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Exercise and Sports Studies
The exercise and sport studies (ESS) program challenges undergraduate students to study sport, fitness, and physical activity in today's society. In the bachelor of science program, students will learn how health, physical activity, and social factors are related to the sports and fitness industries. In addition, the ESS program provides students with a comprehensive array of courses and practical experiences that allow for the exploration and understanding of exercise and physical activity in today’s society.
A minor in ESS is offered to students who wish to complement their existing area of study, or simply want to expand their knowledge of exercise and sports studies.
Students will be provided with a major foundation comprised of 18 credit hours in ESS-specific coursework and are given the option to select from three areas of specialization. The Exercise Studies track (Track 1) focuses on the exercise sciences, health, fitness and biomedical aspects of physical activity. The Sports Studies track (Track 2) emphasizes the administrative, managerial, and social dimensions of exercise, physical activity and the sports industry found within society and/or the multifaceted world of competitive athletics. The Health Professions track (Track 3) is designed for students pursuing an advanced degree in physical therapy. Students matriculate into the sequential-degree program (BS in Exercise & Sports Studies + DPT program). Students complete a BS in ESS under the administration of the ESS department. Upon completion of the BS, qualified students meeting all prerequisite and GPA requirements, directly enter the three-year doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. Dual-degree physical therapy majors transition directly into the DPT program providing they complete all DPT program admissions standards. Both tracks #1 and #3 are designed to prepare students for credentialing examinations through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The ESS program prepares students to enter a variety of careers in health and fitness, strength & conditioning, personal training, sports management, health promotion and the multibillion-dollar sports and fitness industry. The ESS program builds on D’Youville College’s long standing tradition of educational excellence in the liberal arts as well as current strengths in the allied health professions such as dietetics, nursing, physician’s assistant and physical therapy. In addition, the ESS program can prepare students for advanced degrees in Exercise Physiology, Health & Human Performance, and Physical Education.
The ESS program also dovetails with D’Youville College’s growing NCAA Division-III athletic programs for men and women, and its Center for Research on Physical Activity, Sport & Health. The ESS curriculum emphasizes the development of strong research skills, writing and oral communication abilities. Students are encouraged to develop a diversified knowledge of sports medicine, health promotion and sport studies in order to effectively pursue careers upon graduation. The program combines flexibility in its curriculum with internship experiences to prepare students to take professional roles upon graduation.