The Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Exercise Science consists of 123 hours of coursework, including a 30-hour core of classes with a concentration in exercise science. The program is designed to prepare students for careers and graduate work in the area of exercise science.

Related

• Department of Health and Sport Sciences
• Health & Sport Sciences Programs and Degrees
• UofL Course Catalog ∞

Certification

Coursework for the BS - HHP (Exercise Science) provides the necessary knowledge to satisfy entrance into the certification process of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. This certification requires applicants to pass both a written and a practical exam.

Degree Requirements

FAQs about Coursework

Where can I find a new Exercise Science program sheet?

Just go to http://louisville.edu/education/degrees/programsheets/bs-hss-exsci.pdf [PDF]

When are core and Exercise Physiology courses offered?

All core courses in HSS and the Exercise Science requirement courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters. However, the type of Physical Education Activity courses offered may vary in semesters. HSS 202 (Human Anatomy and Physiology), HSS 387 (Biomechanics), HSS 394 (Introduction to Exercise Science), and HSS 492 (Internship) are typically offered during the summer session.

Which courses do I take first?

You can take the courses in order you like as long as you meet the prerequisites, but HSS 394 (Intro to Exercise Science), 320 (Growth and Motor Development), and 387 (Biomechanics) should be taken early. They are prerequisites for several core courses, and can be taken concurrently with courses that require them as prerequisites. However, this will require the permission of the course instructor.

How do I complete an internship?

You will need three hours of internship credit to graduate but can take up to six per semester and nine for the Exercise Science degree. People often use these additional hours of internship as an elective (300+level). Please refer to the "Internship General Information Sheet" and the bulletin board at the Exercise Physiology Lab (Crawford Gym LL02) for more details.

When is the last day to drop a course or change the grading options?

Go to http://louisville.edu/registrar/deadlines-for-changing-grading-types-credit-audit-pass-fail-letter-grade.html.

Detailed course requirements for completing the BS-HHP (ES), including courses specific to the concentration, are contained in the UofL Undergraduate Catalog.

This is a sample of course requirements. Please review with your advisor before registering for classes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES (6 credit hours)

• HSS 181 (1): Academic Orientation
• HSS 101 – 167 (1 x 2 courses): Physical Activity Courses
• HSS 184 (3): Healthy Lifestyles I
• HHP CORE COURSES (30 credit hours)
• HSS 180 (3): First Aid and Safety Education
• HSS 202 (3): Human Anatomy and Physiology
• HSS 293 (3): Social and Psychological Dimensions of Physical Activity
• HSS 302 (3) OR HSS 303 (3): Nutrition in Healthy Living OR Human Nutrition
• HSS 320 (3) Growth and Motor Development Across the Lifespan
• HSS 377 (3): HSS Tests and Measurements
• HSS 387 (3): Biomechanics
• HSS 394 (3): Introduction to Exercise Science
• HSS 418 (3): Diverse Populations in Physical Activity and Health
• HSS 492 (3): Internship/Practicum in HSS

EXERCISE SCIENCE CONCENTRATION (21 credit hours)

• HSS 386 (3): Structure in Movement Sciences
• HSS 388 (3): Principles of Athletic Conditioning
• HSS 389 (3): Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
• HSS 390 (3): Function in Movement Sciences
• HSS 395 (3): Personal Trainer Workshop
• HSS 396 (3): Health/Fitness Instructor Lab
• HSS 486 (3): Advanced Exercise Physiology

Prospective students must submit an online application for admission to the University of Louisville.

For admission in good standing, prospective students applying with fewer than 24 earned credit hours at the college level must submit all of the following:

• Official high school transcripts with a cumulative GPA of 2.50
• Official ACT composite score of 21 or above
• Official transcripts with a cumulative GPA of 2.25 for all college credit earned

For conditional admission, prospective students must submit one of the following:

• Official high school transcripts with a cumulative GPA between 2.25-2.49
• Official ACT score with a composite score between 16 and 20
• Official transcripts with a cumulative GPA between 2.00-2.24 for all college credit earned

FAQs

Should I see my faculty advisor before registering for classes?

If you are a junior or senior in 'good standing', you do not.

When do I register?

Log into your ULink account to find out when to register, or visit: http://louisville.edu/registrar/registration-information/.

Can I take more than 18 credit hours during the fall/spring semesters and/or 16 credit hours during the summer semester?

You will need to complete the "request for taking additional hours" form. Your faculty advisor and the HSS Department Chair need to approve your request. Please note: the form is course-specific, and you will only be approved for the courses listed on the completed form. You may be blocked from registering for courses that are not listed on the form.

What if the course I need is closed?

First--get on the waiting list. The course instructors need to honor the order of the list, so if you are not on the list, you may have less of a chance in getting into the class. If it is the last class you need to graduate, contact the course instructor. Only the course instructor decides who can/cannot get into the course. And most importantly, ATTEND CLASS.

What should I do if I'm blocked to register?

First, find out what is causing the block by visiting your ULink account. If the block is due to unmet prerequisites, then you need to take the prerequisites before you can register for the course. If the prerequisite block occurs by mistake, contact your faculty advisor to clear you to register. If the block is due to academic probation, you will need to meet with the academic probation advisor at the CEHD's Education Advising and Student Services Center. If the block is due to unreturned library books, unpaid parking tickets, etc., then contact the necessary offices and resolve those outstanding issues.

If I am interested in completing a minor in a discipline that is part of the College of Education and Human Development, how do I apply?

You may apply for the minor here: http://louisville.edu/education/ssa/online-forms/ug-minor-request. This is a requirement if you (Health and Human Performance with emphasis in Exercise Science) want a minor in Sports Administration.

Contact

Saori Hanaki-Martin
HSS Department
Crawford Gym
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-6645

Exercise Science Faculty

• Adrienne Bratcher
• Kathy Carter
• David Michael Jett
• Jessica Schilero
• Daniela Terson de Paleville

Opportunities for Graduates

Exercise physiologists work in health promotion, fitness development, colleges and universities, clinical rehabilitation, and sport and athletic programs. Hence, they are hired as:

• sports and wellness program instructors and directors
• strength coaches for college, university and professional sports programs
• teachers at institutions of higher learning (i.e., if they have a PhD)
• researchers in companies that make physiological equipment for testing and evaluation
• managers and exercise leaders in corporate wellness programs
• instructors in health and fitness clubs
• supervisors of specialized health, fitness, wellness, or lifestyle programs in correctional services, police, fire, and emergency response organizations
• fitness instructors in YMCAs, spa and resort centers
• exercise specialists in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs
• fitness directors and managers in the military (such as the air force and army)
• exercise technologists in cardiology suites
• fitness instructors and supervisors at the state, regional, and national levels in sports and athletic programs including
• sports consultants in areas of psychology and training, biomechanics, efficiency and metabolism, and nutrition
• electrophysiology technologists in hospital settings

Research Job Opportunities

• http://www.nsca-lift.org/
• http://www.acsm.org/
• http://www.apta.org/
• http://www.nursingworld.org/

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for all fitness workers were expected to increase 29 percent from 2008-2018, www.bls.gov. While opportunities may vary for exercise physiologists, jobs will be created by the increasing population and the need for research in exercise science. In November 2011, PayScale.com reported that most exercise physiologists earned $26,703-$53,951 annually, including bonuses. Among the factors that PayScale.com cited as influencing pay were experience and the certification an individual holds.

In addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University of Louisville's Financial Aid office, the College of Education & Human Development also has information about financial aid.

Other financial aid opportunities available include student employment opportunities.

What is the role of the HSS faculty advisor?

The HSS faculty advisor can help you with questions and issues that arise with courses in the program including information about HSS courses, internships, suggested course sequences, and transfers from other universities that will count towards an HSS degree. For general education requirement questions and transfers, you should consult your advisor at the Education Advising Center, 502-852-5597.

What can I do with an Exercise Science degree? What are my career opportunities?

Students from our program work in a variety of fields. Some of these areas may require additional training and/or certification:

Is the coursework very difficult?

Questions about courses should be addressed with the course instructors and students who have completed the courses. Instructors can give you a reasonable estimate on workload.

How do I get a new Exercise Science program sheet?

Just go to: http://louisville.edu/education/degrees/programsheets/bs-hss-exsci.pdf

What electives should I take?

Students may choose what electives they want to take. Some choose electives related to their degree while others choose to take electives in other disciplines. If you have a minor or second major, some of these hours can be used to fulfill those requirements. In order for a course to count as an elective, it must be at least a 100 level class and not a vocational course. Many students take additional internship credits as their electives. Remember, you must have at least 50 hours at or above the 300 level to graduate. This includes the core and exercise science courses, and the electives.

When are the core and Exercise Science courses offered?

All core courses in HSS and the Exercise Science requirement courses are offered in the Fall and the Spring semesters. However, the Physical Education Activity courses offerings may vary by semester. HSS 202 (Human Anatomy and Physiology), HSS 387 (Biomechanics), HSS 394 (Introduction to Exercise Science), and HSS 492 (Internship) are typically offered in the Summer session.

Which of the courses should I take first?

You can take the courses in any order you like as long as you meet the prerequisites, but you should finish early HSS 394 (Intro to Exercise Science), 320 (Growth and Motor Development), and 387 (Biomechanics). They are prerequisites for several of the core courses. If necessary they may be taken concurrently with courses that require them as prerequisites, however, this will require the permission of the course instructor.

How do I complete an internship (HSS 492)?

You need 3 hours of internship credit to graduate but can take up to 6 per semester and 9 hours for the Exercise Science degree. People often use these additional hours of internship as an elective (300+ level). Please refer to the “Internship General Information Sheet” and the bulletin board at the Exercise Physiology Lab (Crawford LL02) for more details.

What should I do if I want a minor in another discipline?

Contact an advisor about the program you are interested in first. Some require different steps in the admission process.

After I graduate, I am planning to apply to a graduate or professional program. How should I prepare?

Many of our undergraduates go on to complete graduate or professional programs in a variety of disciplines. The admissions prerequisites differ widely from program to program, and from school to school. We encourage you to contact the program director/advisor prior to applying to learn more about the admission requirements. (Please also see "human anatomy and physiology" substitution question under "Transfer and Substitution Questions" below.

Questions about Registration...

Do I need to see my faculty advisor before registering for classes?

If you are a junior or senior and in ‘good standing,’ you do not need to see your faculty advisor prior to registration.

When do I register?

Visit your ULink site to see a registration schedule, OR visit here: http://louisville.edu/registrar/registration-information/homepage.2008-09-08.2469620872

Can I take more than 18 credit. hrs in the fall/spring, or 16 credit. hrs in the summer?

You will need to file the “request for additional hours” form, http://louisville.edu/education/ssa/forms/Additional_Hours.pdf. BOTH your faculty advisor and the HSS Department Chair will need to approve your request. Note that the request is course-specific--you will be approved only for the courses listed on the form. You may be blocked to register for courses that are not listed on the form.

The course I want to take is closed. What should I do?

First, get on the wait list. The course instructors honor the order of the wait list. So if you are not on the list, you may have less of a chance getting into the class. If it is the last class that you need to graduate, contact the course instructor. The course instructor decides who can/cannot get into the course (not your faculty advisor). Also, make sure to attend the first class!

What if I am blocked to register?

First, visit your ULink site to find out what is causing the block. If the block is due to not meeting prerequisites, then you need to take the prerequisites before taking the particular course. If the ‘prerequisite’ block occurs by mistake, contact your faculty advisor to clear you to register for the course. If the block is due to academic probation, you will need to meet with the academic probation advisor at the Education Advising Center. If the block is due to unreturned library books, unpaid parking tickets etc., then you need to take care of these issues to be able to register.

When is the last day to drop a course or change the grading options? Visit http://louisville.edu/registrar/deadlines-for-changing-grading-types-credit-audit-pass-fail-letter-grade.html for semester deadlines.

Transfers and Substitutions...

Can I substitute or transfer another class for an exercise science course?

All substitutions or transfers are made on a case-by-case basis. Your faculty advisor will handle exercise science course substitutions. General education substitutions will be handled by the Education Advising Center in the CEHD. To officially have courses transferred from other institution(s), you will need to initiate the process at the Education Advising Center. To propose a substitution, you will need at least a description of the course you took and preferably a syllabus from that course.

If I want to take courses at another college/community college, how do I get them transferred to UofL?

PRIOR to taking course(s) at another institution, you need to submit the Visiting Student Letter Form. Having prior approval ensures the course(s) to be transferred to UofL appropriately.

I need human anatomy and physiology with lab for my pre-professional (example: Pre-PT, Pre-OT, etc.) requirements. What do I need to take?

BIOL 260 and BIOL 261 and 262 typically meet the requirements for professional program admission--but check first with the program to which you intend to apply! These courses can substitute HSS 386 and HSS 390. If you decide to take BIOL 260, 261, and 262, pay close attention to the number of credit hours that are above 300-level. You may need additional electives to satisfy 50 credit hours of > 300 level.

If I am already CPR certified, do I still need to take HSS 180?

If you have current CPR + AED, and first aid certifications from the American Red Cross and American Heart Association, you may be waived for HSS 180. You will need to provide a copy of your certification cards (front and back) to your faculty advisor to have the course officially waived.

Can Health Lifestyles I (HSS 184) be substituted for Healthy Lifestyles II (HSS 310)?

They cannot be substituted--as they cover different topics. Note that HSS 184 is required for HSS majors whereas HSS 310 is not required. HSS 310 can be taken as an elective.

Can I transfer from a non-CEHD program to a CEHD program?

First, consider attending one of the intra-transfer advising workshops. If you cannot attend, contact the CEHD Education Advising Center at 502-852-5597.

Preparing for Graduation...

What do I need to do to graduate this semester?

Plan on attending one of the Senior Workshops. All forms necessary to graduate will be available for completion at the workshop--including the degree check. Make sure you apply for your degree via ULink before the deadline.

What is a degree check? When should it be completed?

If you have 90 or more hours of credit, and have not done a degree check, it is highly recommended that you do. The degree check is an official report of what courses you need to graduate. You are only allowed one degree check and it should be completed two semesters prior to graduation. It will help you catch any issues with courses, etc., early enough to stay on track for graduation. A degree check may take up to eight weeks to complete.

Where can I apply for my degree?

Go to: http://louisville.edu/registrar/commencement-information.html">Commencement Information.

What are the requirements for graduating with honors?

Go to: Graduating with honors.

Are "D's" allowed in any of the Exercise Science Requirements?

If you are officially admitted to the Exercise Science major prior to the summer 2010 term, you are allowed to have one "D". If you are admitted to the Exercise Science major after the summer 2010 term, you are not allowed to have any "D's" in Exercise Science requirement courses. Review the graduation requirements at the top portion of your program sheet that you received from your advisor. It will indicate how this policy applies to you.