Health & Exercise Science

The purpose of the Health & Exercise Science (HES) 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.

• 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 (2016-25). It is also the third fastest-growing major among graduates in that time.

The Health & Exercise Science degree is offered as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.).

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Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.

Sample courses that you may take as an Health & Exercise Science student include:

* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.

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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.

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Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our Health & Exercise Science students participate in the following programs:

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

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Careers that often interest Health & Exercise Science majors, and fields our graduates work in, 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.