Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences

There are two majors, Exercise & Sport Sciences, and Nutrition, with eight options between them. A listing of various career opportunities related to these options is available, as is a listing of internship resources.

EXSS has five options:

Applied Exercise and Sport Science option allows the student and advisor to work together to develop an individualized academic program integrating studies in exercise science with one or two additional fields. It is designed to prepare students for very specific career goals that are not met by one of the other four options.

Athletic Training students are prepared for certification as athletic trainers, aiding in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Upon completion of the prerequisites and admission into the program, students follow a three-year program of course work and practical experience. This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Fitness and Nutrition prepares graduates for careers requiring leadership in organizing, directing, and managing fitness and wellness programs in corporate, commercial, and clinical settings. This option also prepares students 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 (PETE) serves students seeking careers as physical educators. Graduates are prepared to enter a fifth-year credential program (such as a master's degree with a concentration in Sport Pedagogy) to earn a teaching certificate for grades K-12.

Pre-Therapy and Allied Health 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 completes this option will be exposed to the clinical aspects of an area of interest under the supervision of a licensed professional via the Allied Health Practicum.

NUTR or Nutrition has three options:

Dietitians provide guidance to the public about nutrition and diet. The Dietetics degree option at OSU is accredited by the American Dietetic Association and prepares students to become registered dietitians. This option provides the course work and preparation to enter a supervised dietetic internship, pass the registered dietitian (RD) 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.

The Nutrition Science option is designed for students who want to focus more in the sciences and the scientific basis of nutrition. Courses include chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physiology, psychology, physics, math, statistics, and food and nutrition. Students may pursue careers in medicine, academia and/or health related research. Professionals trained in nutrition science have many career options due to population growth and aging, the focus on prevention of chronic diseases, and a growing emphasis on health, nutrition, and wellness.

The Restaurant and Food Service Management option at OSU is a bachelor of science degree that prepares graduates for professional management positions in food service. As one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the nation, food service management offers opportunities in restaurant management, catering, schools and universities, and business and industry. This program is offered cooperatively with Linn-Benton Community College Culinary Arts Pre-Restaurant Management Program. Course work includes culinary preparation of foods, quantity food purchasing and production, financial management and cost control, marketing, accounting, personnel management, economics, and the sciences.

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