Accelerated Athletic Training/MSAT 5-year Program
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Applied Health Science Major in Pennsylvania
Prepare for a career in one of the fastest growing and changing U.S. industries with our bachelor's of science (B.S.) degree in applied health science. Learn how your Christian faith applies to the field of health and wellness.
Study Applied Health Science at a Christian University
In Messiah University's applied health science Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program, you’ll gain firsthand experience in the field of applied health science with particular attention on learning how your Christian faith and career aspirations can strengthen each other.
Messiah’s unique multi-dimensional approach to health and wellness offers coursework in anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, chronic disease, health promotion, exercise psychology, sport sociology and nutrition, preparing you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to promote wellness among diverse population groups while aiding them in stewardship of one of God's greatest creations—the human body.
Messiah offers two accelerated degree options through the applied health science major: athletic training and occupational therapy. In both options, you can earn your bachelor's degree and your master's degree in just five years.
Pre-OT early assurance program
Pre-PT early assurance program
Messiah‐Arcadia Articulation Agreement
Messiah University has a 4+3 articulation agreement with the DPT Program at Arcadia University.
As an applied health science major at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:
- Go on to medical, physical therapy or occupational therapy school or complete other advanced degrees in the allied health fields
- Study in an accelerated degree program, if you wish. Messiah offers accelerated degree options in athletic training and occupational therapy (both of which may have applied health science for the bachelor's degree).
- Develop an understanding of the anatomical and physiological responses to acute and chronic exercise and critically analyze human movement patterns
- Work on a human cadaver as a pre-physical therapy or pre-professional student
- Conduct research with faculty members in our state-of-the-art Human Performance, Nutrition, and Athletic Training Labs.
- Work with the campus wellness program
- Design personal fitness programs for individuals
- Pursue graduate studies in specialized fields such as cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, fitness program leadership or exercise physiology
- Participate in conferences at the regional and national level
- Participate in college honors and departmental honors programs
Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program helps place students in a variety of applied health science internships. A few examples include:
- Pro and local sports teams
- Physical therapy clinics
- Cardiac rehab programs
- Health clubs
- Personal training facilities
- Corporate wellness programs
As a graduate of the applied health science program, you will be equipped to secure positions such as:
- Exercise scientist
- Personal trainer
- Fitness or wellness director
- With additional schooling: physical therapist, occupational therapist, chiropractor, exercise physiologist, doctor and public health advocate
For more information on career planning for the applied health science program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Through the applied health science program, you will:
- Discover significant presuppositions common to both the Christian faith and the field of health and exercise science, with particular attention given to ways in which the Christian world view can enlighten the discipline
- Apply your disciplinary knowledge and Christian values in meaningful and practical on or off-campus experiences. Through these experiences, you will demonstrate a commitment to use your knowledge in ways that benefit and serve others.
- Learn to write in a clear, scholarly fashion
- Develop an understanding of the anatomical and physiological responses to acute and chronic exercise and critically analyze human movement patterns
- Be equipped with the necessary background knowledge to pursue graduate study in specialized fields such as cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, fitness program leadership or exercise physiology
- Attain the skills and abilities necessary for entering a variety of health and exercise science careers
- Be able to prescribe individual movement activities designed to achieve satisfactory fitness levels and improve athletic performance
- Have the ability to conduct research in accordance with the principles of sound qualitative and quantitative research interpretation and procedure
