Health and Exercise Science

Health and Exercise Science

Welcome to the Department of Health and Exercise Science

About the Department

The Department of Health & Exercise Science (DHES) has seen extraordinary transition and growth over the last several years. In the fall of 2021, DHES, along with the Department of Nursing, moved out of the College of Science and Mathematics to become the Virtua Health School of Nursing & Health Professons. The new school then became one of three schools under the Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences of Rowan University. In November 2022, its name was changed to the Rowan-Virtua School of Nursing & Health Professions.

The DHES has four interrelated, yet distinct undergraduate majors including: Exercise Science, Nutrition & Dietetics, Public Health and Wellness, and Health Promotion & Wellness Management. In addition, the department offers a Health Studies degree completion program and a 3 + 1 Fitness Management major (an affiliated program between Rowan College of South Jersey and Rowan University).

The department houses two accelerated graduate programs, the MS in Athletic Training and MS in Nutrition and Dietetics, and one online graduate program, MA in Wellness & Lifestyle Management. 

Several of the department's programs are nationally accredited and maintain high outcome measures as they relate to preparation of graduates to enter their respective Professions. Please see the Academic Programs link for a description of these excellent programs.

DHES Faculty
The DHES maintains a diverse faculty that is very student centered. Every member of the HES Department strives to remain on the cutting edge best practices by being active within their various Professions. Many of our faculty have served as leaders within state, regional and national professional associations which enables them to assist students in leadership and networking opportunities. The DHES faculty have published many scholarly and research articles, with their productivity continuing to increase annually. Our faculty members also present their work at workshops and conferences at local, state, regional, national, and international venues. These research projects give students the opportunity to participate in research projects for which they can also seek their own publications. However, our first and foremost passion is preparing students to: become highly competent professionals, develop leadership skills and pursue a level of excellence that is nationally competitive within the respective professions students choose to enter.

Student Oriented
We treat our students as though they are family, in that we care about their needs both in and out of the classroom. We listen to our students, and continually strive to make program improvements based on their feedback and other evidence based outcomes. We want our students not just to do well, but to excel. You will find our academic programs are challenging, rigorous, relevant and well respected in the professional community.

Feel free to visit us and consider becoming a part of the wonderful opportunities that the Department of Health and Exercise Science has to offer.

Sincerely,
Greg Biren, PhD
Chair, Department of Health & Exercise Science
Director, Exercise Science Program
(856) 256-53728
biren@rowan.edu 
James Hall, Room 1039