Department of Exercise and Sport Science

Program Requirements

The Department of Exercise and Sport Science has a rich tradition of preparing knowledgeable, caring professionals. The focus of the undergraduate program is on examining and understanding the phenomena associated with the involvement in physical activity and the execution of sport skills. By better understanding these phenomena, teachers, coaches, athletic trainers and fitness leaders will be able to help optimize sport skill learning experiences for children and adults, administer safe and effective fitness programs, enhance the performance potential of athletes, adopt and modify physical activity for individuals with special needs, and promote physical activity in the community. The ultimate goal of the course work is to foster a better understanding of movement, educate professionals skilled in practical application of the sport and exercise sciences, and promote an active lifestyle through courses in pedagogy, kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, nutrition and exercise/sport psychology.

There are three majors available to students wishing to graduate with a bachelor of science in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science: The Exercise and Sport Science major houses the Exercise Science program, the Exercise Physiology program and the Fitness Leadership program. The second major is the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE). The third and final major in the department is the Athletic Training Education Program. The department also offers a coaching minor available only to those students in the education major.

Athletic Training

The Athletic Training Education Program is a separate major within the Exercise and Sport Science major. The mission of the University of Utah Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is to provide a comprehensive healthcare education that focuses on the physically active. The University's ATEP combines formal instruction in prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation and management of injuries with clinical experiences in a variety of settings. Our goal is to provide an environment that fosters the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. The University's ATEP prepares students for successful completion of the national Board of Certification (BOC) exam.


Students in this major will fulfill two BF and two QI requirements for the General Education and University Bachelor Degree requirements.

ATEP is a closed major. Students must apply and be admitted into the major. For more information, visit the ATEP site linked above.

Exercise Physiology

This non-vocational program is specific to those students who plan on attending a professional graduate program after their undergraduate degree. The requirements for the program are rooted in science and designed to give students the full knowledge of the workings of the human body by exploring human physiology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics, along with exercise physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics.

Some of the graduate programs our students pursue are medical school, dental school, physical therapy, nursing, pharmacy and nutrition.

Students in this program will fulfill two BF, two SF, QA, two QI, and DV requirements for the General Education and University Bachelor Degree requirements.

The Exercise Physiology program is open to all students. However, students must have and maintain at least 3.0 GPA to declare the Exercise Physiology program.

Exercise Science

This non-vocational program in the Exercise and Sport Science major is dedicated to helping students better understand the disciplines within ESS, including pedagogy, kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior and sport/exercise psychology. After completing the undergraduate program, students typically go on to a graduate program in ESS, Occupation Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, Physician's Assistant, etc. As a student, you may be required to complete any prerequisite courses for graduate programs in addition to major and University requirements.

The twelve hours of required electives allow students to supplement and enhance their ESS education with ESS courses from the four other areas in the major, along with courses in Nutrition and Health Education and Promotion.

Students in this program will fulfill two BF, QB, two QI, and DV requirements for the General Education and University Bachelor Degree requirements.

The Exercise Science program is open to all declaring students.

Fitness Leadership

The Fitness Leadership program in the Exercise and Sport Science major is committed to preparing students to work professionally in the fitness and health wellness fields. Students will be able to help optimize sport skill learning experiences for children and adults, administer safe and effective fitness programs, adopt and modify physical activity for individuals with special needs and promote physical activity in the community. Students will also gain first-hand experience working with individual in a fitness setting by working at the PEAK academy on campus and through an internship in the community.

Students can also supplement their education by taking six credit hours of electives. The elective courses in ESS, Nutrition and Health Education and Promotion have been selected by the department to enhance the knowledge learned in the major courses.

Students in this program will fulfill two BF, QB, and two QI requirements for the General Education and University Bachelor Degree requirements.

The Fitness Leadership program is open to all declaring students.


Physical Education Teaching

The Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program at the University of Utah is committed to the development of quality physical education teachers through the integration of theory and practice in a wide range of experience and settings.

Through intensive academic coursework and field experience, combined with continuous student reflection, the goal of the program is to provide individuals who believe all students deserve the opportunity to learn and can learn; who act on the principle that diversity is to be valued; and who are committed to provided quality physical education instruction.

Students in this major will fulfill two BF, one AS, two QI and DV requirements for the General Education and University Bachelor Degree requirements.

PETE is a closed program. Students must apply and be admitted into the program. For more information, visit the PETE site linked above.  

 Coaching Minor

A Coaching minor in the department is available to those students who are education majors only. This program is here to help students understand and effectively coach at the high school level and beyond. For information on the coaching minor, please contact Shannon Mulder at 801-585-5840 or shannon.mulder@utah.edu.

Career Opportunities:

Elizabeth Mimms
Career Counselor
University of Utah Career Services
Student Services Building 350
Phone: 801-581-5624  
Fax: 801-581-5936
https://careers.utah.edu

Career Library (located in Career Services) is another valuable resource that offers many services to assist students, including:

  • A resume bank
  • Profession overviews
  • Job descriptions
  • Salary information

Typical Career Paths:

Athletic trainer, secondary physical education teachers, special physical education teachers, personal trainer, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, hospital rehabilitation, brand/product representation, product research and development, sport journalism, county recreation facilities. Graduate programs in: physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, exercise and sport science, medical, dental, nursing, pharmacology.