Exercise Science and Athletic Training (ESAT)
Mission Statement
The departmental mission for all of our students is to develop the necessary creative and critical thinking skills required of responsible health and wellness professionals. By incorporating multiple academic disciplines and hands-on experiences, the department prepares students with a blend of scientific knowledge and practical application Our graduates are well prepared to work in a variety of health, wellness and performance optimization fields.
The Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training (ESAT) offers undergraduate majors in exercise science and physical education, as well as a graduate degree track in athletic training via the exercise science major. Within the exercise science major there are three options: exercise science, pre-professional (intended for graduate school preparation), and the exercise science/pre-athletic training which leads to the graduate program in athletic training.
The Exercise Science major is designed for students who are interested in utilizing their degree immediately upon graduation. All students earning this degree are required to complete a minor. While it should be understood that recipients of this degree option may need further educational preparation for graduate school, a minor will assist with marketability and job placement. Additionally, students should consider earning outside certifications (ACE, ACSM, CSCS, etc.), which will improve their opportunities upon graduation.
The Exercise Science/Pre-Professional major is designed for students pursuing future careers in health care, research and exercise science. With the proper pre-requisite courses, students may apply to physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant or medical school. Additionally, students will also be prepared for advanced degrees (Master or Doctorate) in fields such as exercise physiology, sports psychology, pedagogy, or biomechanics. The Pre-Professional major is designed to ensure that students have most, if not all, of the required courses to enter a graduate program upon completion of the BS degree. As each graduate program requires slightly different entry requirements, students are strongly encouraged to work with their advisor to ensure that all requirements are completed upon graduation. Students should identify potential graduate schools by the end of their sophomore year to ensure adequate time to complete required courses.
The combined B.S. in Exercise Science / Pre-Athletic Training & M.S. in Athletic Training degree programs combine requirements from the Exercise Science major and Athletic Training major for the completion of two degrees in five years. Athletic trainers are board certified allied health care professionals who specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. Students who want to become athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum and pass a comprehensive national exam administered by the Board of Certification. In this 5 year accelerated master’s degree program, years one and two of the Athletic Training Program comprise the Candidacy Phase, and then students apply to be the Graduate Professional Phase. During the Professional Phase (typically years 3-5), students will complete the combined degree program concurrently, that is, by completing the degree requirements for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the same time. By the end of the fourth year, students will have earned a B.S. in Exercise Science / Pre-Athletic Training and an M.S. in Athletic Training after year five.
The Physical Education major offers two options. The non-teaching major prepares highly effective and reflective young professionals with instructional techniques and skills to work with all age groups. Students graduating from this program are prepared to seek careers in youth activity programs, recreation, corporate fitness and sport-related commercial fields. Adrian College’s Physical Education (K-12 teacher certification) major prepares highly effective and reflective young professionals with extensive professional field experience and instructional techniques to work with diverse multiage students in K-12 classrooms. Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and personal social skills to be effective, reflective movement educators pursuing healthy active lifestyle education throughout a lifetime.
The Bachelor of Science in High Performance Coaching prepares students to become exceptional coaches and leaders by combining foundational knowledge in exercise science with evidence-based strategies, leadership development, and data-driven decision making. With a strong emphasis on practicum experiences and real-world application, students actively apply what they learn through hands-on coaching opportunities in athletic and organizational settings. The program focuses on optimizing performance, building resilient team cultures, and developing the communication and analytical skills needed to lead effectively in a variety of environments.
The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition prepares students to demonstrate proficiency in assessing, planning, and implementing dietary and nutritional interventions, integrating knowledge from food science, medical nutrition therapy, and life cycle nutrition. Students will possess a comprehensive understanding of the modern food system, from its historical underpinnings to current practices in food safety, production, and policy, and be able to assess its impact on individual and community health.
Tactical Strength & Conditioning is a specialized track within the Exercise Science major designed for students who want to work with both tactical athletes-such as military personnel, law enforcement officers, and fire/rescue professionals-and traditional athletic populations. In addition to completing the core Exercise Science curriculum, students gain targeted knowledge and practical experience addressing the unique physical demands and health needs of tactical professionals, while also building a strong foundation in athletic performance training. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers in both tactical and traditional sports performance settings, equipped with industry-relevant credentials and supported by partnerships with military, law enforcement, emergency services, and fitness organizations.
Students graduating from the ESAT department often pursue careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, nutrition, strength and conditioning, coaching, and physical education. Other fields include physician assistant studies, nursing, prosthetics, medicine (osteopathic or allopathic), biomechanics, exercise physiology, growth and motor development, sport psychology, sport sociology, and sport administration. Our expert faculty help all students customize their course of study to meet the career goals of their choice.
Major Program Requirements - Exercise Science
All students majoring in Exercise Science must complete the core and cognate courses for the desired major. The department offers a diverse array of programs, including:
B.S. Exercise Science
B.S. Exercise Science / Pre-Professional
B.S. Exercise Science / Pre-Athletic Training (this major leads to the M.S. in Athletic Training)
B.S. High Performance Coaching and Operations
B.S. Nutrition
B.S. Tactical Strength and Conditioning
B.A. Physical Education (Non-Teaching)
A.A. Physical Education
Minors in Nutrition, Tactical Strength and Conditioning, and Physical Education
Double Majors
The only double majors allowed within the ESAT department are those that include either Nutrition or Coaching (e.g., a student may double major in Exercise Science and Nutrition or PE and Coaching, but not Exercise Science and PE).