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Undergraduate Degree Programs in Exercise and Sport Science (B.S.Ed.)

The undergraduate degree programs in Exercise and Sport Science are designed to provide students an in-depth exposure to the scientific basis of physical activity, exercise and sport. Completing the degree requirements in Exercise and Sport Science prepares student with the knowledge and skills related to a career in the health sciences. The Major Program in Athletic Training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP). The American College of Sports Medicine has endorsed the curricula for the University of Georgia's Exercise and Sport Science undergraduate program. This curriculum covers the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of an ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor^SM.

Careers

cooper with 2 students The major programs in Exercise and Sport Science prepare students for a variety of possible careers in medicine, athletic training, physical therapy, other allied health occupations, fitness and sport enterprises, education, sport science and coaching, or business and industry. With a B.S.Ed. degree, positions can be obtained as athletic trainers, exercise and sport science specialists in various settings (corporation, hospital, sport medicine clinic, YMCA, community recreation, government, military, sports teams). Many graduates go on to graduate or professional schools majoring in sport medicine (physical therapy, athletic training, or other medical specialties) or specialized areas of exercise science (adult fitness and cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, biomechanics, and measurement). Following advanced study and/or certification, positions may be obtained as physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians, higher-level exercise specialists or directors of cardiac rehabilitation and adult fitness programs in hospital, corporate, YMCA and community settings, and as exercise scientists (teaching and/or research) in higher education, government or industry.

Curriculum

University Core Curriculum

All majors take 60 semester hours of liberal arts education (University Core), including science, mathematics, social science, and humanities.

Exercise Science Core Curriculum

All students are required to take 23 semester hours of exercise science courses (ESS Core) to include:

exercise physiology (EXRS 4630/4630L)
scientific principles of conditioning and fitness (EXTS 4640/4640L)
biomechanics (EXRS 4200/4200L)
exercise and sport psychology (EXRS 4400)
Measurement and Evaluation in Exercise Science (EXRS 3830)
Exercise epidemiology. (EXRS 4300)

Major Program in Athletic Training

Athletic Training is an allied health profession that is recognized by the American Medical Association. Certified Athletic Trainers, under the supervision of a licensed physician, provide care for athletes and those who are physically active within six areas of clinical practice: prevention; clinical evaluation and diagnosis; immediate care; treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning; organization and administration; and professional responsibility. Athletic Trainers are specialists in the area of sports medicine; sports medicine is a general term that refers to a very broad scope of care and services that are necessary to maintain the overall health and performance of those who are physically active or who participate in sports.

The University of Georgia Athletic Training Education Program aspires to be a national leader in the clinical, academic and professional development of undergraduate athletic training students. Its primary goal is to develop competent and contributing entry-level professionals into the field of athletic training. This will be accomplished by providing an effective blend of classroom education along with diverse clinical experience in preparation for taking the Board of Certification Examination (BOC). This preparation, along with successfully passing the certification examination, will qualify graduates for employment in all realms of athletic training.

For a more detailed description of the major program in athletic training to include the academic and clinical requirements can be found here.

Area of Emphasis in Exercise Science

An additional 30 semester hours of course work and practical experiences are related to one of the six program options listed below.

The specific course work under each option is recommended to give each student the best preparation possible. Certain course substitutions can be made to better match the student’s academic and career goals. Click below for detailed program requirements.

Requirements for the B.S.Ed. Major in Exercise and Sport Science (.pdf format)

University Application Procedure

Applications for undergraduate admission may be obtained from the Admissions Office, 114 Academic Building, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-6033, or call (706) 542-8776. Online information and application is available at www.uga.edu/admit Completion of all forms and requirements are mandatory before admission can be considered. Acceptance to the University of Georgia will be determined by the University Faculty Admissions Committee, subject to the right of appeal, not by the Department of Exercise Science.

Specific information concerning housing, orientation, pre-registration and transferred courses is sent to the student following the official acceptance.

Information concerning financial aid can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid, 220 Holmes/Hunter Academic Building, UGA, Athens, GA 30602-6114, online at www.uga.edu/osfa or call (706) 542-6147.

Department Application Procedure

Once accepted into the University, a student then may make application to the Exercise and Sport Science major after satisfactory completion of the University core course requirements, usually during spring semester of the sophomore year. In order to be considered for full acceptance into the Exercise and Sport Science Major, a student must have an overall GPA of 2.75 or better and a grade of C or better in Area F required courses. A student in the process of completing the required course work in Area F may be "provisionally accepted," contingent upon satisfactorily completing the required courses while maintaining a GPA of 2.75 or greater. Applications can be obtained from Dell Whitehead, Department of Kinesiology, 304 Ramsey Center, from the Student Services Center, College of Education, G-10 Aderhold Hall, or you can download the application online in pdf format. This form can be filled out online and printed. It cannot be saved. There are additional entrance requirements for the athletic training emphasis. Department of Kinesiology academic advising is not available until a student has been accepted into the major.

For further information concerning the undergraduate programs in Exercise and Sport Science, contact:

Dell Whitehead
Department of Kinesiology
304 Ramsey Center University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-6554
(706) 542-4437 or 4378
dellw@uga.edu