Department of Exercise and Sport Science

FACULTY

AARON HALL, Chair, Department of Exercise and Sport Science; Director, Master of Human Performance and Fitness Program; Associate Professor of Exercise Science, 2017—

BS, Lipscomb University; MOL, Trevecca Nazarene University; DPT, University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

RYAN SCHAEFER, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, 2023—

BS, Southern Illinois University; DPT, Belmont University.

Department of Exercise and Sport Science General Information

Department Overview

The Department of Exercise and Sport Science students offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science or Physical Education and Health Teaching (K-12 licensure program). Students are offered a comprehensive program of courses and laboratory experiences designed to develop professionals for their chosen career field. The Exercise Science major has three concentrations: pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy/ pre-athletic training/ pre-kinesiology, or pre-physician assistant. All Exercise Science concentrations prepare the student for a graduate school track in physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise science, kinesiology, physician assistant, or other allied healthcare related careers. The teaching major is approved by the Tennessee Board of Education and is part of the Trevecca Department of Teacher Education. It is NCATE accredited program. Academic excellence is realized through rigorous curriculum that reflects the mission of the institution as well as the mission of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science.

Mission Statement

EDUCATE, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER

The mission of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at Trevecca Nazarene University is to prepare students for a career in the allied health fields or in the sport management industry. The diverse curricular offerings of the department, integrated with several supporting courses from other disciplines, give the student a solid foundation to build a career upon. The faculty in the department aspires to provide a high quality educational experience that aligns with the University’s mission statement and core values. Our objective is to provide a vehicle that challenges them intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually in the pursuit of their career goals. The Department of Exercise and Sport Science strives to be the springboard that Educates, Equips, and Empowers our students to work hard, serve others, and reflect a “Christ-Centered” mindset in all their future endeavors.

EDUCATE Coursework that prepares them for their next step (graduate school or work force)

EQUIP Labs, Practicums, Internships (learning experiences outside the classroom)

EMPOWER Future Servant Leaders in their chosen discipline

Exercise Science (Bachelor of Science)

Mission

In the Exercise Science major, the faculty are dedicated to Educating, Equipping, and Empowering our students to prepare each to be an impactful partner in health professions. Through rigorous faith-based instruction, practical experience, and health-focused community service, our students will be equipped to exhibit a Christian servanthood while excelling in their respective careers.

Student Learning Outcomes for Exercise Science:

Upon graduation with an Exercise Science major, the student will be able to:

  1. Understand that the exercise science major is a student-centered program that encompasses the intellectual, spiritual, and service aspects of a health professional through discussion-based lectures, hands-on laboratory activities, and domestic/international service experiences.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge in the exercise science core including: anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, exercise testing and prescription, and nutrition.
  3. Discuss and explain the core principles/concepts of anatomy, kinesiology and physiology of exercise as the basic foundation for the anatomical and biomechanical bases of human movement.
  4. Prescribe, implement, and modify an exercise prescription based on the principles of exercise testing to diverse populations at various developmental stages and under a range of health conditions.
  5. Evaluate the scientific literature in the discipline, understand and synthesize relevant information from it, and be able to convey this information both orally and in writing.