If you are interested in the science of human movement and in helping people live healthier lives through exercise, Berry College's exercise science major may be just the program for you. It is Berry's newest major and one for the college is particularly well suited. With the nation's largest campus, Berry offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation and fitness activity. Now the new Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center, opening in early 2008, provides state-of-the-art indoor facilities.
The exercise science program
The exercise science program is a rigorous program that blends science with health and physical education. In addition to general education couses, you'll take lab courses in biology, physics and chemistry and such required courses as Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology. You'll also get to choose several electives that mesh with your post-graduate interests.
During your senior year, you will participate in a capstone internship course that will involve hundreds of hours of hands-on experience. You'll have the opportunity to work side-by-side with experts in such fields as exercise, physical rehabilitation, performance and physical therapy. If you are interested in working with senior citizens, oppurtunities in senior living centers also will be available.
The faculty
As an exercise science major, you will benefit from the exerptise of faculty members in a number of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and physical education.
Outdoor facilities
No where else in the world can you enjoy a 26,400-acre campus. That averages out to about 14 acres per Berry student!
We have miles of hiking, biking and riding trails as well as forests, streams, ponds and our own Lavender Mountain. Opportunities for adventure abound, particularly through our BOLD (Berry Outdoor Leadership Development) program. BOLD courses include rock climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking and challenge courses as well as adventure sports and experiential leadership development programming.
Science facilities
You'll take your science classes in one of the most modern science-education facilities in the country- a structure designed to facilitate hands-on learning and close interaction between student and professor. In fact, many of our students work directly with their teacher-mentors on original research projects.
Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center
For exercise science majors, the crowning jewel of Berry facilities is the Cage Center. This 131,000 square-foot, three-level structure includes an exceptional intercollegiate performance arena that also converts into three recreational courts; a natatorium with an eight-lane, 25-yard pool and spectator seating; a complete fitness center featuring cardio-vascular equipment and free weights; an athletic training center; a multi-activity court for recreational basketball, volleyball, badminton, indoor soccer and inline hockey; two racquetball courts; an indoor 1/8-mile fitness track; two multi-purpose rooms for physical activity classes and extracurricular programs including aerobics, Pilates, spinning, and yoga; two exercise and human science classrooms, a wet classroom and an exercise science lab; and a number of student gathering areas.
The Cage Center is scheduled for an early 2008 opening.
Beyond the classroom - earn while you learn
Berry is committed to providing practical, hands-on learning experiences for our students, and exercise science majors are no exception. You'll find an array of student-work opportunties across campus, including many in the sciences. The Cage Center will dramatically increase the number of student-work positions related to health, fitness and sport that are available and will provide exceptional opportunities for those interested in exercise science and fitness facilities managment.
Sports activities
Many students interested in exercise science also are interested in sports. Berry College offers a full array of men's and women's intercollegiate sports teams including basketball, golf, running, soccer, tennis, baseball, and volleyball. A varsity equestrian team has been added for the 2007-2008 year.
If you want to play intramural sports, you'll find an extremely active program at Berry. Activities include badminton, basketball, bowling, cross country, flag football, golf, mixed-doubles tennis, soccer, softball, ultimate Frisbee and volleyball.