student sitting on treadmill looking at camera

Integrative Physiology - Health and Exercise Science (B.S.)

Earn Your Integrative Physiology - Health and Exercise Science Bachelor of Science Degree

Integrative Physiology at the University of Montana prepares students for careers at the intersection of human movement, health science, and clinical practice. The Health and Exercise Science concentration is designed for students heading toward professional programs in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician associate studies, chiropractic, and other health professions — providing foundational training in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, metabolism, nutrition, and sport psychology. It is also a strong pathway for careers in exercise physiology, personal training, and strength and conditioning.

Integrative Physiology FAQs

  • It prepares students for graduate or professional programs in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician associate studies, and chiropractic — as well as direct-entry careers in exercise physiology, personal training, and strength and conditioning.

  • Core content includes human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, motor control and learning, exercise physiology, exercise metabolism, nutrition, and sport psychology — providing a broad scientific foundation in human movement and health.

  • Students complete supervised practical experiences as part of their degree preparation for entry-level professional work or advanced study. The College of Health also connects students with interprofessional education opportunities alongside pharmacy, physical therapy, social work, and other health professions students.

  • Health and Exercise Science is pre-professional — aimed at students heading toward graduate clinical or research programs.

  • Graduates pursue M.D., D.P.T., D.O., physician associate, chiropractic, and M.S. in Integrative Physiology programs, among others. UM offers an M.S. in Integrative Physiology for students who want to continue at the same institution.

Programs

University of Montana Professor Brent Ruby studies movement and the boundaries of what the human body is capable of in his lab, the Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism.

IPAT Research Centers

Matthew Bundle and a graduate student conduct an interview with a research subject in Bundle's UM lab

Biomechanics Laboratory

Matthew Bundle's 3,000-square-foot biomechanics laboratory in the basement of the Phyllis J. Washington Education Center the lab qualifies as one of UM's hidden gems. With its cutting-edge equipment, giving Bundle the ability to conduct experiments and take measurements few other facilities in the country can match, the lab not only advances research efforts, it elevates the University’s ability to compete for grants and makes UM that much more attractive to enterprise dollars.
UM Researcher Brent Ruby leans against a treadmill in his lab

Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism

The Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism (WPEM) opened its doors in 2008. The multi-million dollar facility includes a biochemistry lab and a climate controlled environmental chamber that can be manipulated by researchers.
Amanda Alfaro, an IPAT master’s student, helps run the Cardiopulmonary and Cancer Rehabilitation Lab

Cardiopulmonary and Cancer Rehabilitation Lab

The Cardiopulmonary and Cancer Rehabilitation Laboratory at UM examines clinical and non-clinical questions about exercise, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and prevention, and cancer. The lab trains future medical professionals and academic scientists using clinically relevant and scientifically innovative approaches to understand how cardiovascular health is impacted by exercise and oxidative stress.
Children participate in a basketball camp at UM

Montana Youth Sports Safety Institute

The Montana Youth Sports Safety Institute promotes safety in youth sports across Montana, protecting youth sports athletes from injury and providing education and services to parents, coaches, athletes and other medical professionals to support safety in sport.

Explore Classes in the Integrative Physiology Major

Students in UM's Integrative Physiology - Health and Exercise Science Bachelor of Science program learn to analyze the theoretical foundations of integrative physiology, critically appraise and evaluate current research, conduct valid assessments of physical fitness, movement, and health indicators, effectively communicate health and exercise science concepts and more. Undergraduate courses include Basic Exercise Prescription, Legal and Ethical Issues Health and Exercise Professions, Motor Learning and Control, as well as Human Anatomy and Physiology and more.

See all classes for the bachelor's degree in Integrative Physiology - Health and Exercise Science.