Exercise Science Undergraduate Degrees and Certificate program details
The following information applies to all three credentials: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise Science and the Undergraduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning. Information specific to each credential appears below the general information.
University application priority deadlines:
Fall: Feb. 1
Spring: Nov. 1
Summer: May 1
Comprehensive KU course catalog
KU grading and grades
KU School of Education & Human Sciences
The Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT) helps support this program.
Jump to degree and certificate programs
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, taught on-campus in Overland Park, Kansas, and designed for individuals seeking to complete an undergraduate degree and continue to graduate school in medicine, physical therapy or another healthcare field, or individuals looking to directly enter or advance in a health career such as personal training or wellness coaching.
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise Science, taught online and designed for individuals looking to complete an undergraduate degree and directly enter or advance in personal training, corporate wellness, or a strength and conditioning coaching career including preparing for industry certifications.
- Undergraduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning, taught online and designed for individuals looking to earn a higher education credential to enter the field of personal training or strength and conditioning. Earning this certificate is also a great supplement to an undergraduate degree.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Admissions criteria
Transfer students
· Apply to the University of Kansas as a transfer student.
Email the program advisor or call (913) 897-8566 about your interest in becoming a transfer student for the exercise science program.
Former KU students not currently enrolled at KU
· Complete an application for readmission to the University.
- Complete an application for readmission to the University
- The candidate's cumulative and exercise science admission GPA must be at least 2.75.
- If you have taken courses at another institution, request the updated official transcripts be sent directly to the KU Office of Admissions. Send electronic transcripts to processing@ku.edu or paper transcripts to KU Office of Admissions, 1502 Iowa St., Lawrence, KS 66045.
Program Prerequisites
Course | Credit Hr. | KU Code |
College Algebra1 | 3 | MATH 101 |
Principles of Biology and Lab1 | 4 | BIOL 100 and BIOL 102 |
Human Anatomy | 3 | BIOL 240 |
Principles of Physiology | 3 | BIOL 246 |
English Composition I1 | 3 | ENGL 101 |
English Composition II1 | 3 | ENGL 102 |
Public Speaking1 | 3 | COMS 130 |
General Psychology* | 3 | PSYC 104 |
Intro to Exercise Science | 3 | HSES 269 |
1Must have a minimum grade of “C”
*Courses fulfill psychology minor, speak with academic advisor for details
Transfer Credit
· A maximum of 75 hours from community or junior colleges count within the minimum cumulative credit hour requirement.
· Only transfer grades of C or higher count toward KU degree requirements.
· Courses graded credit/no-credit or pass/fail are not accepted.
· Visit KU’s transfer credit website to ensure your transfer credits will count toward the KU degree.
General Education Requirements
These courses can be taken in conjunction with post-admission exercise science curriculum.
Course | Credit Hr | KU Code |
Trigonometry1 | 2 | MATH 103 |
Intro to Ethics | 3 | PHIL 160 |
Principles of Nutrition2 | 3 | HSES 330 |
Basic Microbiology | 3 | BIOL 200 |
Basic Microbiology Lab | 2 | BIOL 203 |
Human Anatomy Lab | 2 | BIOL 241 |
Principles of Human Physiology Lab | 2 | BIOL 247 |
General Chemistry I | 5 | CHEM 130 |
General Chemistry II | 5 | CHEM 135 |
College Physics I | 4 | PHSX 114 |
College Physics II | 4 | PHSX 115 |
Any KU Core Goal 3 Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE3H |
Any KU Core Goal 4.12 | 3 | AE41 |
Any KU Core Goal 4.22 | 3 | AE42 |
1 Not required if student has completed Precalculus or Calculus I or higher.
2 This course can be taken at KU Edwards.
Curriculum and requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science requires students to complete at least 48 hours of program-specific coursework and requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate.
Required Courses (30 hours)
Course | Credit Hr | KU Code |
Methods of Strength & Conditioning | 3 | HSES 305 |
Research & Data Analysis | 3 | HSES 310 |
Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries | 3 | HSES 350 |
Kinesiology | 3 | HSES 369 |
Exercise Physiology | 3 | HSES 372 |
Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology | 3 | HSES 375 |
Biomechanics | 3 | HSES 470 |
Clinical Fitness Evaluations & Techniques | 3 | HSES 473 |
Exercise Biochemistry | 3 | HSES 474 |
Physical Activities & Exercise Management for Individuals with Disabilities | 3 | HSES 480 |
Electives (18 hours)
Students choose 18 credit hours from the following options
Course | Credit Hr | KU Code |
Study Abroad Topics in: Exercise Science | 1-5 | HSES 300 |
Principles of Personal Training | 3 | HSES 306 |
Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 3 | HSES 331 |
Clinical Field Experience | 1-3 | HSES 335 |
Health and Pathophysiology | 3 | HSES 370 |
Medical Terminology for Health Professionals | 3 | HSES 371 |
*Sociology of Sport | 3 | HSES 380 |
*Sport Ethics | 3 | HSES 381 |
*Psychological Aspects of Exercise | 3 | HSES 385 |
*Health Aspects of Aging | 3 | HSES 418 |
*Applied Sport Performance and Psychology | 3 | HSES 440 |
Undergraduate Research in HSES | 1-3 | HSES 475 |
*Sport in Film | 3 | HSES 484 |
*Sport Communication | 3 | HSES 485 |
*Health and Human Sexuality | 3 | HSES 489 |
Independent Study | 1-3 | HSES 497 |
Internship in HSES-Exercise Science | 15 | HSES 580 |
Special Course: ______________________ | 3 | HSES 598 |
Medical Terminology | 3 | HEIM 230 |
Introduction to Child Behavior and Development | 3 | ABSC 160 |
Child Development† | 3 | PSYC 333 |
Abnormal Psychology† | 3 | PSYC 350 |
Elements of Sociology OR Principles of Sociology | 3 | SOC 104 OR |
Sociology of Health & Medicine | 3 | SOC 424 |
Principles of Genetics | 3 | BIOL 350 |
Immunology | 3 | BIOL 503 |
Immunology Laboratory | 3 | BIOL 504 |
Introduction to Biochemistry | 4 | BIOL 600 |
Principles of Biochemistry Laboratory | 2 | BIOL 601 |
*Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry | 3 | CHEM 310 |
*Organic Chemistry I | 3 | CHEM 330 |
*Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 2 | CHEM 331 |
*Organic Chemistry II | 3 | CHEM 335 |
*Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 2 | CHEM 336 |
Elementary Statistics | 3 | MATH 365 |
*Survey of Accounting# | 3 | ACCT 205 |
Survey of Finance# | 3 | FIN 305 |
*Survey of Information Systems# | 3 | IST 205 |
Survey of Management and Leadership# | 3 | MGMT 305 |
Survey of Marketing# | 3 | MKTG 305 |
Survey of Decision Making in Business# | 3 | SCM 305 |
18 |
| |
12 |
| |
18 |
| |
18 |
| |
18 |
| |
Nutrition Minor | 18 | |
Public and Population Health | 18 | |
Strength and Conditioning Certificate | 15 |
†Courses fulfill psychology minor, speak with academic advisor for details
*Courses not available at the KU Edwards Campus.
#Course fulfill business minor, speak with academic advisor for details
Business minor, Entrepreneurship certificate, and Sport Management minor requires in-person classes on the Lawrence Campus.
Please see the program advisor for additional details.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise Science
Admissions criteria
Transfer students
· Apply to the University of Kansas as a transfer student.
Email the program advisor or call (913) 897-8566 about your interest in becoming a transfer student for the exercise science program.
Former KU students not currently enrolled at KU
· Complete an application for readmission to the University.
- Complete an application for readmission to the University
- The candidate's cumulative and exercise science admission GPA must be at least 2.75.
- If you have taken courses at another institution, request the updated official transcripts be sent directly to the KU Office of Admissions. Send electronic transcripts to processing@ku.edu or paper transcripts to KU Office of Admissions, 1502 Iowa St., Lawrence, KS 66045.
All materials must be received by the deadline. No late applications will be accepted.
1. You may apply to the Exercise Science program twice a year.
Applications Available Online | Applications Due | Beginning Semester |
July 1, 2019 | Mid-September | Spring 2020 |
Dec. 1, 2018 | Feb. 1, 2019 | Fall 2019 |
2. The candidate's cumulative and exercise science admission GPA must be at least 2.75.
3. Please respond to all questions and submit the materials to the School of Education via the appropriate online application.
You must have a KU Online ID and password to log into the School of Education online application.
4. You will be able to make changes to your application but you must submit your application prior to the deadline. After midnight on the date materials are due, you will be locked out of the system.
5. You may obtain a copy of your DPR form from the myKU portal.
6. If the courses you have taken from another institution do not appear on your DPR form, you should request that transcripts be sent directly to the KU Office of Admissions. Send electronic transcripts to processing@ku.edu or paper transcripts to KU Office of Admissions, 1502 Iowa St., Lawrence, KS 66045.
Program Prerequisites
Course | Credit Hr. | KU Code |
College Algebra1 | 3 | MATH 101 |
Principles of Biology 1 | 3 | BIOL 100 |
Human Anatomy | 3 | BIOL 240 |
Principles of Physiology | 3 | BIOL 246 |
English Composition I1 | 3 | ENGL 101 |
English Composition II1 | 3 | ENGL 102 |
Public Speaking1 | 3 | COMS 130 |
General Psychology* | 3 | PSYC 104 |
Intro to Exercise Science | 3 | HSES 269 |
Principles of Nutrition and Health | 3 | HSES 330 |
1Must have a minimum grade of “C”
*Courses fulfill psychology minor, speak with academic advisor for details
Transfer Credit
· A maximum of 75 hours from community or junior colleges count within the minimum cumulative credit hour requirement.
· Only transfer grades of C or higher count toward KU degree requirements.
· Courses graded credit/no-credit or pass/fail are not accepted.
· Military-affiliated students may receive credit hours upon evaluation of the Joint Services Transcript.
· Visit KU’s transfer credit website to ensure your transfer credits will count toward the KU degree.
General Education Requirements
These courses can be taken in conjunction with post-admission exercise science curriculum. Learn more about the KU Core.
Course | Credit Hr | KU Code |
Any KU Core Goal 1 | 3 | GE11 |
Any KU Core Goal 3 | 3 | GE3H |
Any KU Core Goal 4.1 | 3 | AE41 |
Any KU Core Goal 4.2 | 3 | AE42 |
Any KU Core Goal 5 | 3 | AE51 |
Curriculum and requirements
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise Science requires students to complete at least 51 hours of program-specific coursework and a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate. Credit hour total consists of 30 pre-admission credit hours, 15 general education credit hours, 33 credit hours from required program courses, and 18 credit hours from major electives. The remaining 24 credit hours are open electives.
Required Courses (33 hours)
Must be completed with a grade “C” or higher.
Course | Credit Hr | KU Code |
Methods of Strength & Conditioning | 3 | HSES 305 |
Principles of Personal Training | 3 | HSES 306 |
Tactical Strength and Conditioning | 3 | HSES 307 |
Research & Data Analysis | 3 | HSES 310 |
Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 3 | HSES 331 |
Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries | 3 | HSES 350 |
Kinesiology | 3 | HSES 369 |
Exercise Physiology | 3 | HSES 372 |
Biomechanics | 3 | HSES 470 |
Clinical Fitness Evaluations & Techniques | 3 | HSES 473 |
Physical Activities & Exercise Management for Individuals with Disabilities | 3 | HSES 480 |
Major Electives (18 credit hours)
Students must complete 18 credit hours of major electives from the list below of HSES upper-level courses and related minors. Not all courses are offered online, at a specific campus, or each semester, so be sure to plan your course selections with your advisor.
Course | Credit Hr | KU Code |
Study Abroad Topics in: Exercise Science | 1-5 | HSES 300 |
Health and Pathophysiology | 3 | HSES 370 |
Medical Terminology for Health Professionals OR Medical Terminology | 3 | HSES 371 OR HEIM 230 |
Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology and Motor Control | 3 | HSES 375 |
*Sociology of Sport | 3 | HSES 380 |
*Sport Ethics | 3 | HSES 381 |
*Psychological Aspects of Exercise | 3 | HSES 385 |
*Health Aspects of Aging | 3 | HSES 418 |
*Applied Sport Performance and Psychology | 3 | HSES 440 |
Communicable and Degenerative Diseases | 3 | HSES 453 |
Exercise Biochemistry | 3 | HSES 474 |
Undergraduate Research in HSES | 1-3 | HSES 475 |
*Sport in Film | 3 | HSES 484 |
*Sport Communication | 3 | HSES 485 |
*Health and Human Sexuality | 3 | HSES 489 |
Independent Study | 1-3 | HSES 497 |
Internship in HSES-Exercise Science | 15 | HSES 580 |
Special Course: ______________________ | 3 | HSES 598 |
Elements of Sociology | 3 | SOC 104 |
Principles of Sociology | 3 | SOC 304 |
Sociology of Health and Medicine | 3 | SOC 424 |
18 |
| |
12 |
| |
18 |
| |
18 |
| |
18 |
| |
Nutrition Minor | 18 | |
Public and Population Health | 18 |
*Currently, courses only offered on the KU Lawrence Campus.
Business minor, Entrepreneurship certificate, and Sport Management minor requires in-person classes on the Lawrence Campus.
Contact the program advisor for additional details.
Undergraduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning
Admissions Requirements
The Undergraduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning admission requirements includes completion of required coursework and consultation with designated program advisor.
Application Requirements
- Admission to the University of Kansas
- 2.5 minimum GPA
- Official transcript(s)
- Degree seeking and non-degree seeking KU students may register for this certificate by emailing exsciedws@ku.edu
- Meet with the program advisor for consultation and approval.
- International students must meet KU’s English proficiency, Visa/I-20 and financial support document requirements
- Students must have completed BIOL 240: Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and BIOL 246: Principles of Human Physiology or a transfer equivalent. Must be a grade of “C” or better.
Curriculum
The strength and conditioning certificate is 15 credits. Students must complete the following courses to fulfill the necessary credit hours:
Required Courses
HSES 305-Methods of Strength and Conditioning
HSES 306-Principles of Personal Training
HSES 307-Tactical Strength and Conditioning
HSES 331-Sport and Exercise Nutrition
HSES 350-Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
Contact the program advisor for additional details.