Bachelor of Science in Sport Science-Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy

Program Overview

Tusculum University's Sport Science program offers a B.A. degree preparing students for careers in fitness and wellness, and a B.S. degree designed for students pursuing graduate studies in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training. The program emphasizes practical experiences, individualized training, and professional school preparation, with opportunities for internships and clinical experiences. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various fields related to sport science, health, and fitness.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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• Prepares students for careers in sport science, wellness, and fitness-enhancing fields, and for further study at the graduate level.
• Requires a total of 60 semester hours in the major (including 6 hours of activity courses), 42 semester hours in the General Education Core, and 18 hours of electives.
• Requires completion of six activity competencies courses.
• Focuses on practical experiences and individualized training for specific career paths.

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• Designed to prepare students for graduate programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Athletic Training.
• Provides an educational foundation in the functioning and performance of the human body, with practical experiences in therapy and athletic training fields.
• Provides useful preparation for those who anticipate coaching in the future.
• Consists of 16 semester hours of coursework.
• Provides useful preparation for those who anticipate coaching in the future.
• Consists of 10 semester hours of coursework.
• Provides participation and theoretical experiences in understanding the outdoor environment of east Tennessee.
• Includes courses in Wilderness Skills, Wilderness Ecology, and Wilderness Recreation, along with outdoor experience courses in various activities.

Outline:

Assessment:

Teaching:

Sport Science

• Program emphasizes career preparation through activities within coursework, including resume writing, teamwork, collaboration, and mock interviewing.
• Focuses on practical experiences and individualized training for specific career paths.
• Professional school preparation program available for those interested in pursuing physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training.
• Internship and clinical opportunities offered to ensure students have the best preparation possible for graduate school.

Faculty:

• Dr. Suzanne Byrd (Department Chair)
• Angelo Botta (Assistant Professor)
• Dr. David Bow (Professor)

Careers:

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• Potential careers include:
• Personal trainer
• Strength and conditioning coach
• Health and fitness specialist
• Sports coach
• Athletic trainer
• Recreation leader
• Exercise physiologist
• Fitness instructor
• Wellness consultant
• Sport psychology consultant

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• Prepares students for further study in:
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Athletic training

Other:

• The Sport Science Department at Tusculum prepared Raven Chance, a 2023 graduate, for graduate school and her current coaching job.
• Students in Sport Science regularly engage with professional organizations in the Greene County community.
• All sport science students participate in clinical and internship activities for professional growth and on-the-job training.
• Graduates of the program have attended or are attending various institutions for advanced degrees.