Physiology of Exercise is Newest Health Professions Degree at Marian University

Marian University added a new health-related bachelor's degree to its undergraduate offerings in January. Students can now earn a Bachelor of Science in Physiology of Exercise.

On a campus where 35 percent of students are athletes, faculty say the degree is a good choice for those who want to combine an interest in sports with health-related career aspirations.

"The curriculum is a blend of biology and chemistry within an overall contextual framework of physical exercise," reports Dr. Loren Bertocci, director of Marian University's program in exercise and sports science. "It includes science-intensive courses for students who want to pursue careers in cardiac rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation, and using exercise therapies to treat patients."

Bertocci says the physiology of exercise degree is also designed for students who ultimately want to become medical doctors or physician assistants, both of which require additional advanced studies. Graduates can pursue professional certification as clinical exercise therapists and rehabilitation specialists.

The health professions are an area of emphasis at Marian University. The Leighton School of Nursing has a long, respected history of excellence and the university's new College of Osteopathic Medicine is Indiana's first new medical school in 110 years.

Bachelor's degree students can pursue a number of health-related majors, minors, and concentration areas, including:

• Bioinformatics
• Biology
• Bio-organic chemistry
• Cell and molecular biology
• Chemistry
• Clinical laboratory science
• Clinical psychology
• Exercise physiology
• Exercise science
• Health and physical education
• Health education teaching
• Nursing
• Physical education
• Physiology of exercise
• Public health
• Sport performance
• Sport psychology

Pre-professional programs are available in:

• Pre-dentistry
• Pre-medicine
• Pre-occupational therapy
• Pre-pharmacy
• Pre-physical therapy
• Pre-veterinary science

Undergraduate students at Marian University have multiple opportunities to collaborate with faculty on health-related research. Many present their work at local, regional, and national professional conferences and help author articles selected for publication in scholarly journals. 

Many health professions students at Marian University also participate in an annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Last December, more than 50 students presented research findings on topics ranging from antibiotic resistance to the effect of amino acid inhibitors on enzymatic efficiency.

For more information about health professions degrees at Marian University, contact the Office of Admission at 317.955.6300, 800.772.7264, or admissions@marian.edu.