Exercise Science

The Exercise Science major is an undergraduate degree program integrating the fields of exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport performance, and sport psychology, and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion. All students in the Exercise Science major complete a core set of requirements followed by a specific plan associated with one of the following concentrations: Exercise Science; Sports Health; Sports Performance; or Pre-Medical Science. Students will work with program advisors to determine the best concentration for career planning purposes.

All concentrations have immediate employment opportunities in a variety of settings upon graduation. In addition, the Exercise Science concentration will prepare students for graduate studies in a variety of sports medicine or rehabilitation professions, such as physical therapy, athletic training, and occupational therapy, by incorporating most prerequisites for these programs into the standard curriculum. Alternatively, the Sports Health concentration also prepares students for graduate programs in Athletic Training. The Pre- Medical Science concentration is designed to prepare students for applying to Physician Assistant graduate programs or medical schools. The Sports Performance concentration prepares students for immediate entry into the sports/fitness/health industries, or for graduate studies in Exercise Science/Physiology.

Admission

Students not admitted to the University as a first year Exercise Science major may apply into this major. Current UConn students may apply during the first two weeks of each semester based upon the admission requirements below. Students may apply to transfer into Exercise Science from another institution. Transfer students will be evaluated for admission based upon the admission requirements below.

Admission to the Exercise Science major is competitive. The following requirements must be met for consideration for admission into the Exercise Science major. Course requirements for admission must be complete at the time of application for the student to be considered for admission.

  • Cumulative GPA of a 2.7 or higher.
  • Be in good academic standing (not on probation or eligible for dismissal).
  • Earned at least a “C” in BIOL 1107 and CHEM 1127.

Exercise Science Required Coursework and Requirements by Plan

All students in the Exercise Science major, regardless of their concentration, will be required to pass the following core requirements:

Students are also required, regardless of their concentration plan, to complete two writing intensive courses (W course) within the Department of Kinesiology. All students must take KINS 4205W, and then one of the following courses to satisfy the W requirement: KINS 3099W, 3530W, 3545W, 3697W, or 4510W.

Concentrations within Exercise Science

Exercise Science

All core requirements for the major and the following courses: BIOL 1108; CHEM 1128Q; CHEM 2241 or 2443; MCB 2000 or 3010; PHYS 1202Q; and 12 related/cognate credits from related coursework from any of the following departments: CHEM, KINS, MCB, NUSC, PNB, PATH, PSYC. Other courses may be used to meet this requirement pending advisor and department head approval.

Sports Health

All core requirements for the major and the following courses: AH 2001; HDFS 1070; KINS 2200, 3212, 3222; NUSC 4250; PSYC 1101, 2400; and 12 related/cognate credits from related coursework from any of the following departments: AH, CHEM, KINS, MCB, NUSC, OPIM, PATH, PNB, PSYC. Other courses may be used to meet this requirement pending advisor and department head approval.

Sports Performance

All core requirements for the major and the following courses: ACCT 2001; HDFS 1070; KINS 3212, 3222; NUSC 2200, 4250; PSYC 1101; and 12 related/cognate credits from related coursework from any of the following departments: AH, CHEM, KINS, MCB, NUSC, OPIM, PATH, PNB, PSYC. AH, NUSC, and OPIM are encouraged for this concentration. Other courses may be used to meet this requirement pending advisor and department head approval.

Pre-Medical Science

All core requirements for the major and the following courses: BIOL 1108; CHEM 1128Q; PHYS 1202Q; and the following related requirements: CHEM 2443, 2444, 2445; MCB 2000, 2210, 2400, 2410, and 2610. Please refer to aamc.org and premed.uconn.edu for guidance on pre-medical requirements to include in the Plan of Study. Please also contact the departmental pre-med advisor through your major advisor. The schedule of courses should be designed with preparation for the MCAT (medical college admissions test) timing in mind for students intending to apply to medical school.

Exercise Science/Athletic Training 3+2 (B.S./M.S.)

The accelerated 3+2 program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Athletic Training (M.S.). The five-year (3+2) program facilitates students to complete degree requirements for the Exercise Science major in three years through the Exercise Science Sports Health concentration before completing their final two years in the Professional Phase and earning a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree.

Students must also maintain a “B” average in the core prerequisite courses outlined in the M.S.A.T. admissions requirements.

Admission

Students will be admitted to the 3+2 accelerated program (Exercise Science undergraduate major) as first-year students with continuance into the M.S.A.T. program upon completion of the B.S. degree in Exercise Science. Transfer admissions to the accelerated program will be considered in accordance with the Exercise Science major (twice per year – October 1 and February 1 application deadlines). Transfer applicants should be in good academic standing at the time of application, with those who hold a 3.0 or higher given stronger consideration. Admission is highly competitive, with preference given to students with strong preparation in mathematics and science and demonstrated interest in athletic training as a professional career. Students will be pre-admitted to the M.S.A.T. program when accepted to the 3+2 accelerated track and assigned a specific advisor who will guide them through their undergraduate degree. Students will need to maintain all prerequisite requirements for the M.S.A.T. degree and complete the process of applying to the Graduate School in order to have the GRE requirements waived, and admittance to the M.S.A.T. program guaranteed.