Exercise Physiology (BS)

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2025-Spring 2026 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology 
Unit: College of Education and Human Development
Department: Health & Sport Sciences (HSS)
Academic Plan Code(s): See Track Requirements tab.

Program Requirements

All students completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology must complete the core classes, program requirements, and at least one track, along with appropriate related and supporting or elective courses.  The core provides students with a background in the social, physiological, and historical knowledge needed for their chosen profession. 

The Allied Health Therapies track prepares students for careers in allied health therapies such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Clinical Exercise Physiology. Curriculum is designed to prepare students for graduate and professional school in these areas and follows guidelines set forth by the American College of Sports Medicine. 

The Human Performance track prepares students for careers in strength & conditioning, sport science, fitness, personal training, and corporate wellness. Curriculum is designed to maximize certification exam success and follows guidelines set forth by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

The Physical Education and Health track assists students in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to become effective and committed health and physical education teachers.  Extensive school-based fieldwork experiences are integrated into the curriculum.

Degree Summary

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Some courses required in this degree program may satisfy multiple requirements. To complete the degree in the minimum number of hours listed, some hours from the General Education Requirements must be satisfied by courses defined by the unit and/or program. Using other courses to satisfy General Education requirements will require additional hours to complete the degree requirements or reduce the number of available electives within a track. See the Degree Requirements and Track tabs for specific coursework. 

 Soaring Scholar Program in Exercise Physiology

The University of Louisville’s Soaring Scholar (Accelerated BS to MS) Program in Exercise Physiology offers a dynamic, accelerated pathway for highly motivated students to complete both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree within five years. Designed for those passionate about health, human performance, and rehabilitation sciences, this innovative program streamlines undergraduate and graduate education, allowing students to enter the workforce or pursue advanced clinical training sooner. Students gain in-depth scientific knowledge, hands-on experience, and preparation for key professional certifications such as the ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP).

This program is available exclusively to University of Louisville undergraduate students. Those interested in earning a non-thesis Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Physiology can accelerate their graduate education by applying up to 9 credit hours of approved graduate coursework toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students accepted into the Soaring Scholar BS/MS program will complete these graduate-level courses while still enrolled as undergraduates, allowing for a more efficient transition into the master’s program. An additional 27 credit hours of graduate coursework will be required to complete the MS degree. With approval from the Director of Graduate Studies, students will work with an academic advisor to select eligible 500-600 level courses that will count as undergraduate electives and fulfill graduate requirements.

By reducing the time and cost typically required for two degrees, this program supports early career entry into high-growth fields including clinical exercise physiology, research, corporate wellness, and graduate health professions like physical therapy or occupational therapy. With a focus on applied learning and workforce readiness, the Soaring Scholar Program positions graduates for success in a rapidly expanding health and performance industry.

Specific coursework information can be found on the Degree Requirements tab.

Departmental Admission Requirements

See admissions requirements for the College of Education and Human Development at https://louisville.edu/admissions. 

Admission to the professional phase of the Physical and Health Education track also requires:

• Minimum 2.75 or higher overall GPA, or 3.0 in last 30 hours
• Minimum test scores as required by the Education Professional Standards Board
• C or better in ENGL 102  (or equivalent) and in Oral Communication course
• Completion of Pre-Professional Courses with a B-minus or better
• Any other requirements as outlined in Application.

Soaring Scholar Program in Exercise Physiology

The MS in Exercise Physiology is an approved Soaring Scholar Program (Accelerated BS to MS)! This means that undergraduate Exercise Physiology majors pursuing the track in Allied Health Therapies may apply for an accelerated pathway to a MS in Exercise Physiology during their junior year. Students accepted into the Soaring Scholar Program may complete up to 9 credit hours worth of graduate coursework during their senior year that will apply to both the BS and MS degree. To apply, students are required to submit a personal statement describing their future career plans and interest in the program, two letters of support from program faculty, and a current resume. Only students with a 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA and those who have earned at least a B or better in HSS 202, HSS 387, and HSS 394 will be considered for admission.

General Education Requirements

All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above).  Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

College/School Requirements

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Not required for transfer students with 24 credit hours or more.  Students who successfully complete a first year experience course through another college may waive this requirement.

Program/Major Requirements

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Please see notes on Track page regarding Anatomy and Physiology requirements.

 Degree Requirements

A minimum of 120 hours with an overall GPA of 2.25; minimum grade of C- in Exercise Physiology core and track-specific courses; successful completion of an Exercise Physiology Internship or Research Project; minimum of 50 hours at the 300-level or above.

Track Requirements 

Flight Plans

Track in Allied Health Therapies

 Track in Human Performance

Track in Physical and Health Education

The Flight Plan outlined above is intended to demonstrate one possible path to completing the degree within four years.  Course selection and placement within the program may vary depending on course offerings and schedule, elective preferences, and other factors (study abroad, internship availability, etc.). Please consult your advisor for additional information about building a flight plan that works for you.

Degree Audit Report
Degree Audit reports illustrate how your completed courses fulfill the requirements of your academic plan, and which requirements are still outstanding. Degree audits also take transfer credits and test credits into account. "What-if" reports allow you to compare the courses you have completed in your current academic plan to the courses required in another academic plan.  Should you have questions about either report, please consult with your academic advisor.

Flight Planner
The Flight Planner tool is available for you to create a personalized Flight Plan to graduation.  Advisors have access to review your Flight Planner and can help you adjust it to ensure you remain on track to graduate in a timely manner.

To create these reports:

1. Log into your ULink account.
2. Click on the Academic Progress tile.
3. Select the appropriate report.
   1. To run a Degree Audit report, click on "View my Degree Audit."
   2. To create a What-if report, click on "What-if Advisement Report."
   3. To run a Flight Planner report, click on "Use My Flight Planner."

Click here to run a Degree Audit report, create a What-if report, or run a Flight Planner report.

Professional Licensure Information

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, track in Physical and Health Education program prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure.  If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification, you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree. 

More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website:  https://louisville.edu/about/departments/academic-planning-accountability/disclosures/professional-licensure.

For programs with an online option, more information about certification or licensure is available here: https://louisville.edu/online/About-Us?tab=disclosure.

Note: other tracks in the BS in Exercise Physiology program may prepare students to sit for examinations to qualify for certifications offered by private organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association.  These certifications are sometimes preferred or required for employment in specific settings (e.g., hospitals, college campuses) within the field.  However, other tracks in the program (Allied Health Therapies, Human Performance) are not designed to prepare students for any professional licensure issued by any US state or other jurisdiction.