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Exercise science focuses on preventive health and the well-being of individuals and communities. Students also study human performance and injury prevention.

Why should I study exercise science?

Bethel's exercise science emphasis prepares you to serve and lead as you promote health and well-being in all aspects of life. The core curriculum includes courses from the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology) and upper-level applied courses within the program to focus on the human system. It’s about cutting-edge, award-winning research, collaboration with distinguished professors, integrated academics to prepare you for a wide range of careers and graduate programs, and hands-on experience in our extensive lab spaces—all within a Christian learning environment.

What can I do with this degree?

Your academic experience will include courses in a variety of disciplines, preparing you for a wide range of careers. Many alumni immediately enter careers in research and health-related fields. Others go on to earn graduate degrees at universities across the country.

Our graduates are employed as:

  • Exercise therapist
  • Personal care attendant
  • Physical therapy aid
  • Research technician
  • Health care liaison
  • Health and well-being professional
  • Human performance specialists
  • Exercise physiologist

Our alumni complete these programs at schools such as:

  • Mayo School of Health Sciences
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Illinois-Chicago
  • University of Colorado-Denver
  • Southwest Baptist University
  • Regis University
  • Stony Brook University
  • Pacific University
  • University of Miami
  • University of Florida
  • St. Catherine University
  • College of St. Scholastica
  • Bethel University Graduate School
  • and more

What skills will I develop?

  • Research skills
  • Team development
  • Time management skills
  • Listening to patients to hear beyond what they describe
  • Community-based learning
  • Collaboration
  • Clinical work
  • In-depth study of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

Original Research

You'll collaborate with professors on original research projects over an extended portion of the program that will prepare you for your career or graduate school. All students present, and some earn awards, at the Northland Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (NACSM) annual conference.

State-of-the-Art Labs

We're housed in the top floor of Bethel's brand new Wellness Center building, where multiple lab spaces offer the latest in physiological and biomechanical assessment equipment. You’ll gain experience outside the typical classroom setting through simulations and research in the student-run assessment laboratory where you'll study your peers, faculty, and staff to Bethel.

Strategic Partnerships

We continue to grow our network of strategic partnerships with industry leaders in health and medicine. From UnitedHealth Group to Mayo Clinic, we are committed to providing students opportunities and connections to build your experience, network, and knowledge in the field.

Biokinetics Club

Students are encouraged to join the Bethel University Biokinetics Club. This group builds a sense of unity among students and faculty, providing a strong, supportive community of mentors and peers.

Study Abroad in Belize

Our department offers a specific study abroad experience to Belize, Central America during interim, Integrative Medicine in a Cross-Cultural Setting, where we discuss and engage in multiple cultural practices to develop a better understanding of holistic health and well-being.

Academic Plans and Course Catalog

See plans

97%

recent graduates are employed or in graduate school

91%

of seniors rank their Bethel education as good or excellent

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Upcoming Events

APR 6 2024

Understanding Creation: A Christian Reflection on Artificial Intelligence

8:30 a.m. Anderson Center Community Room

The annual faith/science mini-conference, co-hosted by Bethel University and Crown College, will explore a Christian perspective on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

APR 20 2024

BUFF (Bethel University Fun and Fitness) Camp

9 a.m. Sports and Recreation Center (SRC)

K-5 students are invited to a FREE action-packed day of learning about healthy living and the way our bodies move!

MAY 11 2024

Science Research Symposium

1:30 p.m. Brushaber Commons Atrium

Come support and celebrate our Bethel Science students! Find out about their research and internships during their presentations at our Science Research symposium.

The experiences and education that I received in the Biokinetics program at Bethel have been invaluable to me as a current full-time graduate student. I chose the Biokinetics program in order to be as fully prepared as possible. I wouldn't trade my undergraduate experience for anything.

The experiences and education that I received in the Biokinetics program at Bethel have been invaluable to me as a current full-time graduate student. I chose the Biokinetics program in order to be as fully prepared as possible. I wouldn't trade my undergraduate experience for anything.

Krista Nauman '12
Grad school: Bethel University Physician Assistant Program