Exercise & Sport Sciences

Why study exercise & sport sciences?

Exercise & sport sciences majors will practice experiential learning to study a wide range of coursework that will prepare them for exciting career opportunities.

  • This program meets accreditation standards set by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and graduates are eligible to become certified with ACSM or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
  • Augustana prepares students to make an immediate impact following graduation from master’s programs in athletic training, physical therapy, chiropractic or fitness wellness.
Athletic Training

Exercise & Sport Sciences at AU

Course Descriptions

Major Map

Faculty


Related Programs of Study


Related Pre-Professional Programs


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Latest News

The Augustana University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program — the university’s first doctorate program — welcomed its inaugural cohort in June and exceeded its enrollment goal by five students. The DPT program enrolled 85 students into the Class of 2025, and an additional six chose to defer to the cohort beginning in 2024.

Augustana University is excited to announce that its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has achieved ”candidate for accreditation” status from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Augustana University student Janai Crawford ‘23, of Tea, South Dakota, is pre-physical therapy, majoring in exercise science on her way to earning a Master of Science in athletic training (MSAT). Crawford wants to become a physical therapist and specialize in sports medicine. This summer, she fulfilled a goal that had been years in the making — securing an internship with LifeCare Prahran Sports Medicine in Melbourne, Australia.

Highlights

Person stretching

Careers

Additional career opportunities include occupational therapy, strength coaching and physical education

Hands-On Learning

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 minor in coaching.

Exercise & sport sciences students often participate in:

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