Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies

Study the human body and its dazzling complexity.

In this flexible major, you’ll chart a personalized course of study linked to your professional goals, whether they lie in athletic health care, physical rehabilitation, or exercise science.

Heather J. Rhodes , Professor, Chair of Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies, The Julian H.…

Marti Halm , Academic Administrative Assistant

Health

Study the structure and functions of the body and the science of rehabilitation. Learn about injury, recovery, and the ways we stay healthy.

Exercise science

Explore the physiological principles that enhance athletic and personal performance.

Sport studies

Dive into the world of athletics through the eyes of the individual competitor and the shared experience of the sporting community.

Why is HESS better at Denison?

Enhanced Movement Analysis

Our department is home to the motor development laboratory. We use several high-speed video cameras and surface electromyography to digitize movement and the nerve actions that make motion possible. Interests include patterns of childhood motor development and baseball throwing.

Sports at Denison

One out of three Denison students is a varsity athlete. We field 26 varsity teams and more than 30 club and intramural teams, and your experience as an athlete may provide an opportunity to earn credit hours toward your Denison degree. As facilities go, our Mitchell Recreation and Athletic Center will knock your athletic socks off.

Leadership Development

The Knetzer Family Institute teaches the social and emotional skills needed for top sports performance, academic achievement, mental health, career development, preparation, and leadership.

Career communities

HESS majors often join one or more of our career communities. Those interested in exploring careers in the science of healing can join the Healthcare and Clinical Research career community.

Career Exploration

Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.

Internships

Explore career paths through an internship (or two!) HESS majors have interned with the American International Health Alliance, Indy Eleven professional soccer, and in roles with universities and performance centers.

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Study Abroad

Study HESS in your chosen region to enhance your language skills and build your career network. Conduct research on a traditional semester abroad or take a summer internship in another country.

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Summer Scholars

Delve into independent research through our Summer Scholar program. All Summer Scholars receive a stipend and a housing allowance plus supplemental funds for research expenses. Off-Campus Summer Scholars also receive travel funding.

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Spotlights

Denison student assists weightlifter with a rep on a weight bench in a gym.

Weight-room wizardry honed at Denison sparks internship opportunities for Jackson Moore ’26

His education and training at Denison has enabled him to land prime summer internships with Division I athletic programs.

James Baker greeted Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy at the airport in Perth, Australia after she returned from Paris.

Denison Magazine

The Denison alum behind pole-vaulting gold

James Baker ’20 helped an Australian pole vaulter soar to Olympic gold. The lessons he learned in the HESS program set him up for success.

Exploring what it means to be an athletic trainer

HESS major Jay Branch ’24 is leveraging lots of opportunities to explore his future career.

Big Red swimmer’s winning attitude leads to medical research

John Stauffer's competitive spirit propelled his excellence in sports and the classroom.

Peter McManus ’20, pursuing doctorate in physical therapy

HESS graduate Peter McManus ’20 is at Northwestern University, pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.

Q & A with Neal Austria ’20, athletic training at U. Michigan

HESS grad Neal Austria shares his journey to the University of Michigan's football program.

Photo of the 2015-16 Champion Big Red women's basketball team

Q & A with Val Province '19, clinical research coordinator

HESS grad Val Province shares her journey to the Cleveland Clinic as a clinical research coordinator.

Abby standing in front of Nationwide Arena

Abby Scully '21, event specialist with Columbus Blue Jackets

HESS grad Abby Scully shares her reflections on her directed study that led the way to her first job with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Photo of Maddox helping a football player

Q & A with Alison Maddox '19, athletic trainer with Arizona State

HESS grad Alison Maddox shares her path to become the athletic trainer for the Beach Volleyball Team at Arizona State University.

Denison Magazine

Pedagogy perfected

Denison's Teaching Seminar introduces relevant teaching topics, stimulates discussion within the group, and builds community for new faculty members.

Taka Higuchi '20 celebrating commencement

The Value of Empathy

As a patient care assistant in a children’s hospital Taka Higuchi ‘20 provides a welcoming and calming presence at the start of an anxiety-filled day.