As our society continues to demonstrate a strong emphasis on sports, recreation and personal wellness, the OBU division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation (ESSR) is on the forefront of trends, training and career programs related to these topics.
A sports and recreation or exercise science degree from OBU provides a strong educational foundation in athletics, recreation, leisure studies, sports, outdoor adventure, coaching, allied health, kinesiology, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, fitness, and sports science. Our six program emphases offer specialized training to equip you to make positive differences in the lives of others.
Undergraduate Programs
Exercise Science, Pre-Allied Health Emphasis
In this progressive and engaging major, you will learn how exercise, nutrition, activity, and recreation affect lifestyle and wellness. Discover how exercise physiology and behavior modification relate to disease, illness, chronic conditions, and injuries. If you are interested in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other post-graduate allied health degrees you will find this a valuable undergraduate program.
Exercise Science, Human Performance Emphasis
The exercise science, human performance program explores how exercise, physical activity, optimal nutrition and lifestyle affect the human body and way of life. You will take a closer look at the elements of human movement and coordination through the study of exercise physiology. This area of work offers a satisfying career path as you help others perform at their optimum abilities.
Sports and Recreation, Athletic Coaching Emphasis
The coach’s role is vital in impacting another’s athletic skills, development and performance. In our athletic coaching degree program, you will learn about such factors as nutrition, sports psychology, sports management, injuries and human performance. As you continue in your study, you will develop your own personal coaching philosophy including leadership and management skills.
Sports and Recreation, Camp Administration Emphasis
If you love the great outdoors and an organized recreational setting, you may consider a degree in sports and recreation with a camp administration emphasis. Learn about legal issues, business principles, leadership, adventure activities, outdoor education and more. This degree explores how physical activity, exercise and sports can enhance leadership skills, teamwork and fellowship.
Sports and Recreation, Sports and Recreation Management Emphasis
A well-managed sports program is important to the success of any organized athletic discipline. With a sports and recreation management emphasis degree, you will gain a strong foundation related to the management of exercise and sports. You will learn to develop safe and relevant programs while learning to strengthen your communication and interpersonal skills.
Sports and Recreation, Sports and Recreation Management Emphasis
Sports and Recreation, Sports Ministry Emphasis
Having a heart for ministry as well as a love of sports are key elements to consider in OBU’s sports and recreation, sports ministry emphasis. Here, you can learn to lead sports groups and activities at churches, camps, and other religious affiliations in order to enhance others’ mind, body and spirit. You will explore vocation and calling, evangelism, spiritual formation, basic counseling and more.
World-Class Faculty
OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.
Dr. Chad Payn
Chair, Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Director, NSRMC
Dr. Larinee Dennis
Co-Provost
Chief Academic Officer
Dean of Business, Health, Science and Education
Professor of Education