is known for its health science education which includes all of the previously mentioned programs in addition to nursing. The college has a total enrollment of approximately 3600 students and sits high atop the beautiful 186-acre campus overlooking Lake Superior and the Twin Ports of Duluth-Minnesota and Superior-Wisconsin.

 

Department of Exercise Physiology Mission Statement

 

Department of Exercise Physiology Vision Statement