Exercise Science
If you are interested in the science of human movement, sports medicine and helping people live healthier lives through physical activity, Berry College’s exercise science major may be just the program for you. It is one of Berry’s newest majors and one for which the college is particularly well suited. With the world’s largest college campus, Berry offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation and fitness activity. The Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center provides state-of-the-art indoor educational, fitness, wellness and exercise physiology facilities, including an exceptional exercise science laboratory.
The exercise science program
The exercise science major is a rigorous program that blends science with health and physical education. The purpose of the exercise science program is to prepare qualified professionals for careers in a number of different areas, such as:
- Hospital wellness programs
- Corporate fitness programs
- Rehabilitation centers
- Exercise and fitness centers
- Athletic/sports programs
- Allied health programs
In addition to general education courses, you’ll take lab courses in biology, physics and chemistry, as well as courses like Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology. You also will get to choose from a variety of electives that mesh with your postgraduate interests.
During your senior year, you will participate in an internship experience that will involve hundreds of hours of firsthand 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, opportunities in adult senior-living centers also will be available.
The faculty
As an exercise science major, you will benefit from the expertise of faculty members in many different disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics and kinesiology.
Outdoor facilities
Nowhere else in the world can you enjoy a 27,000-acre campus. That averages out to more than 13 acres per each undergraduate 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, aquatics 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.
Exercise science lab right in the 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 facility is home to a state-of-the-art exercise science laboratory which contains equipment for assessing anaerobic power, cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, body composition and bone health. The Cage Center also includes:
- An exceptional intercollegiate performance arena which converts into three recreational courts;
- A natatorium with an eight-lane, 25-yard pool, and spectator seating;
- A complete fitness center, featuring cardiovascular equipment and free weights;
- An athletic training center;
- A multi-activity court for recreational basketball, volleyball, badminton, indoor soccer and floor hockey;
- Two racquetball courts;
- An indoor 1/8-mile fitness track; and
- Two multipurpose rooms for physical activity classes and extracurricular programs, such as Zumba, yoga, martial arts and boot camp.
Beyond the classroom
Berry is committed to providing practical, firsthand learning experiences for our students, and exercise science majors are no exception. You’ll find an array of student work opportunities across campus, including many in the sciences. The Cage Center offers a number of positions related to health, fitness and sports, providing exceptional opportunities for those interested in exercise science and fitness facility management.
Sports activities
Berry student-athletes have a long history of success on the playing field and in the classroom. After competing for many years in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Berry is now a provisional member of NCAA Division III. Opportunities for varsity competition include men’s and women’s:
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
- Golf
- Cross country/Track
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Diving
The college also fields a men’s baseball team, as well as women’s teams in softball, volleyball and equestrian. 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
- Volleyball
Whom may I contact for more information?
Dr. Angela Baldwin-Lanier
alanier@berry.edu
Kinesiology Department Chair
(706) 238-7807