Many students are interested in the Kinesiology department's degree in Exercise Science, but would like to develop a concentration in a unique area. It may be that the student plans to attend a professional or graduate degree program in an area that has specific undergraduate prerequisites that are not included in any of the departmental concentrations. Or, it may be that the student's personal interests can best be served by a custom designed concentration. Regardless, any student in the BSES program may elect to develop an Optional concentration, in lieu of one of the structured concentrations. These optional concentrations are developed around a theme that relates to exercise science, and are designed in collaboration with a departmental faculty advisor. The students must file an "Optional Program Plan of Study" with the Students Services Office of the College of Health and Human Services that has been approved by the student's advisor and the Chair of the Kinesiology department. Students have used the optional program to prepare for advance training in fields such as Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Medicine, Medical and Health-related Sales, Public Health, and many other fields that relate to health and human physical performance.
High School Preparation for Students Planning to Major in Exercise Science - High school students who are considering a major in Exercise Science should complete a college preparatory curriculum. Included should be preparation in math through trigonometry, a year of biology and a year of chemistry. Additional high school courses that may be particularly beneficial include physics, anatomy and physiology, and psychology. All students entering the program are expected to have a basic level of computer literacy including word-processing and internet skills.
