Exercise Science, Comprehensive Major

(Code 996-001)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Specific Degree Requirements

Specific requirements for some human science degrees are published in conjunction with the Catalog description of the major leading to the degree, with specific courses required in several Liberal Education outcomes.

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Education and Human Sciences

Candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science from a human sciences department must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.(see University Graduation Requirements)

General Information

Placement Tests. The mathematics/foreign language placement tests are given during the orientation periods for new freshmen and transfers. Further information about the foreign language or the mathematics tests is available from the chair of the appropriate department.

Laboratory Science Courses. The following have been designated as fulfilling the requirements for laboratory science courses in the human sciences departments:

Degree Requirements

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

Human Sciences Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All degree candidates must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 or higher in both the major and the second program if one is required. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the second program are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements.  Each candidate for a baccalaureate degree must present one of the following:

  • Comprehensive major (at least 59-60 credits)
  • Standard major (at least 36 credits) plus one of the following:
    • Another standard major (at least 36 credits), or
    • A minor (at least 24 credits), or
    • A certificate (12-18 credits)

No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major or with two majors of 36 credits each.

Certain degree programs which include Comprehensive Majors may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Exercise Science, Comprehensive Major

Graduates of the B.S. in Exercise Science program will pursue coursework in exercise physiology and biomechanics; motor development; exercise prescription and assessment; strength and conditioning; social and behavioral science; anatomy; and in basic sciences among other areas.  This overall preparation will allow graduates from this program to seek careers in community health promotion and education, worksite wellness, recreation, personal training, group exercise instruction, and sport science.  The major is also rigorous enough to prepare students for advanced degrees in professional or graduate programs related to this field of study.  Formal admission to the Exercise Science Major is typically made during the second year (either Fall or Spring) of attendance following the successful completion of KINS 304, KINS 308, and KINS 309.  This will allow students to begin further coursework in the Exercise Science core in the subsequent semester.

The Exercise Sciences Program Committee will screen students for admission to the program.  At the time of admission, students must:

   1. Have completed KINS 304, KINS 308 and KINS 309 with a grade of C or better.

   2. Demonstrated an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all other university coursework.

Students who are not admitted into the upper sequence of courses (KINS 312, KINS 357, KINS 476 and KINS 498) within the Exercise Science Major may seek admission the following or subsequent semesters provided all admission criteria are met.  Those students who choose to reapply for admission are reminded that the program is a two-year course of study once admitted, which could delay their graduation up to one year.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must meet all application requirements prior to application to the program. KINS 309 must be taken on campus. Transfer students who are interested in the Exercise Science Major should inform the Admissions Office upon application for admission to the University and contact the program director.

Retention

Once admitted into the Exercise Science Major, the student must meet the following criteria to remain in the program:

   1.  Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all university coursework.

   2. Continue to display appropriate dispositions regarding professional development, as outlined in the Policy for Disposition Intervention, Department of Kinesiology, Exercise Science.

   3. Satisfactorily complete all courses and internship experiences (KINS 312, KINS 357, KINS 476, KINS 498, BIOL 196) within the Exercise Science core with a C or above. 

Major Requirements

(Code 996-001)

Core Requirement
KINS 294Anatomical Kinesiology3
KINS 304Biomechanical Kinesiology3
KINS 308Exercise Physiology3
KINS 426Motor Development Across the Lifespan3
Total Credits12

Exercise Science Major 

Exercise Science Core Courses (21 credits)
BIOL 196Human Nutrition3
KINS 309Introduction to Exercise Science3
KINS 312Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity3
KINS 357Essentials of Strength and Conditioning3
KINS 476Exercise Science Seminar3
KINS 498Exercise Science Internship6
Exercise Science Secondary Area (27 credits from this list)
Business Writing
Business Presentations
General Chemistry I Lecture
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
Communication Changes and Disorders of the Older Adult
Introduction to Environmental Health
Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Aging
Orientation to Kinesiology
Prevention and Care of Athletic/Exercise Injuries
Introduction to Physical Education
Management and Coaching Theory
Planning, Implementation, and Assessment: Invasion Games
Planning, Implementation, and Assessment: Adventure Activities
Planning, Implementation, and Assessment: Rhythms and Dance
Planning, Implementation, and Assessment: Fitness Concepts
Planning, Implementation, and Assessment: Net Games
Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity
Introduction to School Health Education and Current Health Issues
Exercise Science Apprenticeship
Cancer Recovery and Fitness Lab
Cancer Recovery and Fitness Seminar
Laboratory Procedures in Exercise Science
Basic Electrocardiography
Applied Nutrition in Kinesiology
The Language of Health Care
Pharmacotherapeutics and Pathophysiology for Allied Health Professionals
Ethics of Health Care
Human Development
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
Health Psychology
Introduction to Behavior Modification
Required LE courses not counted toward major:
K1 (Natural Sciences)
BIOL 151Biology of Humans4
PHYS 100Physical Science4
or PHYS 211 General Physics
S1 (Written and Oral Communication)
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing5
or WRIT 116 Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing
or WRIT 118 Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing
or WRIT 120 Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing for Transfer Students
S2 (Mathematics)
MATH 246Elementary Statistics4

NOTE: No degree credit may be earned under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option in any course presented for completion of this major unless Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory is the only grading option available for a course.

NOTE: Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and complete all Exercise Science core courses with a C or above.

NOTE:  To graduate from this program a student must achieve a 2.5 or higher total GPA.

NOTE: The Service-Learning graduation requirement is met by the completion of required course work within this major.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes: 

  • Demonstrate knowledge in scientific foundation as applied to the study of human movement.
  • Identify and discuss research in Exercise Science and develop skills to critically analyze research literature.
  • Develop basic assessment, technology, and exercise programming skills specific to Exercise Science.
  • Communicate effectively within a discipline-specific context.

Sample Degree Plan

Exercise Science, Comprehensive Major (B.S.)


The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

SOMETIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
Writing Requirement:2-5
Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
or
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
or
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
or
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing for Transfer Students (LE-S1)
Science (K1) choose one4-5
Physical Science (LE-K1)
General Physics (LE-K1)
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
KINS 200Orientation to Kinesiology1
KINS 294Anatomical Kinesiology3
ES Secondary Choice *3
ES Secondary Choice *3
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
TOTAL28-32
SOMETIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
BIOL 151Biology of Humans (LE-K1)4
MATH 246Elementary Statistics (LE-S2)4
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
ES Secondary Choice *3
KINS 309Introduction to Exercise Science3
KINS 304Biomechanical Kinesiology3
KINS 308Exercise Physiology3
ES Secondary Choice *3
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
TOTAL32
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
KINS 312Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity3
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
ES Secondary Choice *3
ES Secondary Choice *3
SECOND SEMESTER
KINS 357Essentials of Strength and Conditioning3
BIOL 196Human Nutrition3
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
ES Secondary Choice *3
ES Secondary Choice *3
TOTAL30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
KINS 426Motor Development Across the Lifespan3
KINS 476Exercise Science Seminar3
ES Secondary Choice *6
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
SECOND SEMESTER
KINS 498Exercise Science Internship (LE-I1, LE-SL) **6
ES Secondary Choice *6
LE Free Choice - See "Liberal Education Core"3
TOTAL30

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits 

*

Numbers of credits and courses required in "ES secondary choice" areas will depend on the professional area that the student is working toward

**

KINS 498 can be taken in the fall, spring or summer semester

Numbers of credits and courses required/recommended in “ES Secondary and “Electives” will depend on the student’s career and/or graduate school goals. Your academic and faculty advisors will assist you with choosing the correct classes each semester to prepare you for post-graduation plans. 


Application to Major 

The Exercise Sciences Program Committee will screen students for admission to the program. At the time of admission, students must: 

  1. Have completed KINS 304KINS 308, and KINS 309 with a grade of C or better. 

  2. Demonstrate an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all university coursework. 

Students who are not admitted into the upper sequence of courses (KINS 312, 357, 476, and 498) within the Exercise Science program may seek admission the following or subsequent semesters provided all admission criteria are met. Those students who choose to be considered for admission are reminded that the program is a two-year course of study once admitted, which could delay their graduation up to one year. 


RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.
Required: Students in the Exercise Science major complete an internship during their final semester.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.