BGSU exercise science program growth tied to students' interest in University's innovative Doctor of Physical Therapy program

The exercise science program provides the foundational knowledge necessary for success in advanced fields

By Branden Ferguson

The Bowling Green State University exercise science program has experienced steady growth in enrollment over the past few years, with a sharp increase this fall attributed in part to the reputation of the University’s emerging Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Through a combination of classroom learning and experiential opportunities, the BGSU exercise science program provides students with an ideal path to an advanced degree in physical therapy.

"Our exercise science program has a long-standing track record of providing students with a great educational experience," said Nathan Peters, exercise science program coordinator. "Our nationally accredited program blends classroom learning with hands-on lab experiences to prepare students for various careers in health and well-being. Students aren't just learning content in a classroom or watching assessments on a screen, they are actually using the equipment, doing the work and applying what they’ve learned in class."

One of the program's signature experiential learning tools is a state-of-the-art, interactive table, which allows students to learn anatomy using life-size human bodies in digital formats, further preparing them for advanced studies and experiences.

“Our blended approach to teaching with hands-on lab work alongside faculty really helps students gain the foundational knowledge needed to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees,” said Chris Schommer, co-assistant director of undergraduate teaching in the School of Applied Human Development. “Whether students pursue physical therapy, athletic training or occupational therapy, BGSU faculty provide the support and learning experiences needed to be successful."

Housed in the School of Applied Human Development and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the BGSU exercise science program allows students to specialize in two distinct areas.

Students interested in prescribing exercise in strength and conditioning, cardiac rehabilitation or exercise physiology typically pursue a focus in exercise programming. The specialization in sports medicine prepares students for careers in athletic training, physical and occupational therapy or medicine.

With a natural connection between exercise science and physical therapy, Peters said an increased number of students are choosing to enroll at BGSU with plans to pursue the University's DPT program, which launched in 2021 as Ohio’s first and only hybrid program offered in an accelerated, two-year format.

The program's unique format requires students to come to campus only twice per semester, allowing them to complete the program from anywhere and earn a degree one year sooner than traditional programs, reducing cost and debt.

“We are consistently hearing from incoming students that they have an interest in advancing their studies beyond exercise science, and the flexibility of the University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program provides an excellent option,” Peters said. “The BGSU exercise science program, particularly our sports medicine concentration, prepares students for success in that field.”

BGSU exercise science students are empowered to explore career options through the program’s multiple partnerships and affiliations, which often lead to experiential learning and internship opportunities ahead of graduation.

“Our students complete their internships all over the country, each of them pursuing various career paths,” Peters said. “By putting their knowledge and experience to the test, students gain a better understanding of what their career entails, identify the qualities they like and dislike and are able to prepare for their future."

As one of many BGSU programs seeing enrollment growth and graduate success, Peters believes exercise science will continue to see growth as workforce demand continues to increase.

"Our program’s strong reputation and the fact that BGSU was named the No. 1 public university in Ohio for student experience and opportunities, is the reason we continue to see growth,” Peters said.