Applied Human and Sport Physiology Degree

Explore the Applied Human and Sport Physiology degree program

The movement of the human body is a fascinating thing. Most of us don’t even think twice about it. But it is important, and there are many careers that make it their priority to study how it works and help athletes and people who are injured, disabled, or want to improve their mobility.

In the Applied Human and Sport Physiology degree program, you’ll study anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and injury identification, treatment, and prevention. And you’ll be ready to take on a variety of careers in the field of allied health and sports medicine, such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic medicine. Our pre-professional health programs lay the foundation needed for admission to the region’s best medical schools, where Wayne State students regularly graduate at the top of their class.

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Fast facts

Program options: B.A. or B.S. in Applied Human and Sport Physiology

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 57

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements. However, students may not combine the Applied Human and Sport Physiology major with a major or minor in Exercise Science or a minor in Injury Science.

School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice

Department: Health, Human Performance, and Sport

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Applied human and sport physiology topics covered

Development of strength and fitness using free weights and machines
Prevention, recognition, assessment, and treatment of common sports injuries and illnesses
Physiological systems and their response to exercise
Anatomy and mechanics of human movement
Design and supervision of strength and conditioning programs
Design and supervision of health and rehabilitative exercise programs
Injuries and exam processes for upper and lower extremities
Musculoskeletal injury rehab
Human needs, interests, and performance in the wellness field
Sports medicine research methods

Student learning outcomes

Identify appropriate prevention, assessment, management, and treatment methods for common athletic and orthopedic injuries
Critique published research related to allied health, human performance, or wellness
Assess risk factor, health status, and fitness level, to develop safe and effective exercise prescriptions for healthy, athletic, and clinical populations
Demonstrate understanding of how the human body functions at rest and during exercise in healthy and diseased populations

Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP)

The Applied Human and Sport Physiology major is a suggested program of study for the RHOP fields of physical therapy and occupational therapy. The Rural Health Opportunities Program is a special partnership between Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska-Medical Center (UNMC) that recruits and educates students from rural Nebraska to become health care professionals who will provide services in rural Nebraska communities. The program offers a full-tuition scholarship at WSC, guaranteed admission to UNMC, job shadowing and internship experiences, one-on-one advising, and early registration privileges.

Learn more about RHOP

Applied human and sport physiology internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find applied human and sport physiology internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

Athletic Performance Enhancement Center
QLI Rehabilitation Center
Southwest Christian School Athletics

Career services and internships

Graduates of the Applied Human and Sport Physiology degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

After graduating from Wayne State College, recent grads pursued advanced degrees at the following schools:

Athletic Training (M.S.) – University of Nebraska-Omaha (Omaha, Neb.)
Nursing (BSN) – University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, Neb.)
Occupational Therapy (MOT) – Nebraska Methodist College
Physical Therapy (DPT) – Briar Cliff University
Physical Therapy (DPT) – Creighton University (Omaha, Neb.)
Physical Therapy (DPT) – University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, Neb.)
Physical Therapy (DPT) – University of South Dakota
Physician Assistant (MPAS) – University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, Neb.)
Public Health (MPH) – University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Jobs of recent graduates (without advanced degree, or while pursuing advanced degree):

Personal Trainer – Anytime Fitness (Gretna, Neb.)
Radiology Specialist – U.S. Army
Science Teacher – Cherry Creek School District (Aurora, Colo.)

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Applied Human and Sport Physiology degree program courses

A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements. However, students may not combine the Applied Human and Sport Physiology major with a major or minor in Exercise Science or a minor in Injury Science. Of the 120 hours of credit needed to graduate, 40 hours must be upper-level courses numbered 300 or above.

General Studies Requirements: Applied Human and Sport Physiology majors must complete MAT 180 Applied Probability and Statistics (3) to satisfy CAT 3, PSY 101 General Psychology (3) to satisfy CAT 5, BIO 110 Biology Concepts (4) to satisfy CAT 7, and FCS 207 Nutrition (3) to satisfy CAT 9.

Credits: 4
Description: Study of the anatomic structure of the human organism. The 11 organ systems of the human and representative quadrupeds will be examined in detail with lecture, dissection, and other laboratory exercises. Dissection is required of all students taking this course. An understanding of human anatomy is beneficial for students that will ultimately enroll in advanced courses of cell biology, histology, comparative vertebrate embryology and anatomy, and parasitology. Having training in human anatomy is also beneficial for students interested in health-related and biomedical careers. 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: BIO 110 Biology Concepts
Credits: 4
Description: A study of the fundamental physiological processes of the human body. Functions of the 11 organ systems will be studied. 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisites: BIO 220 Human Anatomy, CHE 106 General Chemistry I
Credits: 4
Description: Emphasis on nomenclature, atomic structure, bonding, gaseous and liquid states, equilibrium, and stoichiometry. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: High school chemistry or CHE 102 Chemistry for General Studies
Credits: 4
Description: A continuation of CHE 106 with emphasis on kinetics, redox reactions, molecular geometry, hydrolysis, electrochemistry, and solubility products. Qualitative analysis included. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 106 or by consent of instructor.
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to the careers commonly pursued with a major in Applied Human and Sport Physiology or Exercise Science. Topics will include the historical background professional associations, career opportunities, and academic advising for such careers. This course will include up to 10 hours of out-of-class job shadowing experience.
Credits: 1
Description: Fundamental skills in the use of free weights and weight machines and the techniques for developing strength and fitness will be provided for majors.
Credits: 3
Description: This course explores knowledge and hands-on skills which can be used to prevent, recognize, assess, and treat common injuries and illnesses associated with sport and recreational activities. Class fee of $50 required.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the major physiological systems and their response to exercise for Physical Education K-12, K-6, 7-12, and Wellness majors and students in these areas also taking Coaching minor or endorsement. This includes the application of physiological concepts to physical training.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy, and PED 205 Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 340 Human Physiology
Credits: 3
Description: A kinesiological approach to the anatomical and mechanical analysis of human movement. Movement terminology as well as muscular and neuro-muscular function in sport will be studied. Special emphasis will be placed relating biomechanics to movement evaluation in K-12 health and physical education.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy
Credits: 3
Description: Designed to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of the physiological, biomechanical, and administrative aspects of designing and supervising strength and conditioning programs for various populations.
Prerequisite: PED 227 Weight Training, and PED 304 Sport Physiology or PED 305 Exercise Physiology
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides the student with knowledge and skills for developing and supervising safe and effective evidence-based health and rehabilitative exercise for patients and clients with cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and other clinical co-morbidities. The student will gain knowledge in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of common non-communicable diseases, with an understanding of the evidence-based exercise prescription for these clinical populations. Skills will include blood pressure measurement and ECG rhythm interpretation.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I and PED 205 Anatomy and Physiology II, or BIO 220 Human Anatomy and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to orthopedic injuries and the orthopedic injury examination process for the lower extremity. The course will include injury nomenclature as well as clinical anatomy, knowledge and hands-on skills for the injury examination process, and injury management.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy, and PED 351 Biomechanics
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to orthopedic injuries and the orthopedic injury examination process for the upper extremity and trunk. The course will include injury nomenclature as well as clinical anatomy, knowledge and hands-on skills for the injury examination process and injury management.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy, and PED 351 Biomechanics
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation. This course will address basic rehabilitation concepts as well as a variety of techniques and applications.
Prerequisite: PED 351 Biomechanics, and PED 456 Lower Extremity Evaluation or 457 Upper Extremity Evaluation
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to the techniques of evaluation and assessment of human needs, interests, and performance in the wellness field.
Prerequisite: PED 305 Exercise Physiology
Credits: 3
Description: This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess physical fitness, develop exercise prescriptions, and conduct applied research in the field.
Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in PED 470 Fitness Evaluation and Assessment, proof of current First Aid and CPR, and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Credits: 0
Description: This course requires students to demonstrate their level of achievement of the student learning objectives developed for the Applied Human and Sport Physiology major. Various assessment measures such as surveys and comprehensive exams will be used to gather student data. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Student majoring in Applied Human and Sport Physiology enrolled in last semester on campus prior to graduation
Credits: 3
Description: This course is designed to introduce theory, skills, methodology, and processes involved in designing, conducting, analyzing, and disseminating research with an emphasis on application to evidence-based best practices.
Prerequisite: MAT 180, and PED 456 or PED 457
Credits: 4
Description: An algebra-based general physics course intended primarily for health professions, life science and education students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. PHY 321 (lab) required.
Prerequisite: Two years of algebra

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study, or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Applied Human and Sport Physiology at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

Biology (major or minor)
Foods and Nutrition (major or minor)
Psychology (major or minor)
Public and Global Health (minor)
Spanish (major or minor)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Applied Human and Sport Physiology program may also be interested in:

Exercise Science (B.A. or B.S.)
Pre-Athletic Training
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Occupational Therapy

I would like to become a physical therapist with my degree in Applied Human and Sport Physiology. Wayne State College has set me up for success in my future by helping me learn how to study properly and network with professionals in my future career, and providing me with classes that pertain to my career path. We get hands-on learning experiences that make our classes even more interesting and help you to better understand what you are learning. The professors are enthusiastic about what they teach, which helps keep us interested and wanting to learn more about the material.

Ashton Boyer

Wayne, Nebraska

Major: Applied Human and Sport Physiology (Pre-Physical Therapy Program)