Methodist University - Physical Education and Exercise Science Department

Welcome to the Physical Education and Exercise Science Department!

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science is to prepare professionals at the undergraduate level through excellence in teaching, research and service so that they may encourage enhanced performance and quality of life of all citizens through active lifestyles and lifetime physical activity.

Goal Statements

I. The purposes of the CORE requirement in Wellness are to provide students with opportunities and knowledge to increase their present level of physical fitness and well-being.

II. Graduates with a major in Applied Exercise Science will be prepared to enter graduate programs in Exercise Science and related fields or graduate programs in Physical Therapy and its related fields. Graduates may obtain employment in various aspects of the health and fitness industry. Graduates who are interested in careers in Physical Therapy or its related fields must attend graduate school in order to obtain the licensure required.

III. Graduates with a major in Physical Education and Health Education (PHE) will have the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective Physical Education and Health Education teachers. Students who earn a major in physical education and health education, with teacher licensure, are qualified to teach physical education and health education in grades K-12 in North Carolina and many other states. Students who earn a major in physical education and health education without teacher licensure usually go on to graduate school or seek employment in physical education, health, or exercise related fields. Click here to visit the Teacher Education Program.

IV. Graduates with a major in Cardiac Rehabilitation will have the skills and knowledge necessary to enter graduate school or gain an entry level position working with individuals with coronary risk factors or who have been diagnosed with established heart disease. The ultimate goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to restore and maintain an individual’s optimal physiological, psychological, social, and vocational status. Cardiac rehabilitation, exercise prescription programs enable individuals to manage hypertension, improve functional capacity, retard the progression and foster the reversal of coronary atherosclerosis, and reduce the risk of further coronary events. This program is currently suspended.

V. Graduates with a major in Exercise Science will have the skills and knowledge to become personal trainers or strength and conditioning coaches. As fitness professionals, graduates will be involved in developing and implementing individualized approaches to exercise leadership in healthy populations and/or for those individuals with medical clearance to exercise. Graduates of the program will be proficient in writing appropriate exercise recommendations, leading and demonstrating safe and effective methods of exercise, and motivating individuals to begin and to continue with their healthy behaviors. Students will have the opportunity to sit for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning and/or Personal Trainer examination.

Physical Education and Exercise Science