Encouraging healthy lifestyles for all.

Department of Health & Sport Sciences

The Department of Health and Sport Sciences will prepare students to become a competent, self-directed professional through sound curricular programming, dedicated faculty, and appropriate facilities and equipment. We are a professionally-based department with national accreditations that form the foundation of our curricula. Our athletic training program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The exercise science and health promotion major is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as an Education Recognition Program in Strength and Conditioning. Only four other institutions in Ohio are so recognized.

Why Study Allied Health at Otterbein?

  • Easy access to faculty who also serve as academic advisors and mentors and care about their students and their success.
  • Faculty who are professionals that work in a health-related field and bring that expertise to the classroom.
  • A major designed to prepare graduates for study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assisting, and other health-related fields.
  • High acceptance rate into competitive graduate programs.
  • State-of-the-art Biomechanics Institute and the opportunity to complete a research project with a faculty advisor.
  • The opportunity to complete a healthcare internship in your area of interest.
  • Opportunities to work with community partners such as Westerville Best of Both Worlds which is on-site.
  • Participate and assume leadership roles in the Health Professions Club.

Why Study Athletic Training at Otterbein?

  • Easy access to faculty who also serve as mentors and care about their students and their success.
  • Opportunity to complete six clinical rotations — each in a different type of athletic setting.
  • Close proximity to Columbus to enable traditional and non-traditional clinical rotations.
  • Participate in the Otterbein Club of Athletic Training Students (OCATS).
  • Conduct research (often with a faculty member) and present findings at a state conference.
  • Perform community service as medical support for the Columbus Marathon or other local sporting events.
  • State-of-the-art Biomechanics Institute to supplement coursework and undergraduate research.

Why Study Exercise Science & Health Promotion at Otterbein?

  • Easy access to faculty who also serve as mentors and care about their students and their success.
  • Obtain hands-on experience as a personal trainer for the OtterFit faculty/staff health and wellness program.
  • Learn how to use state-of-the-art InBody assessment equipment to conduct exercise testing on individuals.
  • Build your resume by earning a professional certification credential.
  • Complete an internship that is compatible with your career goals.
  • Attend a professional conference.

Why Study Public Health Education at Otterbein?

  • Easy access to faculty who also serve as mentors and care about their students and their success.
  • Opportunities to plan a community health fair.
  • Advocate for health related policy change within the community.
  • Teach others about a health topics.
  • Participate in Eta Sigma Gamma, Otterbein’s Public Health Education honorary.
  • Attend and present at state/national public health conferences.

Why Study Sport Management at Otterbein?

  • Professional development/networking opportunities with local professional sports teams.
  • Audit a sport/recreation/fitness/facility through visits to stadiums, arenas, rec centers.
  • Integrate knowledge from sports, recreation, and business administration fields.
  • Plan and manage a special event to raise funds for a charitable organization.
  • Intern with a professional sports team, country club, athletic club, resort, marketing agency, recreation center, sports commission, race track, college/university, and many more.
  • Conduct a sport-related financial analysis and economic impact study.
  • Develop a sport marketing/business plan, solicit sponsors, use social media as promotional tools
  • Conduct a mock trial related to a significant event in sport history.
  • Easy access to faculty who also serve as mentors and care about their students and their success.

The Department of Health and Sport Sciences here at Otterbein University is like a family to me, and has helped me develop both professional and real-life skills that I will use the rest of my career and life.

Olivia R. ’11, Athletic Training