• Degree offered: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
• Specializations: Pre-Health Profession and Graduate
  Preparation, Allied Health, Sport Physiology, and Fitness & Wellness
• Areas of study: strong foundation in the sciences (chemistry, physics, and especially biology), sport nutrition, physiology, exercise testing, counseling, woman in sport, clinical exercise physiology, and research methods.
• Course work preparation for various certification examinations
• Flexibility in internships to meet student interests including sites all across the country
• Applied statistics and required "hands-on" research experience
• Course work in the care and prevention of injuries
• Click here for full curriculum

The Department of Exercise Science and Sport acknowledges and fully supports the mission of the University. Regarding Exercise Science, the Department is dedicated to the scientific inquiry of physical activity and exercise as they affect human performance across a spectrum of settings and populations. The Department and its faculty are devoted to improving and optimizing the quality of life in people through the education of its majors to be competent and competitive professionals in the field of Exercise Science. We also recognizes that the totality of life includes a spiritual, mental, and physical component and that the development of all of these component is important to overall success and fulfillment of a person. Providing an environment for the intellectual and experiential pursuit of knowledge in light of Jesuit tradition and ideals is at the heart of the Department's mission. The Department of Exercise Science and Sport strongly encourages and facilitates student growth through an exploration of the student's interest and goals, and the development of a restless passion for continued learning in the field of Exercise Science.

Dr. Deitrick, as the Department's first Program Director, was responsible for having developed the Exercise Science major and the state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory at The University of Scranton. Dr. Deitrick received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Villanova University where he served as Captain and top ranked player on the tennis team and was nominated as an NCAA Scholar Athlete. His Master of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology is from the University of Utah and his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology (minor in Biochemisty and Nutrition Science) was earned at the University of Maryland.

His teaching responsibilities include the areas of Exercise Physiology, Exercise Testing and Prescription, Clinical Exercise Physiology, and Research Methods in Exercise Science. His research interests include the application of exercise to chronic disease states, human performance enhancement, methodological applications in Exercise Physiology, and exercise for improved quality of life and independent living in the aged. Dr. Deitrick's experience includes both academic and clinical work as Program Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Clinical Research Coordinator for a Veteran's Administration Medical Center.

Dr. Deitrick is a member and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. He was 16th President of the Southwest Regional Chapter of ACSM and served on the national ACSM board that developed the Registry for Clinical Exercise Physiology. He is certified as an ACSM Health Fitness Director and Exercise Specialist and has co-directed ACSM certification workshops. Dr. Deitrick serves as a reviewer for several scientific journals including the European Journal of Applied Physiology and the British Journal of Sports Medicine. He has authored several books and approximately 100 scientific papers in the field of Exercise Science; and, is currently on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association for Northeast Pennsylvania.

Dr. Wodder began his career at the University in 1974 when he was hired as both Athletic Director and Chair of Physical Education. He received a BS, MA, and PhD from Northwestern University where he both played and coached baseball and football.

Dr. Fetherman is the newest addition to the department, having started Fall 2005. Dr. Fetherman earned a B.S. in Journalism from Ohio University in 1984, a M.S. in Kinesiology and Physical Education (concentrating in Exercise Science and Wellness) from University of Central Arkansas, in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Human Development specializing in Health Promotion from Marywood University in 2004.

Her teaching responsibilities include Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise, Nutrition in Sport and Exercise, Current Topics in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Women in Sport and Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology. Her experience includes clinical work as an exercise physiology for inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs. She has also worked with community and worksite wellness and fitness program design and exercise prescription. Dr. Fetherman also retired as a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. She has numerous experiences in leadership development and teambuilding.

Dr. Fetherman is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and ACSM Mid-Atlantic Chapter. She is certified as an ACSM Health Fitness Instructor and as an American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer. As member of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, she supports the National Association for Girls & Women in Sport (NAGWS) and the American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness (AAALF). Research interests includes women in sport, worksite wellness and the older adult population. She is also a member of the American Horticultural Therapy Association with research focusing on the meaning and essence of horticultural therapy on human health and well-being.