This program helps you build a strong foundation in health and fitness knowledge by combining courses from the basic sciences with courses from the exercise sciences, along with internship experience. Develop marketable skills that are critical in the growing fields of health, fitness, medicine, athletic training, and physical and occupational rehabilitation.
Work in a clinical health setting such as medicine, physical therapy, or occupational therapy; pursue a career in corporate fitness, personal training, or wellness promotion; or become a sports trainer, strength conditioning coach, or athletic trainer.
Pursue your purpose
Help people live healthier lives, reach their goals, and maximize their potential.
Unique opportunities
An agreement between Greenville University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers you even more opportunities to excel in exercise science. You’ll access state-of-the-art technology in SIUE’s nearby lab while benefiting from GU’s liberal arts programming.
Why GU
Deepen your education. We’re a liberal arts school. That means you get a holistic education that introduces you to many subjects and ideas, helping you grow your interests and skills.
Personalized attention. Experience personal growth and plan your career under the guidance of faculty who know your name and cheer your success. GU’s low 11:1 student/faculty ratio and community atmosphere allow professors to invest in their students, and know your strengths and abilities in the field of social work.
Faith-based. Learn to incorporate your faith into both your studies and your career.
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Success Stories
I decided to come to GU because I love the community here. I was surrounded by great people that really invested in me and always pushed me to be greater than I formerly was.
The aim of this course is to engage the student to contemporary theories and concepts about nutrition. This will include diet and exercise, pathology of eating disorders, and the effect of diet on emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Students will also begin analyzing the source of information. At the end of the course, the student will have acquired and discussed a number of current issues and be able to have an informed and logical view, and will understand the fundamentals of nutrition across the lifespan. Meets the general education laboratory science requirment. (Offered every semester.)
This course deals with the basic principles of biology. Consideration is given to cell biology and structural and functional organization of plants and animals. Principles of reproduction, genetics, and ecology are introduced as well as a brief survey of the kingdoms of living organisms. Beginning course for all biology majors. Meets the general education laboratory science requirement. (Three hours lecture and two hours lab per week.) (Offered every semester.) Corequisite: BIOL 110L
A self-directed study of medical terminology which covers basic roots, prefixes, suffixes and terminology of different systems of the human body. Students prepare for periodic vocabulary tests on their own time and schedule. The object of the course is to prepare the student for entrance into health fields by providing a review of vocabulary tools.
Prerequisite: Three BIOL classes. (Offered online.)
This course is designed to deal with all the human body systems as to structure and function. Material covered is intended for those planning to teach biology in high school or enter the allied health professions. (Three lectures and one two-hour lab per week.) (Offered fall semester) Corequisite: BIOL 245L
What makes some for-profit businesses and not-for-profit organizations excel while other fail to thrive? Often its due to the quality of management within the organization. Management of people is a distinct skill set that is critically important and these skills can be studied, understood, and practiced. In this course, students will learn the elements of business management, the theory behind them and practical tools with which to apply them. Key topics such as communication, leadership, teamwork, conflict management, change and more will be covered. No matter where a person works or volunteers, they will be able to contribute to the success of any organization when they have a clear understanding of management theory and techniques. Meets the general education social science or business management requirement. (Offered every semester.)
Basic principles of chemical reactions and descriptive chemistry are integrated in terms of atomic structure, bonding theory, molecular geometry, reaction rates, equilibrium, and thermodynamics. Meets the general education laboratory science requirement. (Three lecture hours and three lab hours per week.) (Offered fall semester.) Corequisite: CHEM 111L
This course will introduce students to the field of Exercise Science by defining exercise science and the many sub-disciplines of the field. Also included are the future directions for the field, guiding principles, professional activities and career opportunities within the discipline.
This course is designed to familiarize students with the knowledge content integral to certification as a personal trainer (American College of Sports Medicine). It includes content from the various exercise sciences and provides students practical experience through application of the material.
Using foundational mechanical principles the students will (1) describe the motion of an object(s), (2) explain why the motion of an object(s) occurs as it does, and (3) solve or propose solutions to movement related problems. Students will describe the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and the biomechanical relationships within its component parts.
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of why people exercise, how exercise can affect mental health, theories used to explain exercise behavior, and the importance of exercise psychology for individuals considering a career involving exercise promotion. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)
The internship experience will provide students with an opportunity to test theory and practice in a functioning industry/business experience. The internship is also intended to provide students additional confidence and further practice to aid in their career development.
Physiology of Exercise provides examination of the scientific theories behind the bodys responses to exercise. This information is applied to facilitate health in general populations and maximize performance in sport-related activities. (Offered fall semester.)
This course provides the student with the basic knowledge of athletic training principles and skills. The main focus is on the prevention and immediate care of common, acute, and chronic athletic injuries. This course covers basic sports medicine concepts and CPR but does not cover all areas necessary for athletic training certification. (Offered fall semester.)
This course provides experience in formulating individualized performance objectives, key teaching and therapy skills, and programming for specific problems in organization and administration of students with disabilities. Provides a brief review of the legislative and history of adapted physical education. (Offered spring semester.)
This seminar will provide a capstone experience that includes integrating faith into a sport and kinesiology setting, enhancing professional and careers skills, and requiring students to demonstrate basic research techniques. Meets the general education upper division writing intensive requirement. (Offered fall semester.)
