In keeping with the role of McDaniel College as a liberal arts institution, the Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education provides students with the knowledge and skills inherent to their academic disciplines that are needed by the professional practitioner who is capable of functioning in an ever changing society.  The department offers programs leading to both the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees.

The dedicated EPE faculty are experts in the various sub-disciplines of the exercise science and physical education fields and have extensive experience as educators, advisors, coaches, and researchers.  Students in both the EPE undergraduate and graduate programs are taught to think critically and creatively about sport and exercise programs and they are provided the tools to understand, and engage in, scientific research in the discipline.

The exercise science and physical education majors program provides numerous options for the student including a Basic Major, teaching certification, and preparation for graduate study in a wide variety of fields (exercise science, sports medicine, physical education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, among others).  A dual major, Exercise Chemistry, is also offered for those desiring a more extensive science background. Various minors for the exercise science and physical education major, as well as non-majors, are also offered by the EPE department. Minors include programs in athletic training, sports coaching, sports journalism, sports management, sport science (for non-majors only), and physical education.  EPE students also have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, pursue independent study, and participate in internships.

The EPE Department also coordinates the general education activity program required of all students.  Every McDaniel student is required to show competency in four different activities prior to graduation.  Most students demonstrate competency by completing activity courses offered by the department.  More than 40 sections of these courses are offered each semester. 

The EPE department is located in the newly renovated Gill Center on the north side of campus (campus map).  The facilities in the Gill Center include the new Merritt Fitness Center, Klitzberg Pavillion, Human Performance Lab, two “smart” classrooms, two gymnasiums, athletic training room, dance studio, combatives room, locker rooms, and a snack bar.