The Exercise Science major at Bethany Lutheran College takes a unique approach to health and wellness, integrating Biblical principles of health and stewardship of the body with exercise physiology, kinesiology, and nutrition. The major emphasizes faith-based fitness (wellness) and the connections between physical fitness and spirituality, providing students with a Biblical worldview.
Students will learn how to design exercise programs that promote integrative health and well-being, and will explore the connections between physical fitness, ethics and morality. In addition to studying exercise physiology, kinesiology, and nutrition, students will learn about Christian health coaching. They will also study body image from a Biblical perspective and how to promote healthy body image in others.
The Christian exercise science major at Bethany College also includes a focus on Christian sports medicine, incorporating young earth creationism and intelligent design into the treatment and prevention of sports injuries. Graduates of the program will be prepared for a wide variety of workplace opportunities in fitness or health coaching, or may pursue graduate studies in physical therapy, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, athletic training and various Christian vocations.
Overall, the exercise science field at Bethany provides students with a unique opportunity to integrate their faith with their passion for health and fitness, preparing graduates for a career in exercise science with a strong emphasis on Biblical authority and a stewardship of the body.
Student Stories
Read about these students from our Exercise Science Program:
John Brown ’19
Bethany Major: Exercise Science Graduate School: University of Mary doctorate program; physical therapy track with estimated graduation date in 2023.
Dan Stark (’12)
Dan Stark, a 2012 Bethany graduate, is in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at The College of St. Scholastica
Emily Peterson (’11)
Emily, a 2011 Bethany graduate, is working toward her doctorate in physical therapy at the University of North Dakota in
Major Requirements
Mission Statement
The exercise science major provides opportunities to create and foster positive attitudes toward physical and mental health. Liberal learning skills are integrated throughout the major via critical thinking, writing, and oral interpretation from a Christ-centered perspective, maintaining the mission of Bethany Lutheran College. Academic work within the major empowers students to demonstrate and educate others on the importance of lifelong fitness, while at the same time providing theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to establish a lifestyle for themselves and others that promotes health and prevents disease. An exercise science graduate will be prepared for a career in a variety of health and fitness fields or to pursue an advanced degree. Finally, our graduates are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and Christian ethics through a Biblical worldview and a personal philosophy of wellness.
Student Goals
- Develop broad learning consistent with the philosophy and objectives of Bethany Lutheran College.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in the principles of biology, chemistry, health and wellness, nutrition, human growth and development, human anatomy, and physiology as they relate to responses and adaptations during physical activity and exercise.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the field of exercise science including motor learning and development, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and aerobic and anaerobic conditioning responses in health and disease.
- Demonstrate competency in health and fitness testing and measurement of individuals.
- Assess, design, implement and re-evaluate fitness programs for all individuals.
- Interpret appropriate research and apply it to the practice of exercise science.
- Formulate a personal philosophy of wellness integral to balanced healthy living.
Program Learning Outcomes
A Bethany Lutheran College exercise science graduate will:
- Demonstrate competency in health and fitness testing, and measurements of individuals.
- Appropriately assess, design and implement fitness programs for all individuals.
- Formulate a personal philosophy of wellness consisting of a balanced, holistic outlook, including Christian ethics, as applied to the field of exercise science.
- Interpret appropriate research and apply it to the practice of exercise science.
Note Bethany’s Program Requirements Disclaimer when planning your coursework.
Core Requirements
Choose one of the following:
- BIOL101 Principles of Biology and Lab 4 cr.
- BIOL151 General Biology I and Lab 4 cr.
- BIOL152 General Biology II and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM107 General, Organic and Biochemistry and Lab 5 cr.
- CHEM113 General Chemistry I and Lab 5 cr.
Required lower division courses:
- BIOL221 Human Anatomy and Lab (prerequisite: BIOL151 General Biology I and Lab or consent of instructor) 4 cr.
- BIOL222 Human Physiology and Lab (prerequisite: BIOL221 Human Anatomy and Lab) 4 cr.
- HLTH240 Current Health Issues 3 cr.
- HLTH201 Nutrition 3 cr.
- HLTH206 Advanced First Aid and CPR 3 cr.
- PHED217 Lifetime Health and Fitness 3 cr.
Required upper division courses:
(grade of “C–” or higher required in the following courses)
- HLTH330 History and Philosophy of Wellness 3 cr.
- PHED310 Motor Learning and Behavior 3 cr.
- PHED350 Kinesiology (prerequisite: BIOL221 Human Anatomy and Lab) 3 cr.
- PHED475 Research and Writing in Exercise Science (prerequisite PHED460 Exercise Testing and Prescription or consent of instructor) 3 cr.
Required upper division courses that require the prerequisites BIOL221 Human Anatomy and Lab BIOL222 Human Physiology and Lab: (grade of “C–” or higher required in the following courses)
- BIOL491 Introduction to Human Gross Anatomy 4 cr.
- HLTH470 Introduction to Diseases and Disorders 3 cr.
- PHED450 Exercise Physiology and Lab 4 cr.
- PHED455 Strength and Conditioning 3 cr.
- PHED460 Exercise Testing and Prescription 3 cr.
- PHED485 Advanced Exercise Science Issues (Prerequisite PHED460 Exercise Testing and Prescription) 3 cr.
Recommended courses:
Minor Requirements
A minor in exercise science requires the following courses:
- BIOL221 Human Anatomy and Lab (Prerequisite: BIOL151 General Biology I and Lab or consent of instructor) 4 cr.
- BIOL222 Human Physiology and Lab 4 cr.
- PHED450 Exercise Physiology and Lab 4 cr.
- PHED455 Strength and Conditioning 3 cr.
- PHED460 Exercise Testing and Prescription 3 cr.
To view the most recent course list and requirements for the elementary education major, please consult the Academic Catalog.
Contact for more information
Professor- Health & Human Performance – Exercise Science
507-344-7583
MTH 140
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Exercise Science Faculty
For more information, see the Exercise Science Department.
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Matt Kuster MTH 142 507-344-7428 | Professor | MTH 142 507-344-7428 | |
 | Lucas Seehafer MTH 148 507-344-7352 | Assistant Professor | MTH 148 507-344-7352 | |
| Tiffany Young Klockziem MTH 140 507-344-7583 | Professor- Health & Human Performance | MTH 140 507-344-7583 | |
Next Steps
Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.