Athletics Careers & Student-Athletes

Biology | Pre-Physical Therapy & Pre-Athletic Training

The study of life and living organisms is great foundation for understanding the human body and how to keep it functioning properly. Therefore, Biology is the undergraduate major that leads into graduate programs like Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, and Medical School. 

Shenandoah offers an Early Assurance Program for a graduate degree in Physical Therapy and Athletic Training.

This is a math and science intensive program, we suggest taking as much math and science as you can in high school to help prepare you for the rigorous curriculum.

Business Administration

Just like in a game, in business all members of the team need to perform their task, following the game plan is key, and there’s always room for improvisation. Transfer the skills you’ve learned on the field to the boardroom!

The School of Business offers students the opportunity to concentrate in one or more areas of business. Combine core courses in the business disciplines with electives that will customize your own program of study. Specialize in accounting, information systems and technology, international business, management, or marketing.

I worked for Admissions as a Media Team member and this job had taught me the importance of relationships and also time management. It also gave me a small insight on what I will be doing in my career field.”

Ashley Grimes | Healthcare Management | Women’s Lacrosse, ’22 

Esports

We at Shenandoah are proud innovators in merging academics with needs in the larger economy, and we recognize the growing power of the esports industry, which is projected to be valued at $1.4 billion by 2020.

That’s why we’ve decided to offer the first multi-track esports major in the United States, and the first esports major in Virginia, starting in fall 2019. Shenandoah is the first university in the country to offer this program.

We expect Shenandoah students and alumni to be an integral part of the action in a field that values quick and strategic thinking, mental agility, intellectual curiosity and creativity.

• Esports Management (BBA)
• Esports Media and Communication (BS)
• Esports Management (BS)

Exercise Science

Shenandoah’s undergraduate degree program in exercise science prepares you for a fulfilling career in health, fitness and/or competitive athletic performance programs. It also prepares you for professional certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Our program gives you a strong scientific and practical understanding of the acute and chronic effects of physical activity and exercise on the human body. You’ll learn to assess, design and implement individual and group exercise, physical fitness and/or sports performance programs for a wide range of populations.

This is a math and science intensive program, we suggest taking as much math and science as you can in high school to help prepare you for the rigorous curriculum. 

My visiting professor from China completely changed my First Year Seminar experience. She was able to give me and my peers insight and share experiences we never dreamed of having! I was also able to add a double major in psychology because Shenandoah gave me the opportunity and flexibility to diversify my learning. The psychology program is so interesting and will help me reach my long term academic goals.”

Jada Lewis | Exercise Science/Psychology | Women’s Tennis, ’23

Health and Physical Education (PreK-12)

The Bachelor of Education degree in Health and Physical Education requires the completion of the Professional Studies Certificate in Health and Physical Education PreK-12 and the Kinesiology Core courses. Completion of this program meets the professional studies required by the Virginia Department of Licensure Regulations for Health and Physical Education Pre-K-12 teachers.

Students who complete the Bachelor of Education in Health and Physical Education PreK-12 major as shown in the semester course listing below also complete the coaching certificate, as it is built into the sequence. 

Kinesiology Recreation

Shenandoah’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Recreation prepares you to become a health and recreation professional. 

Our program provides you with well-rounded experience with all things recreation-related. Courses cover everything from structural kinesiology and care and treatment of athletic injuries to personal and community health, sports nutrition, human anatomy and physiology and principles of strength and conditioning. You’ll also complete both an internship and seminar in recreational leadership, as well as a facility planning and event management course

This program also includes a coaching certificate, so you’ll be qualified to coach your favorite sport as well.

Sport Management

You know you love playing sports, what about managing a team, writing a column in a sports magazine, planning and executing a sporting event like the World Cup or the Olympics?

Sport Management students engage in critical thinking exercises, formal & informal learning styles while integrating elements of marketing, sales, sponsorship, traditional media, social media, facilities, event management, revenue generation & development, finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship. Internships are required for this program and allow students to gain valuable experience while enhancing necessary skill sets.

I love sports and was very interested in learning the business aspect. I knew that Sport Management was going to be my major when I was admitted. My favorite thing about being a Shenandoah student is how the professors get you ready for the real world and how the faculty cares about the students.”

Miles Moore | Sport Management | Football / Track & Field, ’23

Coaching

A coaching certificate qualifies you to coach, distinguishes you from other teaching applicants, and allows you to keep the sport you love in your professional career. Become qualified to coach at the public or private school, club, and recreational team levels.

Dance Minor

Classes such as Movement and Dance for Children and Dance Science make dance an excellent minor for students interested in athletic careers, especially Kinesiology and Exercise Science majors. 

Esports

The esports field is perfect for anyone interested in event management, communications, gameplay, coaching, exercise science, or in being part of a field that promises to grow more prominent and engaging with every passing year.

• Esports Management Minor

Athletic Training

You’ve worked with your Athletic Trainer as an athlete in high school, now you could be on the frontline of healthcare service for athletes at the high school, college, or professional level!

Become an expert in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. Specializing in prevention, rehabilitation, and management of injuries resulting from participation in athletics and physical activity, the athletic trainer is an integral member of the sports medicine team.

Shenandoah offers an Early Assurance Program for a graduate degree in Athletic Training.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Shenandoah University’s Division of Physical Therapy (PT) prepares students to be reflective practitioners who provide effective, evidence-based, compassionate care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction and to promote physical health and functional ability across the lifespan.

Shenandoah offers an Early Assurance Program for a graduate degree in Physical Therapy. 

Esports

As One Of The First Graduate Esports Curriculums In The Country, Our Program Provides You With The Skills You Need To Be A Leader In The Esports Field.

• Esports Management (MBA) 
• Esports Management Graduate Certificate 

Anatomy & Physiology Graduate Certificate

This program provides an understanding of human anatomy and physiology at a level required for clinical medicine. 

This program may be used as a foundation for further education in the health professions, for further graduate study and/or research in the discipline, or for educators at the secondary or post-secondary level who require graduate-level credits to teach Anatomy and Physiology.

Performing Arts Medicine (PAM) Graduate Certificate

This program educates health care professionals and performing art educators on the prevention, assessment, and management of injuries and disorders specific to dancers, theatre artists, and musicians along with promoting clinical research to determine best practices.

Performing Arts Health and Fitness Graduate Certificate

This program prepares you to be a leader in performing arts health and fitness whether you are a performing artist, a performing arts educator, an exercise physiologist, a certified personal trainer, a certified strength and conditioning coach, a massage therapist or other fitness professional.