Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science (554)

Department website: http://www.wku.edu/krs


Program Coordinator

Mark A. Schafer, mark.schafer@wku.edu, (270) 745-5857

The Exercise Science major provides extensive study and experiences in many areas including exercise physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics. Our highly qualified graduates pursue professional certifications such as the ACSM's Certified Exercise Physiologist® (ACSM – EP) and NSCA's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and may go on to pursue careers in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, strength & conditioning, corporate fitness and health promotion, medically-based fitness programs, public health, and other related fields. In addition, graduates often pursue graduate study and professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, nutrition, exercise physiology, and athletic training, as well as other health, physical activity, research, and rehabilitative professions.  


 

Program Requirements (68-69 hours)

Students must maintain a “C” or better in each course in the major. Additionally, in accordance with university policy, an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better must be attained upon on the completion of required curriculum.

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

Students must complete the following courses: 

EXS 122Foundations of Kinesiology3
EXS 223Introduction to Exercise Science3
EXS 296Practicum in Exercise3
EXS 310Kinesiology3
EXS 311Physiology of Exercise4
EXS 312Basic Athletic Training3
or PE 312 Basic Athletic Training
EXS 313Motor Learning and Control3
EXS 324Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology3
EXS 325Applied Exercise Physiology3
EXS 412Exercise Testing & Prescription4
EXS 420Clinical Exercise Physiology3
EXS 436Principles of Strength and Conditioning3
EXS 446Biomechanics3
EXS 455Exercise and Aging3
EXS 496Internship in Exercise Science6
or EXS 498 Capstone Research Experience in Exercise Science
HMD 211Human Nutrition3
CHEM 109Chemistry for the Health Sciences4-5
or CHEM 120/121 College Chemistry I
MATH 116College Algebra (or higher)3
SFTY 171Safety and First Aid1
BIOL 131Human Anatomy and Physiology4
SOCL 100Introductory Sociology3
or PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
or GERO 100 Introduction to the Aging Experience
or PSYS 100 Introduction to Psychology
Total Hours68-69

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENG 1003HIST 101 or HIST 1023
MATH 1163COMM 1453
EXS 1223ENG 2003
BIOL 1314EXS 2233
PSY 100, PSYS 100, SOCL 100, PSY 220, PSYS 220, or GERO 1003CHEM 109 or CHEM 120/1214-5
 16 16-17
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Minor Elective or World Language (if needed)3EXS 2963
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3HMD 2113
SFTY 1711Connections - Local to Global3
ENG 3003Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective3
Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective3Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective3
Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective3 
 16 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
EXS 3103EXS 3243
EXS 3114EXS 3253
EXS 3133EXS 4124
Connections - Social & Cultural 3Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective3
Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective3Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
EXS 4553EXS 4203
EXS 4363EXS 4463
PE 3123EXS 496 or EXS 4986
Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective4-3 
 13-12 12
Total Hours 120