Understand how the human body works through function, physical activity, and health. Explore our Exercise and Health Science degree.
Undergraduate Bachelor of Science
Major
124
4 Years
Salem
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Fernando Bitelli BS '24 used his thesis to create a community outreach project for the Grêmio Esportivo Osasco soccer academy located in São Paulo, Brazil.
At the same time he was completing his thesis, Fernando secured an internship with the sports performance clinic TALO where he developed the skills he then used to devise a training program the academy in São Paulo could implement without additional costs. Fernando designed the program based on research he conducted about cost-effective ways to enhance the performance of youth players.
Whether they are pursuing graduate degrees or getting started in their careers, our alumni are making a name for themselves. Some have gone on to be physicians, entrepreneurs, and authors while others are working in a variety of fields including physical therapy, nursing, prosthetics, and academia.
Student finds mentors and growth at Willamette
Veronica Castille '24 transformed from a timid first-year student to a confident researcher, athlete, and advocate, excelling as a founding member of the Women’s Triathlon team and preparing for a career in occupational therapy, all while being deeply influenced by her mentors at Willamette.
A new type of training
Monya Maleki ’19, an exercise and health science major, revolutionized sports training at Willamette by pioneering a study on ballet's benefits for football players, leading to its integration into the team's regimen, and paving her path toward a career in physical therapy research.
Our faculty are experts in their respective fields of study in each area of EXHS including Anatomy, Biomechanics, Physiology, Statistics, and Research Design. They are dedicated to student success and each serves as an academic advisor and mentor for student research projects. Connect with them through research projects, small class sizes, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Dr. Lucas Ettinger specializes in human anatomy and biomechanics. He guides students toward their goals, and promotes success by involving them in impactful clinical research.
Dr. Michael Lockard specializes in exercise and human physiology. He teaches a variety of courses, and actively involves students in laboratory work.
Dr. Brandi Row Lazzarini specializes in biomechanics, aging, and functional anatomy. She emphasizes hands-on activities and community engagement in her courses, and her research focuses on biomechanics of aging and exercise interventions for older adults.
Learn about the human body, human physical function, and the effects of physical activity on health and disease. Combine classroom lectures with hands-on lab work to find your calling and make an impact. Our core and elective courses prepare students for their careers.
Explore the role of nutrition in sports performance through engaging group discussions and scientific investigations. Learn to distinguish facts from myths and develop evidence-based advice for athletes and coaches.
Explore the fascinating process of human embryonic development and understand congenital diseases and dysfunctions in this course. Perform specialized dissections and develop projects on medical anomalies.
Our Exercise and Health Science program requires 50 semester hours to complete the major, with a total of 124 credit hours required to complete the degree. These hours come from 34 semester hours in Exercise and Health Science and 16 other semester hours.
Our Exercise and Health Science program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.
Willamette University offers generous merit scholarships and financial aid to Exercise and Health Science majors, with no separate application required. All admitted undergraduates are automatically considered for scholarships starting at $28,000 per year. For students with financial need and a passion for STEM, our STEM Fellows Program provides up to $5,000 annually for first-year students. This program includes mentorship, field trips, tutoring, and more, helping students succeed in their STEM careers. Additionally, Exercise and Health Science majors are considered for research scholarships (iHSI grant), Abendroth research grants, and Kenitzer academic grants based on student scholarly achievements and interest in research. Work study opportunities are also available as academic peer tutors in several of our classes.
Willamette University