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 and 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 and Performance 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.
Eligibility
- Be in good academic standing and not be on academic notice or eligible for dismissal.
- Completed one academic semester at UConn before eligible for application.
- Competitive cumulative GPA of a minimum of a 3.0 or higher.
- Completion of the following coursework (no substitutions) with a grade of a C+ or higher:
- BIOL 1107 Principles of Biology I
- CHEM 1127Q General Chemistry I
Considerations
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Students interested in applying to the Exercise Science program are encouraged to meet with a representative in the program to review eligibility.
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Students must continue to follow their current degree plan and be advised by their academic advisor until formal admission is granted to the student.
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Students not admitted after their first application are allowed to apply for transfer one additional time. Students who are not admitted after the second completed application cycle are no longer eligible for transfer.
Timeline
The transfer admissions applications are considered during the fall and spring semesters. Applications will be open on the first day of the semester and will close on October 1st (for spring semester start), and February 1st (for a fall semester start). All students will be notified of the admissions committee decision two-weeks after the deadline for application closes.
Application Requirements
Factors considered with application include but are not limited to successful completion of science courses and academic performance, written responses to several questions regarding transferring, and a letter of recommendation. Students must upload their transcripts, and letter of recommendation to the application
*Students who have completed coursework at other institutions, please be sure to include those transcripts in the application.
Concentrations will be declared after admission into the major. Students will work with their advisors to select the most appropriate concentration.
Requirements
Exercise Science Required Coursework and Requirements by Plan
Exercise Science
All core requirements for the major and the following courses:
Sports Health and Performance
All core requirements for the major and the following courses:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ACCT 2001 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| KINS 2200 | Introduction to Athletic Training | 3 |
| KINS 3222 | Mental Health in Sport | 3 |
| NUSC 4250 | Nutrition for Exercise and Sport | 3 |
| PSYC 1101 | General Psychology II | 3 |
| PSYC 2400 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| 1 | 9 |
| Total Credits | 27 |
Pre-Medical Science
All core requirements for the major and the following courses:
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.
Writing in the Major
Students will satisfy the writing in the major department by completing KINS 4206W Scientific Writing in Exercise Science and one of the following required core courses: KINS 3531W Scientific Writing in Aerobic Training for Health and Performance, KINS 3546W Scientific Writing in Resistance Training for Health and Performance, or KINS 4511W Scientific Writing in Advanced Topics in Health and Sport Performance
University Common Curriculum Requirements
Every student must meet a set of core requirements to earn a baccalaureate degree, in addition to those required by the student's major course of study and other requirements set by the student's school or college. For more information about these requirements, please see Common Curriculum Requirements.
College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Degree Requirements
Students must meet a set of requirements established by the college in addition to the University's Common Curriculum requirements. For more information, see the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources section of this catalog.
Exercise Science/Athletic Training 3+2 (BS/MS)
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.
