Clarke Adds Exercise Science Major

After meeting with high-school seniors and researching the needs of future students, Brad Mensen of the Physical Therapy Department began developing a plan for a major that would align with what incoming undergraduates are looking for. With lots of planning and help from an Alumni grant, the exercise science program was formed. Offered as a B.A. or a B.S., the new exercise program will provide students with many career options in fitness and prepare students for graduate school.

Photo used with permission from Clarke University Marketing & Communication

After spring 2023, the athletic training program at Clarke University was removed. This left students without as many pathways to the careers they were interested in. To combat the removal of Athletic Training, Brad Mensen and other colleagues formed the exercise science program. During an interview, Brad explained, “I wanted to create a space for the students who wanted to become coaches, P.E. teachers, personal trainers, and more”.

Further into the interview, Brad brought up the topic of graduate school. He mentioned, “The program is the perfect way for students to be prepared for P.T. or A.T. school.” Brad further explained that the B.S. program is formulated to prep students for physical therapy, athletic training, or chiropractic school. The degree would provide students with challenging classes and important knowledge to prepare for the upcoming years. Keeping in mind that not all students want a major that is as science heavy, the B.A. route is also an option. Obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Exercise Science will open doors to P.E., strength and conditioning, coaching, and personal training. Mensen concluded, “Either path, B.A. or B.S., will create lots of opportunities and career options for students.” Additionally, students currently in the Introduction to Exercise Science class feel, “The class is hard, but definitely important for my career.” and “I wanted to come to Clarke for the exercise science program.”

After doing research, faculty felt this program was heavily needed due to the large want for the careers exercise science leads to. Many careers like physical therapy, athletic training, and personal training are becoming a huge desire for future college students. When deciding whether this program would be beneficial or not, faculty members took into consideration national surveys and charts. While also meeting with juniors and seniors in surrounding high schools for their input on what degrees or careers they are interested in. Once determined, an Alumni grant was thoughtfully given to Clarke University to provide funding in assisting with the start of the exercise science program. With the brainstorming of faculty, help from Alumni, and information from future students, the exercise program is in full swing. Faculty hope this new program will provide a home for future students wanting to pursue a career in P.T., A.T., and more, and prepare students for graduate school. That said, students currently in exercise science have great reviews in the first year that classes have been offered so far.