As our society continues to demonstrate a strong emphasis on sports, recreation and personal wellness, the OBU division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation (ESSR) is on the forefront of trends, training and career programs related to these topics.
A sports and recreation or exercise science degree from OBU provides a strong educational foundation in athletics, recreation, leisure studies, sports, outdoor adventure, coaching, allied health, kinesiology, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, fitness, and sports science. Our six program emphases offer specialized training to equip you to make positive differences in the lives of others.
Hear from the chair of the Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation, Dr. Chad Payn, about how a degree from OBU will prepare you to be a future shaper.
Undergraduate ESSR Programs
Exercise Science, Pre-Allied Health Emphasis
In this progressive and engaging major, you will learn how exercise, nutrition, activity, and recreation affect lifestyle and wellness. Discover how exercise physiology and behavior modification relate to disease, illness, chronic conditions, and injuries. If you are interested in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other post-graduate allied health degrees you will find this a valuable undergraduate program.
Exercise Science, Human Performance Emphasis
The exercise science, human performance program explores how exercise, physical activity, optimal nutrition and lifestyle affect the human body and way of life. You will take a closer look at the elements of human movement and coordination through the study of exercise physiology. This area of work offers a satisfying career path as you help others perform at their optimum abilities.
Sport Psychology
In OBU’s sport psychology program you will embark on a journey to understand the intricate relationship between the human mind and athletic performance. One's overall sense of well being and mental health is fundamental to physical performance in sports. This fascinating field of study is designed to equip you with both psychological expertise and practical skills while offering you a unique blend of theory and practical experiences.
Sports and Recreation, Athletic Coaching Emphasis
The coach’s role is vital in impacting another’s athletic skills, development and performance. In our athletic coaching degree program, you will learn about such factors as nutrition, sports psychology, sports management, injuries and human performance. As you continue in your study, you will develop your own personal coaching philosophy including leadership and management skills.
Sports and Recreation, Camp Administration Emphasis
If you love the great outdoors and an organized recreational setting, you may consider a degree in sports and recreation with a camp administration emphasis. Learn about legal issues, business principles, leadership, adventure activities, outdoor education and more. This degree explores how physical activity, exercise and sports can enhance leadership skills, teamwork and fellowship.
Sports and Recreation, Sports and Recreation Management Emphasis
A well-managed sports program is important to the success of any organized athletic discipline. With a sports and recreation management emphasis degree, you will gain a strong foundation related to the management of exercise and sports. You will learn to develop safe and relevant programs while learning to strengthen your communication and interpersonal skills.
Sports and Recreation, Sports and Recreation Management Emphasis
Sports and Recreation, Sports Ministry Emphasis
Having a heart for ministry as well as a love of sports are key elements to consider in OBU’s sports and recreation, sports ministry emphasis. Here, you can learn to lead sports groups and activities at churches, camps, and other religious affiliations in order to enhance others’ mind, body and spirit. The opportunities to serve others through sports and recreation and ministry are varied and offer a creative avenue to utilize your training. As a student, you will explore vocation and calling, evangelism, spiritual formation, basic counseling and more.
Graduate and Doctoral ESSR Programs
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Our new OTD program offers top-tier training that equips you to become a compassionate, highly skilled occupational therapist. Our faculty's personal and professional learning approach fosters an atmosphere committed to advancing the health and well-being of others.
Upcoming New Health Science Programs
Our new hybrid, accelerated graduate healthcare programs will offer you a fast track to a rewarding career in high-demand professions. Plans are now underway for upcoming degrees that include varied launch dates from January 2026 and beyond. Read more about our graduate degree plans for: Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (planned) and Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies. These programs are accessible to aspiring healthcare professions from anywhere in the nation.
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World-Class Faculty
OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.
Chair, Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Faculty Athletics Representative
Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation