Beginning this fall, Oregon State University - Cascades will offer a bachelor’s degree program in exercise and sport science (EXSS).  The program is seen as a good fit for the Bend campus because of the synergy offered by Central Oregon Community College’s two-year program in exercise science, and because of the regional interest in fitness and sports.  Students in the exercise science program at the community college who are interested in continuing their studies in the field can now pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at OSU-Cascades.  Students from similar, approved community college or undergraduate programs can also transfer into the new program.  The new EXSS degree mirrors the EXSS program’s applied option offered at the OSU campus in Corvallis, and students will graduate with an OSU degree.  

The program coursework focuses on the application of the biological, physical, social and behavioral sciences in the study of physical activity and sport, and their effects on the health, fitness and quality of life of people of all ages and abilities.  Students can individualize their program of study based on their career goals.  Graduates could embark on careers in adult fitness, sport business, youth programs or leadership of non-school sports programs for people of all ages.  They can also pursue graduate work in fields such as biomechanics or exercise physiology, or enter graduate professional schools in physical or occupational therapy, medicine or related fields.  

Christine D. Pollard, Ph.D., PT joined OSU-Cascades in August to develop and lead the EXSS program.  Dr. Pollard received a master’s degree in physical therapy from Pacific University in 1998 and a Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts in exercise science with an emphasis on biomechanics in 2003.  She did her post-doctoral training in musculoskeletal biomechanics at University of Southern California.  For the past ten years, Dr. Pollard has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in biomechanics, human anatomy, applied anatomy, orthopaedic pathology, and orthotics and prosthetics at University of Southern California, California State University Long Beach and University of Massachusetts.  Dr. Pollard’s research is dedicated to improving the scientific understanding of lower extremity injuries, and advancing injury-prevention and rehabilitation programs.   

EXSS students will take courses including biomechanics, movement skill learning and control, measurement and data in exercise science, and adapted physical activity.  Each student will also complete an internship.  The first EXSS course to be offered this fall and taught by Dr. Pollard is Sociocultural Dimensions of Physical Activity.  

The EXSS degree brings the total number of undergraduate programs offered at OSU-Cascades to 13, with 25 minors and options.  To learn more about the EXSS degree program visit http://www.osucascades.edu/exercise-sport-science or call 541-322-3152.

Located in Bend, Ore., OSU-Cascades features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources.  Thirteen undergraduate majors and two graduate programs, with 25 minors and degree options, include Business Administration with a Hospitality Management option, Energy Engineering Management, Exercise and Sport Science, and Tourism and Outdoor Leadership.