The Program in Exercise Science is housed in Marquette University's College of Health Sciences within the Department of Physical Therapy. While the PT Department sponsors a range of graduate-level programs, "Exercise Physiology (EXPH)" is its only undergraduate major.

The exercise physiology major provides an academic program of basic and applied sciences for students interested in exercise physiology, human performance, and health professions. The sequenced curriculum seeks to develop a graduate with the skills and academic background to pursue a career in the rapidly growing health and wellness industry, or to pursue graduate work or professional education in a variety of areas including physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehab, medical school, etc. Incoming freshman admitted to the Direct Admit Master of Athletic Training or Doctor of Physical Therapy program, as well as students accepted to these programs or the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program in the junior year, follow a course sequence that allows them to begin the respective program in the senior year.

Department of Physical Therapy Mission

The mission of the Department is to prepare future health care practitioners and researchers with an education rich in clinical experiences, community outreach, and research opportunities to develop leaders guided by the values of “Cura Personalis".

Program in Exercise Science Mission

The Exercise Physiology Major at Marquette University supports the missions of the University and the College of Health Sciences to graduate entry-level professionals who reflect a strong Jesuit education, Judeo-Christian values, and entry-level professional competence. The Program strives to educate students who will develop into professionals that are knowledgeable of current practices and trends, skillful in applying their knowledge, and flexible in their relationship with others. It is the mission of the Program that these students will become practitioners who are self-directed, lifelong learners continually striving to advance their knowledge and skills and to understand the social, political, and economic forces that impact the profession.

EXPH Program Outcomes

• Outcome 1: Apply critical thinking including evidence-based decision making in creating safe and effective exercise programming for any population. Programming considers each client’s context, culture, and interests.
• Outcome 2: Demonstrate professional competence including practice of cultural humility, effective, inclusive and context appropriate communication, community engagement, conflict resolution, leadership, and best practice and equity-informed decision making in exercise and wellness programming.
• Outcome 3: Assess any patient/client fitness level using multi-component fitness model, and promote wellness and behavior change to support health.