University of Dayton, Ohio

Department of Health & Sport Science

"Research I conducted as a graduate student at U.D. was a springboard for further academic and research training. My experience at the University of Dayton primed me for a life-long passion to learn!" —Matthew J. Peterson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Medicine, Duke University

Wellness and sport are not just areas of study; they are a way of life. Health and sport science majors prepare to be proficient and professional in a vocation related to wellness, physical activity, sports and physical therapy. At the University of Dayton, the study of health and sport science is about building communities through critical reflection. Because our areas of expertise require professionals to interact with others — and perhaps profoundly affect their lives — valuable real-world experiences are part of the curriculum.

• Learn more about the department >>
• View department videos >>

What's Coming Up?

Learn more about the Lucinda W. Adams speaking engagement, part of the 25th Annual Doris Drees Distinguished Speaker Series >>

Wellness Program

Administered by the Department of Health & Sport Science, the University of Dayton's Wellness Program promotes a healthy lifestyle for faculty and staff through activity-based courses, brown-bag lectures, individual fitness assessments, and screening programs for specific health risks.

The Bod Pod

The Bod Pod measures one's percentage of body fat via air displacement. This procedure is fast, easy, and accurate. The process takes approximately 30 minutes. 

Learn more from the Wellness Program >>

NSCA Recognition

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) officially recognizes the Department of Health & Sport Science'sdegree programs in Pre-Physical Therapy and Exercise Science & Fitness Management in the areas of Strength and Conditioning and Personal Training for successfully meeting established criteria. 

We offer six undergraduate degrees!

At the University of Dayton, the study of health and sport science is about building learning communities through critical reflection. Because our areas of expertise require professionals to interact with others — and perhaps profoundly affect their lives — valuable real-world experiences are part of the curriculum.

• Dietetics, B.S.
• Exercise Physiology, B.S.
• Exercise Science and Fitness Management, B.S.
• Nutrition and Fitness, B.S.
• Pre-Physical Therapy, B.S.
• Sport Management, B.S.

Health and sport science majors find a variety of professional opportunities in health, sport and wellness. Our graduates have found successful careers in education, industry and health care as cardiac rehabilitators, coaches, dieticians, exercise program directors, health and fitness club managers, nutritionists, physical education teachers, physical therapists, and management professionals.

Our faculty combine expertise and varied areas of special interests to provide students with advanced research and publication opportunities and individualized career counseling. With class sizes ranging from 20 to 30, we are dedicated to creating interactive learning environments with personalized instruction and individual attention.

View one undergraduate degree candidate's thesis >>

We offer a Master's Degree in Exercise Science!

At the University of Dayton, the study of health and sport science is about building learning communities through critical reflection. Because our areas of expertise require professionals to interact with others — and perhaps profoundly affect their lives — valuable real-world experiences are part of the curriculum.

M.S. in Exercise Science

Health and sport science majors find a variety of professional opportunities in health, sport and wellness. Our graduates have found successful careers in education, industry and health care as cardiac rehabilitators, coaches, dieticians, exercise program directors, health and fitness club managers, nutritionists, physical education teachers, physical therapists, and management professionals.

Our faculty combine expertise and varied areas of special interests to provide students with advanced research and publication opportunities and individualized career counseling. With class sizes ranging from 20 to 30, we are dedicated to creating interactive learning environments with personalized instruction and individual attention.

Hear what graduates have to say!

Lauren Berndt
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student, University of Michigan

I wanted to pass along my gratitude to the University of Dayton's Pre-PT program for fully preparing me for the University of Michigan's DPT program. I am currently in a Research Methods class, learning the same things that I had been taught in both Tests and Measurements and Research classes at UD. Although I was not a huge fan of those classes at the time, I now realize how crucial they were in preparing me for my current education at the best DPT program in the state of Michigan. Most of my classmates have never been exposed to SPSS, have not performed their own research project using test subjects (as we did in T&M), nor have they been exposed to the ACSM text book. I am so thankful that I have that background. I also was very surprised at how many students in my class had never been given a lab practical exam. As stressful as it was, I am so glad that we had one in Anatomy AND in PT Seminar. Having those previous experiences made my Anatomy and Kinesiology practicals much less intimidating last semester. ... I have my first clinical rotation this semester at an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Detroit. I achieved all As and one B+ last semester, and was even elected a class officer. The University of Michigan was the perfect choice for me, and I once again cannot thank the Pre-PT program enough for preparing me so well.

Matthew J. Peterson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in Medicine, Duke University Medical Center

I was a graduate student in the Department of Health & Sport Science, earning my Master’s Degree in 1999. The faculty in the department truly cared about my success in and out of the classroom. This was demonstrated by the many student-centered academic and research opportunities offered, and the department’s commitment to challenge each student to learn and achieve at the highest level possible. Research I conducted as a graduate student at U.D. was a springboard for further academic and research training. My experience at the University of Dayton primed me for a life-long passion to learn!

Tim Robertson, Jr., M.S., CSCS
Under Armour Combine 360 Certified Performance Coach, Speed Strength Systems

I graduated in 1993 with an Exercise Science degree. Dr Laubach and the professors challenged and prepared me for the "real world" more than one can imagine. Not only did I learn what is essential to being a professional in the Sport Science field, but I learned life skills of being able to critically think and solve problems. Additionally, the small class sizes allow for immediate interaction with the professors and fellow students. I have been employed in numerous sections of wellness and sports medicine/performance training over the past 20 years and received my Master's degree. In each, I was prepared! Currently, I am the owner of Speed Strength Systems and am also a Collegiate Strength Coach. Without Dayton, I would not be where I am at today.

Bethany Zinsser
Senior Health Fitness Specialist, Medifit Corporate Services

My experiences at the University of Dayton as a student in the School of Allied Professions as an Exercise Science major shaped me into the senior health fitness specialist I am today. I have always been passionate about helping individuals find a fun way to be healthy. A lot of the knowledge I gained as a student as well as the experiences I was exposed to during my time at UD prepared me to offer the best services to my members and clients on a daily basis. It is satisfying that the relationships I gained with my advisors and previous professors have continued into my young professional career and to know that they care about my professional development.  I am thankful for getting the opportunity to obtain my degree from UD, and I graduated with the tools to make a positive impact in society. 

Get a closer look at our programs!

Click on the links below to view the Health & Sport Science Department experience!

• Adapted Activity Sessions >>
• Bod Pod >>
• One Undergraduate Degree Candidate's Thesis >>
• More About the Department >>
• Videos >>

We have what you need to succeed!

Academic Resources

• Courses of Study >>
• Course Syllabi >>
• Handouts & Forms >>
• Career Enhancement Fund >>
• Links >>

Additional Resources

uPay System
uPay of Marketplace Touchnet

Flyer Race Time Adjustments
Flyer Handicap website

Possible Career Paths
Career Paths with an HSS Degree

The John R. Schleppi Sport Management Career Enhancement Fund
The Schleppi Fund provides funding for a sport management major to attend a professional conference and explore career possibilities. The award, named for the first director of the Sport Management program at the university, is unique because it is awarded by a panel of seniors to a fellow student. Learn more >>

Apply to Health & Sport Science!

Choosing a university is an important step to your overall academic career. It's important to make sure that the institutions to which you apply have the programs and resources that meet your personal and academic needs.

We believe that the School of Education & Allied Professions offers some of the best academic and student-services programs. Our students are some of the most accomplished and motivated students anywhere. Explore the university for yourself. Use the links below to learn more about what it takes to be a Flyer.

• Apply to undergraduate programs >>
• Apply to graduate programs >>
• Explore the Undergraduate Academic Catalog >>
• Explore the Graduate Academic Catalog >>