Health & Exercise Science

Bachelor of Science

The purpose of the Health and Exercise Science department is to advance knowledge through research and to disseminate the knowledge in this field of study through education of and service to humanity. The primary focus of the department is promoting health and preventing and treating disease through healthful behaviors, emphasizing physical activity and nutrition.

Did You Know?

Several faculty have received grants to study the benefits of exercise in older adults. Dr. Shannon Mihalko’s group studied knee pain and weight loss and concluded that one pound of weight loss equates to roughly four pounds of stress relief in certain patients. Dr. Kristen Beavers and her team are studying osteoporosis medications to see how well they help preserve bone density in patients who have lost considerable weight.
Health and Exercise Science has been the eighth most popular major among graduates over the past 10 years (2015-24).

Courses

Sample courses for students studying Health & Exercise Science include:

Emergency Medical Responder
Statistics in the Health Sciences
Exercise and Health Psychology
Nutrition in Health and Disease
Epidemiology

View official major requirements »

Practical Experience & Skills

Health & Exercise Science majors tend to pursue one of three options after graduating. These options are: further education in medicine or allied health fields, further education in HES fields, or immediate employment.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

Interpersonal skills
Leading/coordinating
Strong understanding of anatomy and physiology
Awareness of proper nutrition
Caring
Organizing
Motivating/developing others
Problem-solving
Ability to assess the physical condition of others

Get to know our Personal & Career Development Center

Clubs & Organizations

Health & Exercise Science students participate in the following clubs and organizations:

Association of Pre-Physician Assistants
Health Occupation Students of America
Minority Association for Pre-Health Students
Wake Forest EMS

Career Outcomes

Careers that often interest Health & Exercise Science majors include:

Educator
Epidemiologist
Fitness Center Manager
Nurse
Nutritionist
Occupational Therapist
Personal Trainer
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Physical Therapist
Physician
Physician Assistant
Physiologist
Public Health Advocate
Recreational Therapist
Research Assistant

Recent graduates have begun health careers and/or further health-related education in 37 U.S. states and 13 foreign countries. While the majority of HES majors pursue careers in health-related fields, recent graduates have included a performance analyst in Major League Baseball; a musician in a symphony orchestra; teachers; and attorneys.