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Minor in Exercise and Sports Science

Based on the vast volume of biomedical evidence collected over the past seven decades, scientists know physical activity and a good diet are essential to long-term health and wellness across the human lifespan.

Knowledge about nutrition and physical activity is increasingly in demand, especially for those whose careers are directly or indirectly related to promoting human health and wellness.

Combine your interest in exercise, sports, and nutrition with coursework that gives you greater depth and broad insight into human anatomy, biology, and physiology.

Why study exercise and sports science at Marian?

Earning a minor in exercise and sports science (ESS) can help you define your career options. If you want to work in healthcare marketing, sports management or psychology, corporate wellness, health education, public health, or related fields, ESS is an excellent academic choice.

Pair this minor with bachelor's degrees in:

  • Biology
  • Communication
  • Education
  • Graphic design
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Public health
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

When you graduate, having a health-related minor can differentiate you from other job-seekers.

The ESS minor is also an excellent option for students who plan to pursue graduate study in medicine, physical therapy, or other health professions.

Compared to similar programs at other universities, Marian's program is unique because of its emphasis on nutrition as well as exercise. In addition:

  • Marian's ESS program is the only one in Indiana affiliated with an osteopathic medical school.
  • Coursework explores human psychology and behavioral modifications leading to good health.

What will you study?

You will study human performance and movement during exercise and physical activities. In addition, you'll explore the biochemistry of good nutrition.

To earn an ESS minor, you will complete at least 18 credits of coursework. With just one required three-credit course (ESS 120: Biophysical Values of Activity), you have maximum flexibility in selecting 15 additional credits of other coursework that best fits your career goals. Among the courses from which you might choose:

  • Nutrition and disease prevention
  • Theory of speed and development
  • Structural anatomy
  • Kinesiology
  • Care and prevention of athletic injuries
  • Principles of strength and conditioning
  • Fitness testing and exercise prescription
  • Clinical aspects of exercise physiology

Upon completion, you'll understand how to recommend nutritional changes and physical activity as prescriptive treatments for achieving and maintaining good health.

What are your career paths?

The ESS minor can help you prepare for careers like:

  • Health educator or public health specialist
  • Sports advertising, marketing, or broadcasting manager
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Healthcare management
  • Sports agent, attorney, or psychologist
  • Emergency medical technician or paramedic
  • Recreational therapist
  • Wellness coach

Our faculty can advise you about preparing for and passing nationally recognized certification exams overseen by organizations like the International Consortium for Health & Wellness Coaching, the National Board of Medical Examiners, the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates, among others.

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Notice of Nondiscrimination
Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.

Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.

Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.

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