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Exercise and Health Sciences (EAHS)

Students in a hospital room

The Exercise and Health Sciences (EAHS) major provides a holistic understanding of human health through courses and experiences in natural and applied sciences.

The interdisciplinary curriculum is based on courses in biology, chemistry, and psychology to build the framework for applied courses in anatomy and physiology, exercise science, kinesiology, nutrition, and health behavior. Courses and diverse learning experiences emphasize critical thinking and communication skills and are designed for flexibility in student career goals and planning. Students in this major have the goal of becoming health care providers, fitness professionals, small business owners, performance coaches and much more.

Courses and Requirements

Courses such as Evidence-based Practice in Health Science, Exercise and Health, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Metabolic Nutrition account for some of the required 39 departmental credits.

Elective courses for the 25-credits in the EAHS major include Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise and Neuromuscular Performance, Athletic Injuries, Behavior Theory in Health Promotion, and Health Counseling, among others.  

All students in EAHS must complete 2 credits (90 contact hours) of Individual Learning Experiences. Field Study (internship) Independent Study, Undergraduate Research, and Study Abroad are all excellent choices to fulfill this requirement.  

Graduation Requirements

Diverse Career Paths

This flexible major opens doors to a variety of career paths in fitness, wellness, community health, medicine, and the health professions. Many EAHS students pursue continued education in the health professions including physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing, medicine (allopathic and osteopathic), athletic training, dentistry, pharmacy, chiropractic, veterinary medicine, and more.

Some roles of HNFE alumni include medical device sales, paramedic, hospital administration, wellness director, account managers, sport scientist, research specialist, and hospital credentialing specialist, among others. 

Apply & Visit

No matter where you are in the process of finding the best program and university for you, we're here to support you. If you're ready to join Hokie Nation, you can apply now. 

Visit us in-person! There are multiple opportunities to visit campus over the year by Virginia Tech Admissions and by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where our department is housed. If you are visiting campus at an alternate time or date, you can reach out to hnfeinfo@vt.edu schedule a tour with our department.