Messiah College

Programme overview

Messiah University's Applied Health Science B.S. prepares students to promote wellness across diverse populations while integrating Christian faith and professional practice. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, research opportunities and practical placements to ready graduates for allied-health roles or advanced degrees.

What you'll study

Coursework covers anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, chronic disease, health promotion, exercise psychology, sport sociology and nutrition. Students may work on a human cadaver, conduct faculty-led research in the Human Performance, Nutrition, and Athletic Training Labs, design personal fitness programs, and participate in campus wellness activities. The major offers several concentrations and paths including:

• Exercise Science concentration
• Pre-Athletic Training concentration leading to an accelerated Athletic Training M.S.A.T. option
• Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration with an accelerated M.O.T. option
• Pre-Physical Therapy concentration
• Pre-Professional concentration

Program distinctives include accelerated 5-year tracks for athletic training and occupational therapy, a 4+3 articulation agreement with Arcadia University's DPT program, pre-OT and pre-PT early assurance arrangements, and opportunities to present at regional and national conferences.

Entry requirements

The published program page does not list specific admission criteria. Prospective students should consult Messiah University's admissions office or the applied health science department for current entry standards and prerequisite expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates enter internships and jobs in settings such as professional and local sports teams, physical therapy clinics, cardiac rehab, health clubs, corporate wellness and personal training facilities. Typical roles for bachelor-level graduates include exercise scientist, personal trainer and fitness or wellness director; additional professional schooling can lead to careers as physical therapist, occupational therapist, chiropractor, exercise physiologist, physician or public health advocate. Messiah's nationally recognized internship program and career services support placements.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page highlights institutional support: many first-year students receive financial aid and the university reports high post-graduation placement rates. For detailed scholarship, aid and graduate-assistant opportunities, applicants should review Messiah University's financial aid resources and contact the Career and Professional Development Center for internship-related funding guidance.