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Health & Sport Science

Using heart, head & hands to build healthy communities

As a UD Health & Sport Science student, you'll prepare for a career related to health, wellness, sport or physical activity. Students build learning communities through hands-on educational experiences and practical implementation of the curriculum. You'll learn not only from your professors, but also from your classmates to become an outstanding professional in your chosen field.

Whether you're pursing an undergraduate or graduate degree program, you'll receive the skills necessary to change lives. Students benefit from personalized instruction and individual attention, while five unique lab spaces offer opportunities for hands-on learning and research. Faculty also offer advanced research and publication opportunities. Students also gain valuable experience through research, study abroad, internships, clinicals and community programs.

  • 5

    unique lab spaces for learning & research

  • 20-30

    average class size

  • 98%

    of undergraduate students are employed, in grad school or in a full-time service program within six months of graduation

A High-Quality Education

  • A Values-Based Approach
  • Hands-On Learning
  • Post-Graduate Destinations
  • Education That Matters

    An education in UD's Department of Health & Sport Science is firmly rooted in our Catholic, Marianist values. That means you'll become a complete professional. You'll gain a well-rounded perspective from which to view life. You'll learn how to connect integrity with innovation, leading to a rewarding career where you can use your talents for the greater good. And you'll become a global citizen with a strong sense of moral responsibility and a profound understanding of your ability to shape it.

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    Experiential learning extends from the classroom to the community, as students are involved in hands-on learning from year one. Five unique lab spaces offer opportunities for learning & research, while practicums and internships offer the chance to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Dietetics students participate in community-supported programming, providing nutrition education and cooking demonstrations at locations throughout the Dayton area. Health Science students also participate in community programs, student-led organizations, and research with faculty and peers. Nursing students participate in clinicals starting their second year, and can become a licensed registered nurse (RN) after year three. As licensed RNs, they are able to work during their final year of the program. Sport & Wellness students complete both a required 10-hour per week practicum and a full-time internship prior to graduation.

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    Where Will Our Programs Take You?

    Graduates work in a variety of settings related to health, wellness, sport or physical activity. Many go on to earn advanced degrees at the graduate or doctoral level. The map highlights states where alumni are working or continuing their schooling after they graduate.

    Explore Flyer First Destination Survey Results
    Fitz Hall

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    Visit Campus

    Interested in learning more about UD Health & Sport Science? We'd love to meet with you. Schedule an academic appointment by contacting sehs_assistant_dean@udayton.edu. You can also choose to schedule a general campus tour and admission presentation.

    Featured Programs and Initiatives

    Unique Lab Spaces

    Five unique laboratories allow students the opportunity engage in hands-on learning and research experiences. Facilities include a fitness assessment lab, human anatomy lab, human performance lab, integrative human physiology lab, and food and nutrition lab.

    Student Research

    Students work alongside faculty to conduct and publish research in respected journals. Students also participate in UD's annual Stander Symposium, a campus-wide event that allows students from all disciplines to showcase their intellectual accomplishments.

    Study Abroad

    Summer programs in locations such as Chile, Portugal and Spain offer opportunities to explore food & diet, sport and culture through the lens of health and sport science.

    Student Organizations

    Be a part of UD student organizations created especially for health and sport science majors. Opportunities include shadowing, leadership, service, and professional development.

    Students conduct research in a lab

    Experiential Learning

    Real-World Experience

    Through practical learning opportunities like internships, co-ops and clinicals, you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.

    Interested in changing your major to Health & Sport Science?

    Current UD students from an academic unit other than the School of Education and Health Sciences who are interested in changing their major to one in the Department of Health and Sport Science should follow these requirements & procedures (pdf) >> 

    Note: At this time we are not accepting transfer or change of major students into the Nursing (BSN) program.

    Upcoming change of major meetings:
    • Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 8:00am

    Before attending a change of major meeting with the UD Department of Health and Sport Science, you are required to complete this Google form.  You will then receive an invitation with further meeting details.  Please complete this step at least two business days prior to the meeting date.  Attendance at a change of major meeting is one of the requirements of the change of major process.

    CONTACT

    Department of Health and Sport Science

    Fitz Hall, Room 646
    300 College Park
    Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 2968
    937-229-4240
    Email

    98%

    of undergraduate students are employed, in grad school or in a full-time service program within six months of graduation