Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science degrees in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences
The Nutrition & Exercise Sciences Department offers a major in Nutrition and one in Exercise & Sport Science, and each has several degree options. Popular and nationally recognized programs in the department prepare students for careers as athletic trainers, dietitians, medical and health science professionals, teachers in physical education, nutritionists, researchers, personal trainers, and fitness and nutrition professionals. In addition, all of the degree programs described below support advancement to graduate school.
Exercise & Sport Science Major Options |
Nutrition Major Options: |
|
| Applied EXSS | Dietetics | |
| Athletic Training | Nutrition Science | |
| Fitness & Nutrition | ||
| Physical Education Teacher Education | ||
| Pre-Therapy Allied Health |
Applied Exercise and Sport Science
This option allows students to individualize their Exercise & Sport Science program of study to prepare for a variety of professional goals such as medical school, graduate and professional programs, adult fitness, sport business, athletics, youth programs, and leadership of non-school sports programs for people of all ages. It is designed to prepare students for very specific career goals that are not met by one of the other four options.
Athletic Training
This option provides the academic and practical experience necessary to prepare for certification as an athletic trainer to aid in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. The Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Graduates work as athletic trainers for professional, college and high school athletic teams, in clinics or hospitals, or enter graduate programs for the allied health professions.
Fitness and Nutrition
This new option brings together a strong focus in exercise physiology and exercise programming with a foundation in nutrition, which uniquely prepares our graduates to promote health while working with the public in a fitness setting. Graduates of the Fitness & Nutrition option are well prepared to provide leadership for organizing, directing, and managing physical fitness programs in business and industrial settings, health clubs, and hospital-based fitness/wellness and cardiac rehabilitation programs. They are also prepared for professional certifications in fitness and conditioning (such as those from ACSM and NSCA) and for graduate study in the field.
Physical Education Teacher Education
Students seeking careers in teaching physical education select this option. If you want to teach in an elementary and/or secondary school setting, this program provides the academic major and prerequisites needed for application into the fifth-year, masters-level teacher education program that leads to teaching licensure.
Pre-Therapy and Allied Health
(PTAH) option prepares students for admission into professional preparation programs in the following areas: physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, physician assistant and medical school. This option emphasizes classroom, clinical and community experiences. Students who complete this option will be exposed to the clinical aspects of area of interest under the supervision of a licensed professional via the Allied Health practicum.
Pre-Therapy and Allied Health program details
Dietetics
Dietitians provide guidance to the public regarding nutrition and diet. The Dietetics degree option at OSU is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, and it prepares students to become Registered Dietitians (RD). This option provides the coursework and preparation to enter a supervised dietetic internship, pass the Registered Dietitian exam, and become a leader in the profession. Graduates from OSU’s program consistently exceed the national average for placement into accredited dietetic internships and for passing the RD exam the first time.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian
Nutrition Science
The Nutrition Science degree option is designed for students who want to focus in the sciences and the scientific basis for nutrition. Students may pursue careers in medicine, academia and/or health-related research. Professionals trained in Nutrition Science have many career options due to the growth and aging of our population, the focus on prevention of chronic diseases, and a growing emphasis on health, nutrition, and wellness.
Advising
The Office of Academic Advising and Student Services is a primary source of information for all College of Health and Human Sciences students. Students receive accurate, thorough, and timely information regarding their academic progress, job opportunities, and campus activities. Five full-time professional advisors oversee the undergraduate students within the College. Faculty members also have a vital role in undergraduate advising by providing professional and career advice, and serve as the primary advisors for graduate students.