Hanover Exercise Science Department
Why Study Exercise Science?
Deciding upon a major can be an intimidating task, and you may be wondering if exercise science would be a good fit for you. If any of the following is true for you, then the exercise science department at Hanover College may be just what you have been searching for.
You enjoy:
• Being active in sports, working out or other physical activity
• Conducting research
• Human anatomy
• Physiology
• Studying the sciences
You want to:
• Inspire others
• Sustain a healthy lifestyle
• Go to medical school
• Work in physical therapy, nursing, or sports medicine
• Research your interests
• Have a meaningful and fun academic and social experience
What Hanover Exercise Science Offers
People all over the world are becoming more and more health conscious, thus as is the field of exercise science. Exercise scientists have an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology, allowing them to help people maintain the healthiest lifestyle possible.
Hanover College has an outstanding exercise science program led by a nationally known expert. The program offers a rich curriculum in a small-class environment with access to tremendous facilities, affording students opportunities to dive into research as undergraduates.
The exercise science program is designed to provide an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body and how exercise impacts the body's structure and function. The program is deeply immersed in human sciences and biomechanics. As a student, once you have mastered the basic human sciences, you will then be exposed to human mechanics in advanced courses. The program culminates with an independent study, during which you will work closely with a faculty member, examining and studying a topic of interest to you. Also available are compelling opportunities for off-campus study, independent research, and internships.
Exercise challenges the body. Likewise, Hanover College professors encourage their students to challenge themselves. To understand the human body, one must start with the brain, learning to flex critical thinking skills, mastering the human sciences and human mechanics.
Many students use Hanover's unique exercise science program as an access point for the study of medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, athletic training, cardiac rehabilitation, and sports medicine. While most students in our program intend to go to graduate school and enter a career in medicine, it's also an excellent path for teacher certification in health and coaching in physical education (in elementary or secondary school), which would be completed in conjunction with teacher certification courses. In addition, students can prepare for health and fitness consulting by working through courses with the Center for Business Preparation.
Highlights
Highly Experienced Faculty
Exercise Science Program Chair Bryant Stamford is a nationally recognized expert, author of several books and a syndicated newspaper column, co-host of a public radio show, and expert witness in more than 30 court cases. Under his leadership, the exercise science program has grown into a world-class program that offers extensive opportunities. Other faculty experience ranges from exercise physiology to immunology, from lipid metabolism to exercise testing. And, with a small student-to-faculty ratio, faculty members are able to give you the attention and support you need to get the most out of your education at Hanover.
Hands-on Learning
Resources available to exercise science students include three teaching labs, a research lab and the Basic Anatomy Cadaver Teaching Laboratory, all of which give students the chance to work hands-on in their fields of interest and conduct medical research with our Exercise Science faculty.
Study Abroad and Internships
Outside Hanover, you will be able to gain more hands-on experience while working in exciting new environments. Opportunities such as spring term and study abroad programs give students the chance to travel, meet new people, and work independently. During such opportunities, students have studied exercise science at Australia's Wollongong University and the Philadelphia Center. Upcoming internships include working with Special Olympics and the Florida Marlins, at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., and at Methodist Hospital's Sports Medicine Department in Indianapolis.
Career Opportunities
Exercise Science within the context of a liberal arts education equips our graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to continue on to a variety of careers and/or medical and graduate school opportunities.