Exercise Science, Pre-Allied Health Emphasis

In this progressive and engaging exercise science major, you will learn how exercise, nutrition, physical activity, and recreation affect lifestyles and wellness. Discover how exercise physiology and behavior modification relate to mental health, prevention of disease/illness, management of chronic conditions, and injury prevention and recovery.

The knowledge and experience gained through this degree program can lead to a variety of career fields in health and fitness. If you are interested in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other post-graduate allied health professions you will find this a valuable undergraduate program.

Kayleigh Jones

Class of 2023

“Every professor has wonderful professional connections in many different careers and with graduate schools. They are all very personable and care about you as a person, not just a student.”

Read Kayleigh’s Story

Benefits of OBU Exercise Science, Pre-Allied Health Program

Post-graduate Preparation

Our Exercise Science: Pre-Allied Health degree is an excellent foundation for you to advance into such fields as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, chiropractor, athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, registered dietician and more. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on experience in our labs, internships, and faculty mentors, OBU graduates have a 99% acceptance rate to all graduate degree programs related to these rewarding and important fields.

Articulation Agreements with Graduate Level Programs

The OBU Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation program continually seeks partnerships with universities offering admission for advanced degrees. The agreements are designed to align with programs of interest to our students. Currently, OBU has a guaranteed admissions program with Oklahoma State University’s Center for Health Sciences (CHS). The program guarantees two top graduates from OBU’s ESSR program, who apply and meet specified criteria, will be guaranteed admission to the OSU-CHS Master of Athletic Training program pending an interview and selection.

Articulation Agreement Information

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

Exceptional Lab and Facilities

OBU’s Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation program features state-of-the-art equipment including a BOD POD®, electrocardiogram machine, spirometer, and a ParvoMed metabolic cart with a clinical treadmill and cycle ergometer. You will be taught to utilize functional movement screens, strength and conditioning equipment, and reaction training software to enhance performance with a variety of client types.

As an upper division student, you will utilize an aging simulator to assist in exercise testing and prescription for older populations. Our hands-on approach to learning with industry-standard equipment further enriches your experience.

Faculty with Industry Experience

OBU’s Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation professors are highly trained in their field of study. They have enjoyed successful careers as practicing clinicians, working particularly as physical therapists and sports and recreation professionals, before teaching in higher education. Together, they offer you a robust combination of knowledge in key elements of science, exercise, movement, pre-allied health, and overall personal wellness.

Integration of Faith

All Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation courses are taught from a Christian worldview with professors who serve as personal mentors, supporting both your intellectual and spiritual development. Through a small class setting of 15-25 students, our faculty instill a solid foundation of faith and biblical perspective through their instruction and personal lives. Our mission is to invest in you as a future health professional who will exemplify Christian principles, and practices with utmost respect for those you serve.

Internship Opportunities

As an Exercise Science: Pre-Allied student, you will have the opportunity for internship experiences to strengthen your knowledge and abilities. Some students may choose to participate in active research projects conducted by ESSR faculty. In addition, this research can lead to poster presentations and conference attendance for students.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Scholarship and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) emphasis

Our university hosts an OBU STEM Day, annually showcasing the many majors on campus that incorporate STEM skills. Students and faculty provide live demonstrations and instruction in various labs and classrooms using diverse equipment for the benefit of all who attend.

As a supporter of STEM careers, OBU has entered an agreement with Project Lead the Way to begin the fall semester of 2024. Through this agreement, OBU will offer an annual $1,000 scholarship to students who have completed at least two PLTW courses during their high school years. This applies to PLTW students who enroll in any area of study at OBU.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

Recent graduates are now working at:

OU Children’s Hospital
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
Oklahoma Heart Hospital
- Exercise Physiologist
Integris Baptist Hospital
- Exercise Physiologist
University of Texas, Arlington
- Athletic Trainer
360 Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapy

ESSR Graduates are attending these Graduate Programs

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy
- S. Speech-Language Pathology
- S. Physician Assistant
- S. Dietetics and Nutrition
Baylor University
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Oklahoma State University
- S. Applied Exercise Physiology
Logan University
- Doctor of Chiropractic
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
- Doctor of Chiropractic
Oklahoma City University
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of St. Augustine (Florida)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of St. Augustine (Texas)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy
University of Kansas
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of Florida, Tampa
- Prosthetics and Orthotics

Program Options

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Exercise Science, Pre-Allied Health Emphasis

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.