Health & Exercise Science

Finding ways to help people live healthier lives.

Health & Exercise Science major and minor

Simpson’s Health and Exercise Science (HES) major offers a hands-on, practical approach to studying human movement and its role in health. You’ll gain valuable experience working directly with patients and clients through internships and independent research, helping to prevent and manage chronic diseases, injuries, and improve physical performance. The curriculum is designed to build strong foundational skills while allowing you to tailor your studies with upper-level courses that align with your career goals and interests.

View major course requirements

View minor course requirements

Why Simpson College for Health & Exercise Science?

Students working in lab for pre-professional programs

A Pathway to Diverse Careers in Health and Wellness

Health and Exercise Science prepares you for a wide range of rewarding careers in healthcare and wellness. Whether you’re interested in health coaching, strength and conditioning, cardiac rehabilitation, or corporate wellness, this field offers opportunities to make a real impact. It also serves as excellent preparation for pre-professional programs such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, medicine, and more — empowering you to advance your knowledge and skills in support of healthier lives.

Get Involved

Explore the ways you can get more involved with the Department of Sport Science and Health Education.

Internships

Internships allow students to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to practical experiences, while making valuable connections in their field of study. We rely on these experiences to help students confirm their interests and further identify strengths and needed areas of improvement.

Labs

Labs are incredibly helpful to provide hands-on learning as well as practice techniques that aren't taught in a book. This includes patient/client communication and comfort with personal interaction that is so critical in the field.

Sport Administration Club

The Sport Administration Club gives you the opportunity to gain experience by recruiting guest speakers, engaging in fundraising activities and organizing events at Simpson and in the surrounding community.

Health & Exercise Science Club

As a member of the Health & Exercise Science Club, you will have the opportunity to attend professional meetings of organizations in your specific field. Conference attendance has included travel within Iowa and across the country. Recent conferences were held in Washington, D.C. and Chicago.