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.
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5
unique lab spaces for learning & research
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20-30
average class size
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99%
of undergraduate students are employed, in grad school or in a full-time service program within six months of graduation
A High-Quality Education
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.
Explore ProgramsExperiential 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 graduate with dual ASN and BSN degrees. Health & Wellness and Sport Management students complete both a required 10-hour per week practicum and a full-time internship prior to graduation.
Explore Programs
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.
Explore Flyer First Destination Survey Results
Assistant clinical professor Rebecca Gonter-Dray was recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Dietetics Educator for the Ohio chapter of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and also for the north central region of the national organization.
Students in the sport management program had the opportunity to volunteer with the NCAA Women's Final Four in Cleveland last April.
Corey Kaeser, a University of Dayton '99 graduate, came to speak with Dr. Peter Titlebaum’s Sport and Wellness Seminar about the future after graduation and how it’s okay if not every senior has the rest of their life planned out.
The undergraduate dietetics program is proud to report a 100% match rate for its graduating class for the ninth year in a row.
Filled out your bracket yet? These students have, as part of a class project that teaches the tools to help understand outcomes in sporting events.
University of Dayton students in Sport Media class head to the #FirstFour as journalists
The two-time UD alumnus and inventor of basketball's Elam Ending will be the guest speaker for the health and sport science annual student awards.
Dr. Corinne Daprano's sport law class stepped behind the mic and learned how to use audio recording equipment as a new approach to dialogue that used to happen on a discussion board.
Explore
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.
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, Ireland, and Italy 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.
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.
Next Steps
Interested in changing your major to Health & Sport Science?
Current UD students who are interested in changing their major need to fill out the Change of Major form. Upon submission, someone from the department will reach out to you with next steps. In some cases, there are required meetings or additional forms to complete the change-of-major process.
99%
of undergraduate students are employed, in grad school or in a full-time service program within six months of graduation