Students receive innovative, hands-on experience from year one through community physical education programs, student-led organizations and research with faculty and peers. Students also work in groups to complete a capstone research project, allowing for original scholarly work.
To assist with career exploration, students are exposed to a variety of professions and shadow professionals in the field.
Students also take part in two mock interviews with representatives from a variety of organizations, including non-profit groups, hospital systems, collegiate athletic departments and community recreation facilities.
ERP AffiliateThe Department of Health and Sport Science is affiliated with the nationally-recognized NSCA Education Recognition Program. Our curriculum meets the standardized strength and conditioning or personal training requirements, preparing you for the for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) or NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certifications. Plus, our partnership with Campus Recreation means you can work as a certified personal trainer or strength and conditioning specialist right here on campus.
Fitness, Friendship and FunStudents in the Essentials of Youth Fitness class get a wonderful opportunity to work with the kids through the Fitness, Friendship and Fun program. Originating in 2004, the FFF program has since been a staple within the Department of Health and Sport Science, exhibiting service-oriented, high-impact learning experiences for students along with purposeful promotion of healthy active living for 3rd-5th grade children from Holy Angels Catholic school.
Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about health and wellness at UD.
No matter which concentration you choose, you'll engage in a variety of activities to encourage both professional and personal growth. You'll complete practicums and internships connecting you to your future career. Hands-on learning varies by concentration and can include partnerships with local elementary schools, UD Campus Recreation, Dayton Athletics, and needs assessments with community partners.
Courses also provide relevant prerequisites for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees.
The health and wellness degree has two concentrations available: community health and health and fitness.
The community health concentration is for those who want to work to improve health at a population level. Career options include working with public health agencies, non-profit organizations and schools.
With this concentration, you'll be able to:
View the community health sample plan of study.
Health and fitness is the intersection of understanding the business of taking care of our bodies. Students are prepared to be leaders in the booming wellness industry. Career options include working with fitness facilities (personal trainers and managers), corporate wellness programs, coaching, sales and marketing.
With this concentration, you'll be able to:
View the health and fitness sample plan of study.
At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.
Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.
Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.
To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.
This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.
This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.
Accelerate your studies and earn your bachelor's degree plus an advanced degree through a streamlined program. UD offers a Bachelor's Plus Master's Program, with a variety of available degrees.
Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.
At UD, you're never alone. Your holistic advisor will guide you through your college journey, and resources across campus are available to help you succeed academically, build community, gain real-world experience and prepare for your career.
