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Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sport Science

Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

College of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sport Science

Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Make Your Mark as a Health and Wellness Professional

The need for professionals who teach people how to reduce healthcare costs through healthy lifestyles, and assist them through injury and recovery, will continue to grow. EKU’s exercise and sports science bachelor’s degree program offers several concentrations designed to prepare graduates to meet these needs and excel in their field. Graduates gain communication and critical thinking skills that ensure they are ready to make their mark as health and wellness professionals.

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Career Outlook

A degree in exercise and sport science opens doors to many new opportunities, increases interprofessional collaborations, and increases employability. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 14 percent from now until 2032, much faster than the average for all other occupations. Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 15 percent during this same time, much faster than the average for all occupations.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Whether you want to be a healthcare professional (athletic trainer, recreational therapist, physical therapist), a fitness professional, or someone who impacts health and wellness through sport or recreation, you’ll be prepared to make your mark.

Job Titles Include:

  • Athletic trainer
  • Recreational therapist
  • Physical therapist
  • Campus/community wellness center directors/staff
  • Strength and conditioning coaches or specialist
  • Private or corporate wellness center director/staff
  • Certified personal fitness trainer
  • Athletic director
  • Team manager or administrator
  • Coach

EKU exercise and sport science graduates work in a variety of fields and positions.

Employers Include:

  • Area healthcare systems for athletic training and physical therapy
  • Collegiate and secondary schools
  • Professional sports organizations
  • Corporate fitness
  • Toyota and other industrial settings
  • Self-employed

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment
  • Fitness & wellness management program provide students with knowledge & skills needed to successfully certify through ACSM, ACE, NSCA, AFAA & other professional groups
  • Dedicated faculty advisors who work with pre-professional health students on the ins-and-outs of applying to professional programs of choice
  • Pre-professional curricula emphasize inclusion of prerequisite courses, foundational content & additional courses to prepare students for graduate/professional programs
  • Diverse faculty are actively involved in the profession & have real-life expertise

Program Options

Choose between three concentrations that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to enter careers such as personal training, strength and conditioning, corporate, commercial or hospital wellness, and community fitness and recreation.

Designed for students interested in a post-professional degree in physical therapy, this option includes the prerequisite courses needed to apply to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Courses are taught by faculty with extensive backgrounds in preparing students for physical therapy training.

Prepare for a professional-level athletic training program through foundational courses, necessary prerequisites, and program faculty dedicated to your success.

The 3+2 option offers a pathway to complete both the B.S. and M.S. in exercise and sport science degrees with a concentration in physical fitness and wellness management in as few as five years.

Benefits:

  • Enroll in up to nine hours of graduate courses that will apply to both your undergraduate and graduate degree
  • Pay undergraduate tuition rates for the graduate coursework
  • Gain advanced knowledge in the desired subject area

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Business
  • Coaching
  • Food and Nutrition

View the full list of minors available.

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Communication in the Workplace
  • Veterans Studies

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Admission

EKU provides a comprehensive degree program that leads to a solid understanding of exercise and sport science. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through comprehensive course topics, hands-on learning, and experience through internships.

All program options prepare students to pursue a variety of rewarding career possibilities or to excel in graduate school.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate, including 42 upper-division credits.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Photo of Gabby Thurman

Gabriella Thurman

College Enrollment Counselor


gabrielle.thurman@eku.edu

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Lauren Close

EKU Exercise and Sport Science Graduate
Earning my master’s from EKU provided me with the expertise to enter my desired career field. Not only did I gain the skills and experience to stand out to employers, I formed lasting relationships that remain an important part of my professional journey. The EKU faculty were a huge part of my success as a student and their steadfast support has continued into my professional career.

Shalyne Walters

EKU Exercise & Sport Science: Sports Administration Graduate
Earning a master’s degree in sports administration was the building block for my current career. The ESS program afforded me the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals from various backgrounds who challenged my ideas, beliefs and opinions. In addition to this, the program allowed for me to be involved in multiple roles within the athletics department. Working with and experiencing several career paths made it possible for me to select the path that was the best fit for me. Throughout my time in the program I was able to build confidence and the skills needed to become a…

Clarisa Williams

EKU Exercise & Sport Science: Exercise & Wellness Student
The EKU faculty have challenged me in my ability to think critically and ethically. Their passion for student success is evident in the classroom and beyond! The program attracts a variety of people who have various interests and career goals. It fostered a great environment for students to learn about other opportunities within the field of Exercise and Sports Science and potentially generate new passions or interests.

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Related Programs

B.S. in Sport Management

Common Job Titles: game day coordinator, athletic administrator, event coordinator, sports marketing

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

B.S. in Recreation & Park Administration

Common Job Titles: director of parks and recreation, park ranger, recreation coordinator

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

Department of Parks, Recreation,
Exercise & Sport Science

Combs Building
Room 208 & 215A
213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

Recreation & Park Administration
859-622-1833

Exercise & Sport Science
859-622-8149

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