Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science (554P, 554)
Department website: http://www.wku.edu/krs
Program Coordinator
Mark A. Schafer, mark.schafer@wku.edu, (270) 745-5857
The Exercise Science major in exercise science provides extensive study and experiences in many areas including exercise physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics. Our highly qualified graduates pursue professional certifications e.g. ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist® (ACSM – EP) and NSCA 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.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the exercise science program, students must have:
- completed 39-40 hours of coursework;
- completed the following courses with a grade of “C” or higher: EXS 122, EXS 223, EXS 296, HMD 211, SFTY 171, BIOL 131, CHEM 109 or CHEM 120/CHEM 121, MATH 116, PSY 100/PSYS 100 or PSY 220/PSYS 220 or SOCL 100 or GERO 100;
- a WKU and cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher;
- Work with your advisor regarding the appropriate time for the submission of your application. You may submit your application when you are currently enrolled in your final 2 prerequisite courses and will be completing the total hours (39-40). Please submit your application a minimum of 3 weeks prior to your priority registration date. Any delay in receiving your application will limit your ability to enroll in the Exercise Science (EXS) courses.
- For more information about the Exercise Science program and to submit your application, please visit:
- Visit https://www.wku.edu/exs/preprogram.php; and
- Submit an application through the Google form link.
Program Requirements (55 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:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EXS 122 | Foundations of Kinesiology | 3 |
| EXS 223 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 |
| EXS 296 | Practicum in Exercise | 3 |
| EXS 310 | Kinesiology | 3 |
| EXS 311 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| EXS 312 | Basic Athletic Training | 3 |
| EXS 313 | Motor Learning and Control | 3 |
| EXS 324 | Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology | 3 |
| EXS 325 | Applied Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXS 412 | Exercise Testing & Prescription | 4 |
| EXS 420 | Clinical Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| EXS 436 | Principles of Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| EXS 446 | Biomechanics | 4 |
| EXS 455 | Exercise and Aging | 3 |
| EXS 496 | Internship in Exercise Science | 6 |
| or EXS 498 | Capstone Research Experience in Exercise Science | |
| HMD 211 | Human Nutrition | 3 |
| SFTY 171 | Safety and First Aid | 1 |
| Total Hours | 55 | |
Finish in Four Plan
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ENG 100 | 3 | HIST 101 or HIST 102 | 3 |
| MATH 116 | 3 | COMM 145 | 3 |
| EXS 122 | 3 | ENG 200 | 3 |
| BIOL 131 | 4 | EXS 223 | 3 |
| PSY 100, PSYS 100, SOCL 100, PSY 220, PSYS 220, or GERO 100 | 3 | CHEM 109 or CHEM 120/121 | 4-5 |
| 16 | 16-17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Minor Elective or World Language (if needed) | 3 | EXS 296 | 3 |
| Colonnade - Arts & Humanities | 3 | HMD 211 | 3 |
| SFTY 171 | 1 | Connections - Local to Global | 3 |
| ENG 300 | 3 | Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective | 3 |
| Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective | 3 | Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective | 3 |
| Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| EXS 310 | 3 | EXS 324 | 3 |
| EXS 311 | 3 | EXS 325 | 3 |
| EXS 313 | 3 | EXS 412 | 4 |
| Connections - Social & Cultural | 3 | Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective | 3 |
| Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective | 3 | Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| EXS 455 | 3 | EXS 420 | 4 |
| EXS 436 | 3 | EXS 446 | 4 |
| PE 312 | 3 | EXS 496 or EXS 498 | 6 |
| Pre-Professional Prerequisite/Minor/Elective | 3 | ||
| 12 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours 120-121 | |||