Academic Programs

fact sheet

 

What You'll Be Doing

Gannon University believes physical activity is essential for lifelong health and wellness. If you are interested in pursuing employment opportunities in a variety of settings, including cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs, sports medicine clinics, college and professional athletic programs, health clubs and academic institutions, Gannon’s sport and exercise science program can help you turn your interest in human movement into a career. As a sport and exercise science major, you will gain a solid base in biological sciences that will prepare you for post-graduate studies or to directly enter the work force.

The vast majority of sport and exercise science graduates go on to graduate programs to become exercise physiologists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports psychologists or sports-medicine physicians. Sport and exercise science graduates who decide not to pursue graduate studies may use their skills in a variety of health and fitness positions, such as a research assistant, health and fitness technician, personal trainer or fitness specialist for industry-based wellness programs.

 

Program Options

Students may follow one of five available tracks in the sport and exercise science program:

MOVEMENT SCIENCE OPTION
The movement science option is intended for students who desire to pursue employment or graduate studies in areas other than physical therapy.

EXERCISE PRACTITIONER OPTION
The exercise practitioner option is intended for individuals who would like to enter the work force immediately and are not interested in graduate studies.

PHYSICAL THERAPY OPTION
The physical therapy option meets all of the requirements for admission to the graduate physical therapy program at Gannon University.

PHYSICAL THERAPY 3+3 OPTION
The sport and exercise science program offers an early entry program in conjunction with Gannon’s doctor of physical therapy program. A guaranteed position in the 3+3 doctor of physical therapy program is reserved for freshman students if they meet the criteria of the program.

PRE-MEDICAL OPTION
The sport and exercise science program works in conjunction with pre-med advisors to assure that students take all recommended coursework in preparation for successful completion of the MCAT, a required test for entrance into medical school.

 

Admission Requirements

The minimum requirements to be considered for acceptance to the Sport and Exercise Science program include:

  • Overall high school grade point average of 2.5 or better.
  • SAT score of 1000 (out of 1600 Math and Critical Reading) or better or an ACT composite score of 21 or better.
  • Three years of high school mathematics.
  • Completion of high school biology, chemistry and physics*.
  • Admission requirements for 3+3 Option can be found in Undergraduate Catalog.
    • *Recommended but not required.

      Transfer Students

      Admitted during sophomore or junior year.

    • Good academic standing in freshman/sophomore coursework.
    • 3.0 quality point average or better.
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      The Gannon Advantage

      • Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.
      • Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.
      • On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.
      • An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.
      • Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.
      • Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.
       
       
      Curriculum and Course Descriptions
       
      Major Facts

        • A degree in sport and exercise science from Gannon provides a solid base in biological sciences (anatomy, biology, chemistry and physics), which prepare students for post-graduate training in exercise physiology, physical therapy, athletic training, health and wellness program administration, medicine, dentistry and other associated programs.

        • Sport and exercise science provides students with the prerequisite courses required for most medical, allied health and physical therapy schools in the country.

        • The sport and exercise science facilities contain state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology available for research and academic studies.

        • Gannon’s sport and exercise science students have the opportunity to gain professional experience and put their knowledge and skills to use through a clinical practicum during their senior year.

        •At Gannon, sport and exercise science students may combine this degree with other academic programs such as pre-physical therapy, pre-medicine and a variety of pre-health professional degrees.

       
       
       

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