Why study Exercise Science at MC?
Are you fascinated by the human body and how it works? Are you passionate about helping people and making an impact on society? Do you like exercise/physical activity? An Exercise Science student studies the immediate and long-term effects of physical activity on the body. The Exercise Science Major provides a challenging educational experience for students who wish to pursue health/fitness careers and further their education at the graduate level.
If you wish to pursue a health and/or fitness career and further your education at the graduate level, Maryville College’s major in Exercise Science will provide you with a challenging curriculum that teaches you the immediate and long-term effects of physical activity on the body. Through internships and class activities, this major provides hands-on experience in the health/fitness industry tied to core academic preparation in the science of exercise and health. The American College of Sports Medicine, through its Exercise is Medicine on Campus® initiative, has ranked our program at the gold level.
Exercise Science provides a foundation to prepare you for a variety of careers, such as physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy and exercise physiology. Many careers require graduate study; however, several entry-level positions are available while you pursue further education.
ON CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES
Students who are interested in gaining valuable experience in sports medicine are encouraged to apply for the program and work in the MC Training Room. Unlike programs at larger colleges and universities, our students work with each varsity sport and help with student-athletes’ rehabilitation and injury prevention. Graduates of our program have gone on to successful careers in athletic training, physical therapy and various other areas of health care.
Maryville College believes in the evidence linking fitness, sustainability, happiness and high academic performance — so much so that the College trademarked the term “Fit. Green. Happy.®” to describe the on-campus initiative that provides strong connections between the Mountain Challenge outdoor adventure program, academic departments, courses and the College’s location.
Meet a Current Scot
Audrey Sanders
Hometown: Franklin, Tennessee
Originally attracted to Maryville for its athletic programs, Audrey quickly realized that the College had much more to offer being near the mountains, as well as offering a close-knit community and culture that have given her a chance to grow as an individual.
“I enjoy Exercise Science because it combines the knowledge of science with the holistic approaches to public health,” she said, adding that the major provides in-depth learning about “the human body and how it responds to movement, exercise, and activities of daily living.” She plans to eventually earn a master’s degree in business or healthcare and work in a public health or rehabilitative setting.
Meet a Recent Grad
Robin Bannow ’23
Currently: Pursuing Doctor of Physical Therapy at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana
Robin came to MC knowing she wanted a career in the medical field and that she wanted to work with children. The Exercise Science major stood out as a way to explore a variety of career opportunities incorporating both of Robin’s interests.
Currently enrolled in an accelerated program for a DPT, Robin credits MC for preparing her for graduate school. “I received a variety of hands-on experiences using tools that I am now using in my graduate classes. I also benefitted from the strong foundation I got from the advanced science classes. Not only did I learn information that I am applying in my graduate studies, but it taught me how to study and tackle difficult information.”