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As of January 1, 2023, the Department of Exercise and Sport Science (ESS) has been merged with the Department of Recreation and Park Administration to form the Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise and Sport Science (PRESS) within the College of Health Sciences at EKU. This merger is opening many new opportunities for all of our majors, increasing inter-professional collaborations to enhance student learning and experiences, and increased future employability. Whether you want to be in a healthcare professional (athletic trainer, recreational therapist, physical therapist), a fitness professional, or someone who impacts the health and wellness through sport or recreation, You Can Get There From Here!

Our degree programs prepare students with cutting edge theory combined with practical learning experiences taught by outstanding faculty in state-of-the-art facilities. Our graduates leave ready to make their mark as professionals because of the strong communication and critical thinking skills developed at EKU.

BS in Exercise and Sport Science: Set your sights on a career in one of these fields by completing a degree in Exercise and Sport Science in one of the concentrations below. For more information about each program below.

BS in Sport Management: We are excited to have a 100% Online BS in Sport Management Program, see below for more information on this online program. We still offer the traditional on-campus BS in Sport Management as well.

Minors and Certificates: Explore our minors and certificates within PRESS via the links below. These programs allow current professionals, non-majors, and others to follow a specific curriculum that enhances professional knowledge and characteristics to broaden perspectives, build professional skills, and grow!

A Big League Education With A Small College Feel

An image of four Eastern Kentucky University students.

An image of Eastern Kentucky University Exercise and Sport Science students.

An image of Eastern Kentucky University students.

An image of a Eastern Kentucky University football player getting a knee wrapped on the field.

Faculty Advisor for Exercise and Sport Science is:

Dr. Matthew J Sabin

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Sport Management  (Select degree Option)

Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sport Science Concentrations:

Coaching Minor:

Coaching Minor Requirements – 19 hrs
ESS 212, 301, 322, 383(1), 423; ESS 224 or 305; ESS 407 or 590
Current CPR certification required at the time of graduation.

Certificate in Coaching/Personal Training:

Certificate Requirements – 18-19 hrs
ESS 212, 301, 383(1), 423, 407; Select one class from ESS 261(2), 360(2),
361(2), 362(2), 420(2); one class from ESS 224, 305; EMC 104 (1) or CPR
certification. Current CPR required at the time of graduation.


Graduate Degree Programs

Inside Look

An image of Eastern Kentucky University PRESS student Sara Estes.

EKU MS in AT Student Awarded Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award

EKU’s MS in AT student, Sara Estes, was recently announced as the recipient of the NATA District Nine Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award. Congratulations Sara! Read more…

EKU Graduate Creates Fitness App

EKU Class of 2011 graduate and entrepreneur; Yameen Thomas, is the co-founder of WholeBod Technologies. A Health and Wellness Technology Startup. He and his co-founder, Quincy Smith, a Software Engineer have made their vision of making healthier lifestyles affordable for all, a reality. Read more…

Resilience by Mike Lane

Resilience...Not Your Typical "Soft" Skill

Dr. Michael Lane, PRESS faculty member specializing in Exercise Physiology, spoke on the topic of resilience and explored various approaches to develop resilience during the 2023 Faculty Leadership Institute. Read more…

Exercise and Sport Science


521 Lancaster Avenue
Combs 215A
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: 859-622-8149