BSEd in Exercise and Sport Science
Delve into the science of physical activity, exercise, and sport in preparation for a career in physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, fitness and wellness, and beyond. Our B.S.Ed. in Exercise and Sport Science in our nationally ranked department combines coursework, research, and experiential learning opportunities that allow you to specialize based on your academic and career goals.
Students in this degree program may also take part in research as part of the Non-Invasive Muscle Physiology Lab in the Department of Kinesiology.
Highlights
- Department ranked No. 7 by the National Academy of Kinesiology
- Diverse research, internship, and service-learning experiences
- High placement rate into doctor of physical therapy programs
Upcoming Events
Video: Exercise and Sport Science Programs at UGA
Understand more about movement and how it enhances health, fitness, or performance as a student in the University of Georgia’s Department of Kinesiology.
Curriculum
Our flexible program offers a variety of learning opportunities in the classroom, research labs, and in the field through internships and service-learning experiences. Gain a foundation in exercise and sport science with the opportunity to specialize in one of the following areas:
- Pre-physical therapy
- Pre-medicine
- Pre-physician assistant
- Pre-occupational therapy
- Strength, conditioning, or fitness specialist
- Pre-graduate study in biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise and sport psychology, or a related field
You will take 35 hours of core exercise science coursework, including:
- Exercise physiology
- Fitness testing and exercise prescription
- Biomechanics
- Motor control
- Exercise psychology
- Measurement
- Exercise epidemiology
For an additional eight hours, choose from among research, practicum / internships, and service-learning experiences. You will also select 19 hours of major electives involving coursework and hands-on experience in your area of emphasis.
Our faculty members are nationally recognized in areas including biomechanics, exercise physiology, and exercise psychology.
Most classes take place in the Ramsey Center, providing the opportunity to develop relationships with fellow students and faculty. Small class labs provide ample hands-on experience. You also have the option to pursue internships or join department research projects on topics including weight loss, disability, and measuring physical activity with tracking devices.
Download 2023-2024 Four-Year Plan (PDF) Download 2024-2025 Four-Year Plan (PDF)
Admissions
This program typically enrolls between 50 and 70 students each Fall and Spring cycle, and in most years, is highly competitive. Although the program has minimum requirements, most applicants greatly exceed the minimum. While the essay portion is important for all applicants, those candidates whose grades do not represent their future potential should use the essay portion of the application to make their case for admission.
Prior to application, you should consult with an exercise and sport science advisor in the Office of Undergraduate Advising (Ramsey Student Center third floor). The office can counsel you on how to arrange your program of study prior to application, so you are well-positioned for enrollment if accepted.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum GPA of 3.25 Overall and in Area VI (a 3.25 Overall and Area VI GPA may not be competitive for a given application cycle)
- One Area I-III course in-progress
- One Area VI science course in-progress
- KINS 2010 in-progress
- Areas IV and V do not need to be complete
- No grade lower than C in Core Area VI; GPA of 3.5 or higher in Area VI is recommended
Course Prerequisites
- MATH 1113 is required to take CHEM 1211+L and PHYS 1111+L in Area VI
- You may take major electives towards the major before admission
Special Requirements Upon Admission
- Earn a C or higher in all exercise and sport science program courses (students must repeat any coursework in which they fail to earn a C or higher)
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
Students must be accepted to UGA before entering into a College of Education program.
Part 2: Apply to the B.S.Ed. in Exercise and Sport Science
You may apply to the exercise and sport science major after satisfactory completion of Core Areas I, III, VI, and KINS 2010 (one course from Areas I and III, one science course from Area VI, and KINS 2010 may remain incomplete at the time of application).
If you are in the process of completing the required core coursework, you may be provisionally accepted contingent upon satisfactory completion of the required courses while maintaining the required minimum 3.25 GPA for admission.
Application Deadline
The Spring 2025 application deadline is January 17, 2025. The application will be active starting December 27, 2024.
Application Materials
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated by a committee consisting of the program coordinator and academic advisors.
- Applicants are rank-ordered based on a combination of criteria with the following weights: Area I and III GPA (20%), Area VI GPA (60%), essays (20%)
- Students will be rank-ordered based on application score total. The top 50-70 students are often granted admission to the major.
Simply meeting the minimum entrance criteria does not guarantee acceptance. Students may apply up to three times.
Admissions decisions will be communicated 3-4 weeks after the application deadline. You will be notified via email of the admission decision by the program coordinator or other program contact.
Admission Contact
Mary Frances Early College of Education 101B Ramsey Center University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602 706-542-5374Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
All undergraduate students at UGA meet with an academic advisor each semester. This meeting is critical to student success and provides a chance to discuss courses and electives, certification criteria, and general graduation requirements.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Join like-minded students in the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) Club and the pre-Physical Therapy Club, which offer professional development, social, and service activities on campus and in the community, as well as other organizations for specific professions.
Tailor your studies through a variety of research, internship, and part-time employment options that can help hone your skills and provide professional experience.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.