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

1. Department ranked No. 7 by the National Academy of Kinesiology
2. Diverse research, internship, and service-learning experiences
3. High placement rate into doctor of physical therapy programs

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.

Start UGA Application

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

Applications are accepted twice a year, in August and in January. Applications are due the third week of the academic semester every August and January.

Application Materials

Exercise and Sport Science Application Information (PDF)

Apply to the Program

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

Chris Mojock