A girl wearing ski bibs and a backpack points at a triangular shaped mountain with her ski pole as she stands on a snowy alpine ridge on a blue sky day.

Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department

Gain the experience to help others tackle physical and mental challenges.

Exercise science, sports science, nutrition science, recreation, and outdoor education all involve understanding human health from developmental, psychological, and natural perspectives. To be a physical therapist, professional coach, or Wilderness First Responder, you’ll need a deep understanding of how the human body and mind work in clinical and natural settings.

Hands-On Opportunities

  • Student with the Wellness Elevated program coaches a community member through stretches

    Community Engagement

    Students promote wellness by collaborating with community members on fitness initiatives that inspire active lifestyles.
    Read More

Areas of Study

Advanced Coaching

Available as: Certificate

Applied Exercise Science and Performance

Available as: Master's

Biology with Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science and Performance

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Clinical Exercise Science

Available as: Major Emphasis

Coaching

Available as: Minor

Community Nutrition

Available as: Major Emphasis

Exercise & Sport Science with Master of Science

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Exercise and Sport Science

Available as: Major, Minor

Foundations of Coaching

Available as: Certificate

Health and Fitness

Available as: Major Emphasis

K-12 Physical Education

Available as: Education Licensure, Major Emphasis, Minor

K-12 Physical Education Licensure with MA in Education

Available as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Nutritional Science

Available as: Major, Minor

Outdoor Environmental Education

Available as: Major Emphasis

Outdoor Leadership

Available as: Major Emphasis

Pre-Dietetics

Available as: Major Emphasis

Recreation

Available as: Major Emphasis

Recreation & Outdoor Education with Master in Environmental Management

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Recreation and Outdoor Education

Available as: Minor

Recreation and Outdoor Education with Outdoor Industry Masters in Business Administration

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Sport and Fitness Management

Available as: Major Emphasis

Sport Management

Available as: Certificate

Sport Psychology

Available as: Minor
"The approach-problem-based learning and experiential learning in the ROE program absolutely foster growth."

Brooke Moran, PhD.

Brooke Moran, PhD.

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Department News

  • Shaping the Future of Physical Education and Sport: Kanae Haneishi’s Mission of Inclusion and Wellness

    Shaping the Future of Physical Education and Sport: Kanae Haneishi’s Mission of Inclusion and Wellness

    Sports and athletics have always been an important part of Kanae Haneishi’s identity. As a girl growing up in Japan, like any adolescent searching for…
    Read More
  • Western Colorado University study shows big benefit from AI-guided workouts

    Western Colorado University study shows big benefit from AI-guided workouts

    Western professor, students show us we can do more with less We get an added month of longevity for each workout, which is pretty remarkable…
    Read More
  • Western, Palmer College of Chiropractic partner to offer headstart on graduate degree

    Western, Palmer College of Chiropractic partner to offer headstart on graduate degree

    “We are thrilled to give our students this unique opportunity to support career progress” GUNNISON, Colorado: Western Colorado University is pleased to announce a new…
    Read More
  • Western Hosts West African Dance and Drummers

    Western Hosts West African Dance and Drummers

    Mark Gibson, a Western Recreation and Outdoor Education professor, used his Alternative Programming Class to invite the Kissidugu Foundation to Western Colorado University’s campus. The…
    Read More
  • Clinical Trial Adds Rigor to Exercise and Sports Science

    Clinical Trial Adds Rigor to Exercise and Sports Science

    To finish her PhD., Exercise and Sports Science (ESS) major Erin Smith decided to go above and beyond with her research requirement. For her research…
    Read More
  • Western Research Proves CAROL Bike May Be the Wave of the Future

    Western Research Proves CAROL Bike May Be the Wave of the Future

    Getting Fitter Faster It’s the dream of every busy person trying to get in shape or maintain their fitness levels —intense work outs in less…
    Read More

Faculty & Staff

Grace Adegoye, PhD

Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Program Coordinator

Christina Buchanan, PhD

Professor, Exercise & Sport Science; Faculty, Applied Exercise Science and Performance Graduate Program

Bryant Byrd, MS

Lecturer, Exercise & Sport Science

Michelle Conway, PhD

Associate Professor, Exercise & Sport Science

Angela Dalleck, MA

Lecturer, Exercise & Sport Science

Lance Dalleck, PhD

Professor, Exercise & Sport Science; Director, Applied Exercise Science and Performance Graduate Program; Director, Wellness Elevated

Matthew Ebbott, MS

Senior Lecturer in Recreation & Outdoor Education and Environment & Sustainability

David Erbe, MA

Lecturer in Recreation and Outdoor Education

Mark A. Gibson, EdD

Professor of Recreation and Outdoor Education, Professional Internship Coordinator, Adult Degree Completion Faculty Member

Nate T. Gore, MEM

Lecturer of Recreation & Outdoor Education and Environment & Sustainability, Undergraduate Director

Kanae Haneishi, EdD

Professor, Exercise & Sport Science, K-12 Physical Education; Faculty, Applied Exercise Science & Performance Graduate Program

Donovan McMahill, MS

Lecturer, Exercise & Sport Science

Gary P. Van Guilder, PhD.

Professor, Exercise & Sport Science; Faculty, Applied Exercise Science and Performance Graduate Program; Chair, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

Crystal Southall, PhD

Professor, Exercise & Sport Science, Sport & Fitness Management

Terri Stinson

Administrative Assistant II

Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department

Department Chairperson

  • Gary P. Van Guilder, PhD.

  • Professor, Exercise & Sport Science; Faculty, Applied Exercise Science and Performance Graduate Program; Chair, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

Administrative Assistant

AESP Graduate Program Director

  • Christina Buchanan

  • Professor, Exercise & Sport Science; Faculty, Applied Exercise Science and Performance Graduate Program

Contact Information

970.943.7129
970.943.7125

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Paul Wright Gym 209
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231