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Study Exercise and Health Science

Understand how the human body works through function, physical activity, and health. Explore our Exercise and Health Science degree.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Bachelor of Science

Major, Minor

124

4 Years

Salem Campus

Professor standing next to a student sitting on an exam table in a classroom.

Our Exercise and Health Science Major

Delve into the mind, body, and spirit of humankind. Discuss aging, learn about biomechanics, and gain real-world experiences with our exercise and health science major. Through our liberal arts program, students will gain the communication and critical thinking skills they need to succeed.

Why choose Exercise and Health Science at Willamette?

  • Hands-on learning through labs and resources. We're one of the few schools to offer a cadaver lab. We also offer an Exercise Science Lab and a Fitness Center with modern equipment to further your education.
  • Health professions support. If you're considering a graduate program or a health career, we offer support to ensure you're on the right path. From allied health to pre-med, find the advising you need to succeed.
  • Education outside the classroom. Consider broadening your view by studying abroad. Join student clubs such as Willamette Emergency Medical Services and Burning Bright to gain an understanding of the field.

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Alumni Stories

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.

  • Veronica Castille '24

    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.

    Veronica Castille in front of the pool at Willamette.
  • A Group participating in a dance class, focusing on a smiling woman in a black leotard and maroon shorts near a barre.

    Monya Maleki ’19

    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.

Curriculum

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.

  • EXHS 335 Sports Nutrition

    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.

  • EXHS 346 Advanced Human Anatomy

    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.

Program Requirements

Our Exercise and Health Science major requires 50 semester hours to complete the degree. These hours come from 34 semester hours in Exercise and Health Science and 16 other semester hours.

wo women in a clinical setting with medical equipment; one stands at a computer, the other sits in a medical device.
Admissions Information

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.

Therapist examines an athlete's knee on an examination table in a sports therapy facility.
Financial Aid and Scholarships

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 $26,000 per year. For students with financial need and a passion for STEM, our STEM Fellows Program provides up to $10,000 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.  

Person writing in a graph paper notebook at a desk with a laptop, pens, ruler, smartphone, and water bottle.

FAQs

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Exercise and Health Science