Exercise Science Concentration (B.S.) Overview
What is Exercise Science at UConn?
Students in the exercise science major at UConn explore how exercise and physical activity improve overall health and human performance. The curriculum is dedicated to preparing students both professionally and academically in areas of physiology, biomechanics, and applied sciences. The curriculum also addresses sociocultural and psychological aspects of sports performance and physical activity and how this impacts health, wellness, and disease prevention.
Students in the exercise science major gain practical experience here at UConn working with our athletics department, departmental research, campus recreation center, physical therapy clinics and youth sport camps.
Curriculum & Concentrations in UConn Exercise Science
The exercise science major has four unique concentrations that students can choose to follow based on their academic interests and career aspirations. Each student will work with their faculty advisor to choose the appropriate path for them:
- Standard Plan: The standard plan prepares students for direct work in the field of exercise science or continued graduate work in related fields. This plan is also recommended for students wishing to pursue a graduate work in Doctor of Physical Therapy or Physician Assistant programs upon graduation.
- Sports Health: The sports health plan is designed specifically for students interested in pursuing Athletic Training as a future career. Students in the concentration are required to gain practical experience working with athletics in opportunities both on and off campus.
- Sports Performance: The sports performance plan prepares students for careers in strength and conditioning, sports performance, and fitness. Students in the concentration are also required to gain practical experience working with athletics or fitness.
- Pre-Medical Sciences: The pre-medical sciences plan prepares students with many of the prerequisite work for medical school. Students in this plan are encouraged to work directly with the Pre Health-Advisors on campus as well as their exercise science faculty advisor.
As an R1 institution, we want all students to graduate with a strong understanding of the research process. In each of concentration, our students have a unique experience in our Exercise is Medicine Capstone course to work directly with a faculty or graduate student mentor to write a scientific article. Students will present their findings at a professional poster presentation day before graduation, and many may look to present at future conferences or publish their work.
Students are encouraged to explore the different options, discuss with their academic advisors and choose a path early in their academic career.
What do our graduates do?
Upon graduation, students may be prepared to be a:
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Sports Performance Coach
- Personal Trainer/Fitness Coach
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Health/Wellness Coach
- Clinical Research Assistant
Many students also continue their education:
- Graduate education in Kinesiology, Nutrition, Public Health and related fields
- Physical Therapy
- Athletic Training
- Occupational Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Medical School
Admission to Exercise Science
Incoming Freshman
Incoming Freshman students are directly admitted to the Exercise Science program. Prospective students should indicate Exercise Science as their preferred major on their university application. Admission is highly competitive; students with strong math and science preparation will be given preference.
Current UConn Students
Current UConn students are eligible to transfer into the Exercise Science major. Information about the undergraduate application process and requirements can be found on the How to Apply to Undergraduate Programs page.
Non-UConn Students
Students seeking to transfer to the University of Connecticut should identify Exercise Science in their transfer application and materials will be forwarded to the department for consideration. More information on requirements can be found on How to Apply to Undergraduate Programs page.
Student Opportunities
Student Clubs
Students have many opportunities to get involved with student clubs on campus. Popular student clubs for exercise science include:
- Exercise Science Club
- Exercise is Medicine® Club
- Stronger by Science
- Pre-PT Student Club
- Pre-PA Student Club
Departmental Research
Undergraduate students are encouraged to get involved with research in our department. Many will work with the Korey Stringer Institute or the Institute of Sports Medicine, or gain experience through the SOAR lab and Human Performance Lab. Students can earn credits through this experience completing an Independent Study with a research faculty member.
Faculty Led Study Abroad
Spring Break Sports Medicine & Culture from an International Perspective
This program educates students on the history & culture of sport while simultaneously taking them inside the European model of club sports with the opportunity to interact with healthcare providers and other members of the sports medicine community/team. Students earn credit for KINS 3098.
Certifications
Students are prepared to sit for national fitness certifications upon graduation. Students are encouraged to begin with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) organizations:
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
- ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
- NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
- NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Degree Requirements
Sample Semester Sequences
Each concentration in the Exercise Science major has a specific suggested sequence of courses to help guide you through all major and graduation requirements. Students should follow the guidelines for the year they entered the Exercise Science (B.S.) program. Students are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with your assigned advisor as soon as possible to meet academic and professional goals.
Plan of Study
Current Exercise Science undergraduate students should use a Plan of Study to track their progress toward earning a degree. Students must submit a Final Plan of Study to the Registrar’s Office during the semester prior to the semester they intend to graduate.
For more information or additional questions please contact either Allison MacKenzie, Program Director of Exercise Science major, or Dr. Stephanie Singe, Associate Department Chair of Kinesiology.