Wellness and Exercise Science is the study of the impact of health, wellness, and fitness on the human body. At the University of Dubuque, your studies will take you into the world of human movement, nutrition, fitness assessment, and program design. You will leave ready to build a career in the management of wellness and fitness programs at corporate fitness centers, clinical and community wellness programs, personal training, strength and conditioning, and possible graduate studies in exercise science.
Making a Difference Through the Study of Wellness and Exercise Science
Student learning is advanced by the opportunity to shadow or gain work experience with fitness professionals, strength coaches, and trainers both on campus and in the Dubuque community. Student experience is strengthened in the human performance lab, performing industry relevant assessment tests. Additionally, students are advised by faculty with nearly 30 years of experience in the wellness, strength, and conditioning industry and personal training industry.
Degree Distinctive
Students have full access to the 1,200-square-foot Knox-Coit Human Performance Lab in the Stoltz Sports Center where they can perform industry relevant assessment tests.
Students majoring in Wellness and Exercise Science are exposed to a variety of practicums and are also required to complete an internship. Practicums involve working with strength and conditioning or wellness programs on campus. At the same time, the internship is conducted off campus in a setting that best reflects the professional interest of the student.
Students also have the opportunity to graduate as certified personal trainers and/or certified strength and conditioning specialists through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, preparing them for employment in the coaching and training field or to apply for graduate assistantships in programs across the country.
Career Opportunities
The Wellness and Exercise Science program is designed to introduce students to various future careers within the wellness and fitness profession. Students are prepared to manage wellness and fitness programs in corporate fitness centers, clinical and community wellness programs, and possible graduate studies in exercise science.
National Strength and Conditioning Association
The NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP) recognizes regionally accredited academic institutions for their educational programs that have met, and continue to meet, educational guidelines recommended by the NSCA. ERP recognitions are good for three years and schools are eligible for renewal following this three-year period. The University of Dubuque is recognized for its undergraduate program and personal training.
Wellness and Exercise Science Faculty/Staff
Kevin CattaniDirector of Master in Management – Sport Management (MMSM) Program; Professor of Sport Marketing and Management
Phone: 563.589.3454 Fax: 563.589.3410 Email: KCattani@dbq.edu Department: Health, Wellness, and Sport Office: 311 Smith Hall
CREDENTIALS
- PhD, University of Florida
- MS, University of Florida
- BS, University of Florida
Tyler RattsAssistant Professor of Sport Marketing and Management
Phone: 563.589.3613 Email: TRatts@dbq.edu Department: Health, Wellness, and Sport Office: 309 Smith Hall
Credentials
- PhD, Indiana University
- MS, Indiana University
- BS, Indiana University
James RomagnaAssociate Professor of Health, Wellness, and Sport
Phone: 563.589.3402 Fax: 563.589.3410 Email: JRomagna@dbq.edu Department: Health, Wellness, and Sport Office: 315 Smith Hall
CREDENTIALS
- EdD, National Louis University
- MA, Loras College
- BA, Loras College
Joshua ThomasDepartment Head - Health, Wellness, and Sport; Associate Professor of Exercise Science
Phone: 563.589.3186 Fax: 563.589.3410 Email: JMThomas@dbq.edu Department: Health, Wellness, and Sport Office: 313 Smith Hall
CREDENTIALS
- PhD, Iowa State University
- MS, Iowa State University
- BA, Northwestern College (Iowa)