Strength & Conditioning 2024

Exercise Science

What can you do with an exercise science degree?

An exercise science degree prepares students for careers focused on athletic training, fitness, health, wellness, physical and sports performance, and rehabilitation. Students develop knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and exercise programming.

SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Exercise Science

Academics at AU

EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR
EXERCISE & SPORT SCIENCES PROGRAM
FACULTY
VISIT AU
FINANCIAL AID, COSTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
STUDENT SUCCESS

Beyond AU

Drew Heithoff '11, who double majored in exercise science and fitness management at AU, is a major league assistant performance coach for the Detroit Tigers. He creates programs and coaches players through in- and off-season corrective exercise, movement & speed skills, strength & power work and conditioning & recovering. He also helps oversee the Tigers' minor league strength staff. At AU, Heithoff was an infielder for the Augustana Baseball Team.

Related Programs of Study

Related Pre-Professional Programs

Many exercise science students pursue pre-professional pathways in:

  • Pre-Occupational Therapy
  • Pre-Physical Therapy

Contact Us

Dr. Sherry Barkley, program director

Exercise Science, School of Health Professions

Email

Latest News

2026-27 Christopherson Scholars
Augustana University Students Named 2026-27 Christopherson Scholars

Six Augustana University students have been awarded Fred C. and J. Marie Christopherson Scholarships for the 2026-26 academic year. The recipients of the Fred C. and J. Marie Christopherson Scholarship are recognized as students who are committed to the university, respected by their peers, have a strong work ethic and a solid character.

AU DPTCO
Augustana University Set to Launch Second DPT Program in January 2027, Expanding Footprint to Colorado

As part of its strategic plan, Augustana is expanding its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to Colorado — home to one of the university’s largest alumni bases. Housed in the university’s School of Health Professions, the launch of the Augustana Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Colorado (DPT-CO) will take place in January 2027.

DPT-CO is now accepting applications for admittance into the program. To learn more about Augustana’s DPT programs and how to apply, visit augie.edu/DPT.

#36 Softball
Vikings Rank Top 10 Nationwide for NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Honorees

Augustana University student-athletes are not only excelling on the playing field, they’re getting it done in the classroom. In Academic Year 2024-25, three Augustana University student-athletes — Ella Bakken ‘25, Liz Dierks ‘25 and Ryan Hartman ‘24 — earned NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, which recognize the association's most accomplished student-athletes.

Since 2018-19, Augustana is tied for the most scholarships won (11 in total) compared to all schools in NCAA Division II and ranks in the top 10 among all NCAA schools nationwide.

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Exercise Science Highlights

Exercise Science Career Opportunities

  • Athletic Performance Coach
  • Corporate Wellness Specialist
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Physical Therapy Assistant (additional requirements may apply)
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Wellness Coordinator

Hands-On Learning & Internship Opportunities

Exercise science students benefit from laboratory experiences, internship placements, faculty mentorship and opportunities to work with athletes, active populations and health care professionals in real-world settings.

Internship opportunities include:

  • Avera Sports
  • Sanford POWER
  • Good Samaritan Society
  • GreatLIFE Fitness
  • Orthopedic Institute
  • Prairie Rehabilitation

Students may engage in research throughout the year through summer research and classes.

Research opportunities include:

  • South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN)
  • Sanford Health

Practicum experiences include:

  • Active Generations
  • Girls On The Run
  • Exercise is Medicine promotion

Exercise & sport sciences students study away in:

  • Costa Rica — focusing on exercise science with AU faculty
  • Norway — with AU faculty
  • Greece — focusing on culture, health and well-being with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Students can complement their studies with a coaching minor.

Exercise & sport sciences students often participate in:

  • Exercise is Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Chiropractic Pre-Graduate Club (PT/OT/Chiro Club)