A study referencing the Department of Education’s data has named Ripon College as one of the top schools for Heath and Wellness majors in Wisconsin. Aligning with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Guidelines, students completing the Exercise Science-Physical Education major will demonstrate proficiency in several areas: basic physical education knowledge, concepts and pedagogical practices; a professional philosophy consistent with current National Association for Sport and Physical Education and state physical education standards; creating developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional design; analyzing and articulating factors that affect physical education engagement, home-school relations, and classroom strategies; evaluating commercial physical education programs and resources; developing instructional approaches to meet diverse needs; and reflexively evaluating the impact of his or her instructional capacity on others and seek opportunities to grow professionally.

Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Exercise Science Department is to prepare, educate, and empower students in their individual journeys toward becoming critical practitioners skilled at evaluating, deconstructing, and addressing the problems and issues central to the narrower topic of sport, as well as the broader issue of physical activity across the lifespan. By blending scholarly study and professional practice, department faculty create learning opportunities and experiences that nurture students’ exploration of the physical, psychological, social-humanistic, and professional aspects of physical activity, and their associated impact on health, society, and quality of life.

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Faculty

Coles, Rick

Professor of Exercise Science, Associate Head Coach of Football

Followay, Brittany

Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Chair of Exercise Science, Graduate Program Director

Advising

Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.

As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.

Advising at Ripon

Requirements

Requirements for a Major in Exercise Science — Physical Education & Health
Core Courses EXS 211 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries, 220 Foundations of Exercise Science, 232 Personal and Community Health Problems, 251 Teaching the Fundamentals of Target/Net/Wall Games, 252 Teaching the Fundamentals of Invasion and Fielding Games, 253 Teaching Lifetime Physical Activity and Fitness, 286 Nutrition for the Health Sciences, 333 Physiology of Exercise, 342 School Health Curricula, 352 Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity, 426 Motor Learning , 454 Administration in Exercise Science , EDU 190, 250, 260, 270, 311, 320, 431, 571.
Prerequisites BIO 211 Human Anatomy and Physiology I is a prerequisite for EXS 333 Physiology of Exercise. PSC 110 General Psychology is a prerequisite for EXS 352 Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity.

Requirements for PK-12 Licensure in Physical Education and Health
Students must complete general education requirements for licensure, and the requirements for a physical education and health major. In addition, students must complete EDU 320 Pre-Student Teaching Practicum and a semester of student teaching (EDU 431 Student Teaching: Physical Education/Health and 571 Student Teaching Seminar).

Career Tracks

Students pursuing a major in exercise science-physical education desire to become certified to teach physical education in the PK-12 schools. Students in this field may find careers as a physical education teacher, fitness specialist, athletic coach and health educator.

Unique Opportunities

  • Through the Department of Educational Studies, certification in adapted physical education and health are available in early childhood/adolescence (birth-grade 12).
  • Exercise science-physical education students have completed student teaching at all school districts within 50 miles of campus. Those from further away can and have done their student teaching at their home district.
  • Valuable teaching experience can be acquired through multiple campus organizations such as Exercise Student Club, in cooperation with regular coursework such as Adapted Physical Education and special events such as Journey Charter Physical Activity Days.