Exercise Science, Human Performance Emphasis

OBU’s Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation program features state-of-the-art equipment including a BOD POD®, electrocardiogram machine, spirometer, and a ParvoMed metabolic cart with a clinical treadmill and cycle ergometer. You will be taught to utilize functional movement screens, strength and conditioning equipment, and reaction training software to enhance performance with a variety of client types.

As an upper division student, you will utilize an aging simulator to assist in exercise testing and prescription for older populations. Our hands-on approach to learning with industry-standard equipment further enriches your experience.

OBU’s Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation professors are highly trained in their field of study. They have enjoyed successful careers as practicing clinicians, working particularly as physical therapists and sports and recreation professionals, before teaching in higher education. Together, they offer you a robust combination of knowledge in key elements of science, exercise, movement, human performance and overall personal wellness.

All Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation courses are taught from a Christian worldview with professors who serve as personal mentors, supporting both your intellectual and spiritual development. Through a small class setting of 15-25 students, our faculty instill a solid foundation of faith and biblical perspective through their instruction and personal lives. Our mission is to invest in you as a future health professional who will exemplify Christian principles, and practices with utmost respect for those you serve.

Our university hosts an OBU STEM Day, annually showcasing the many majors on campus that incorporate STEM skills. Students and faculty provide live demonstrations and instruction in various labs and classrooms using diverse equipment for the benefit of all who attend.

As a supporter of STEM careers, OBU has entered an agreement with Project Lead the Way to begin the fall semester of 2024. Through this agreement, OBU will offer an annual $1,000 scholarship to students who have completed at least two PLTW courses during their high school years. This applies to PLTW students who enroll in any area of study at OBU.

Graduates of the Human Performance emphasis may continue to graduate school to receive more specialized training. However, job opportunities are plentiful in the roles of certified personal training, sports performance coach, strength and conditioning coach, wellness coach, fitness specialist, clinical exercise specialist and other related roles.

Recent graduates are now working at:

• OU Children’s Hospital
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
• Oklahoma Heart Hospital
  • Exercise Physiologist
• Integris Baptist Hospital
  • Exercise Physiologist
• University of Texas, Arlington
  • Athletic Trainer
• 360 Physical Therapy
  • Physical Therapy

 ESSR Graduates are attending these Graduate Programs

• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy
  • S. Speech-Language Pathology
  • S. Physician Assistant
  • S. Dietetics and Nutrition
• Baylor University
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy
• Oklahoma State University
  • S. Applied Exercise Physiology
• Logan University
  • Doctor of Chiropractic
• Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
  • Doctor of Chiropractic
• Oklahoma City University
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
• University of St. Augustine (Florida)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
• University of St. Augustine (Texas)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy
• University of Kansas
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
• University of Florida, Tampa
  • Prosthetics and Orthotics