Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science

Leap into an active and invigorating career with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Wayne State University. You’ll study human health and development in our science-based curriculum, and you’ll apply that knowledge to sport, fitness, human movement systems, and other areas of kinesiology.

The Sport and Exercise Science major readies you for graduate study and leads you to a rewarding career dedicated to improving human performance and wellness.

What you'll learn

With a bachelor's in Exercise and Sport Science degree, you'll prepare for success in professional programs like medical school, occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, and nursing. You'll establish applicable skills for assessing and evaluating fitness levels in various populations, teaching and supervising sport and fitness activities, and practicing within kinesiology disciplines (e.g., exercise physiology, exercise, and physical activity psychology, motor learning and development, biomechanics). By completing the program, you'll also cultivate principles for holistic and ethical health and wellness approaches that help people thrive.

Curriculum

The Exercise and Sport Science curriculum imparts diverse knowledge through general education and reveals new insights through exercise science courses.

You'll complete at least 120 credits, gaining expertise in areas like psychology, biology, chemistry, and physics, then building on sport and exercise science major topics like cultural foundations of kinesiology, exercise physiology, nutrition and health, and lifespan growth and development.

You'll also choose electives, which may count toward a minor or fulfill your requirements for professional program admission. These courses range from ECG interpretation to sport finance, reproductive health education to principles of coaching, and many more opportunities to concentrate your studies. Your academic advisor and the advising guide will help you choose the courses that best suit your educational and career goals.

Fall Semester Year 1

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 15
Basic Comp 3
General Education Civic Literature Inquiry 3/4
General Education Quantitative Experience 3
PSY 1010 or 1020 (NSI) 3/4
Gen Ed Wayne Experience 1

Winter Semester Year 1

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 15
Intermediate Composition Courses 3
BIO 1050 (Natural Science Inquiry) 3
KIN 1991 3
HE 2310 3
Oral Communication 3

Fall Semester Year 2

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 16
BIO 1510 (NSIL) Pre-Req. BIO 1050) 4
HE 3440 (Pre-Req. HE 2310) 3
KIN 3540 3
Cultural Inquiry 3
Social Inquiry 3

Winter Semester Year 2

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 14
BIO 2870 (Pre-Req: BIO 1510) 5
LFA 2330 3
ESS Elective 3
Global Learning Inquiry 3

Fall Semester Year 3

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 15
KIN 3400 3
HE 3500 3
KIN 3550 (Pre-Req: ICN) 3
ESS Elective 3
PHY 1020 or PHY 2130 3

Winter Semester Year 3

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 15
KIN 6300 (Pre-Req: BIO 2870, KIN 1991, QE, & 2.5 GPA 3
KIN 5523 or KIN 5520 (Pre-Req: PSY 1010 or higher & ICN) 3
ESS Elective 3
ESS Elective 3
ESS Elective 3

Fall Semester Year 4

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 15
KIN 6320 (Pre-Req: KIN 6300) 3
KIN 3580 (Pre-Req: BIO 2870, KIN 1991, QE, & 2.5 GPA 3
ESS Elective 3
ESS Elective 3
FREE Elective 3

Winter Semester Year 4

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 15
Total credits for degree 120
KIN 5350 Internship (Pre-Req: KIN 6320, LFA 2330) 4
KIN 6100 (Pre-Req: KIN 6300) or KIN 6120 (Pre-Req: KIN 6300 & KIN 3580) 2/3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 2/3

Students may pursue Departmental Honors in Kinesiology Exercise and Sport Science Degree. A minimum 3.30 cumulative GPA and additional coursework are required. For more information, please discuss with your academic advisor

Real-world experiences and opportunities

Here at Wayne State, we're dedicated to our community in Detroit and beyond. Put what you learn in the classroom into practice and boost your resume through research initiatives that serve those around us. We're asking questions about everything from how virtual reality (VR) can stimulate exercise to the influence of coaches' strategies on athletes' holistic success to the side effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid use.

Career outlook for individuals

As a student in the program, you'll have an opportunity to an array of diverse capstone internship experiences. In areas of Pre-Professional Health Care and Health, Fitness and Performance Industry organizations and agencies.

Drive toward a hands-on, active career in exercise and sport science. The BS in Exercise and Sport Science program prepares you for graduate programs like physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), physician assistant (PA), exercise physiology, and more. With a multi-dimensional understanding of human bodies and a deep commitment to wellness, you'll contribute to the health of individuals and communities in roles like:

  • Corporate wellness coach
  • Exercise physiologist
  • Cardiac rehabilitation therapist
  • Fitness sales representative
  • Strength and conditioning coach
  • Personal trainer
  • Group exercise and fitness instructor
  • Sports administrator
  • Sports coach
  • Sports therapist
  • Teacher

Admission requirements

Undergraduate students entering Wayne State University, either from high school or transferring from other accredited universities or colleges, are admitted directly into the bachelor's degree program.

Admission questions should be directed to the Division of Academic Services, College of Education, 489 Education or 313-577-1601.

Accelerated Graduate Enrollment program

Jump-start your success in a health-related profession through the Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) program. This selective option allows you to take up to 16 credits of master's-level courses during your senior year as electives for your bachelor's degree, and the credits will also qualify toward your master's degree. These dual enrollmentstyle electives maintain the undergraduate tuition rate, meaning you can save significant time and money on your graduate program.

For students whose undergraduate major is in Exercise and Sport Science, the AGRADE graduate program options are: Community Health; Exercise and Sport Science; Health and Physical Education Teaching; and Sports Administration.

Are you looking ahead to your senior year?  Apply for AGRADE!

Chelsea Plohg

I'm thankful Wayne State University and the ESS program prepared me and assisted with my academic journey towards Physical Therapy. I was accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at both Bowling Green State University and Hanover College. My professors were approachable and knowledgeable, and they supported me through my undergraduate program. My academic advisors helped ensure I was succeeding and going down the right path. Also, the variety of classes that were offered throughout the program helped me learn my strengths and areas to focus on. Overall, I loved my experience at WSU, and I feel prepared for the future of my academic career.

Chelsea Plohg '22

Learn more

Develop kinesiology knowledge and skills that are essential for success in a wide array of professions. With a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science, you'll be one step closer to helping individuals and communities live healthier and brighter lives.

Program outcome reports

Positive Placement For Recently Graduated Students
Graduation year Positive placement percentage
2022-2023 89.1%
2021-2022 84.3%

Positive placement criteria include one year post graduation from undergraduate program, admittance to a high-level degree program, employment in a related field, or military placement.

Undergraduate Satisfaction Survey
Academic year Satisfaction rate of undergraduate students
2022-2023 100%
2021-2022 100%
2020-2021 96.8%

Satisfaction rate is based on a survey given to students. For a survey to be deemed satisfactory a student must give a rating or 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale on six questions of an eight-question questionnaire.

Internship Experience Pass Rate
Academic year Pass rate
2022-2023 99.2%
2021-2022 99.1%
2020-2021 98.6%

Each student must complete 180 hours internship course at an internship site chosen by the student.

Accreditation

Exercise & Sport Science - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

The Bachelor of Science program in Exercise and Sport Science is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES).

Contact

Patrick Mason
Assistant professor of teaching and program coordinator
313-577-8295
gr5290@wayne.edu

Academic Services Advisors

Last Names A-K

Fawne Allossery
Academic services officer IV
313-577-1601
ac9010@wayne.edu
Schedule an appointment

Last Names L-Z

Kurt Troutman
Academic services officer III
313-577-1601
fz4394@wayne.edu
Schedule an appointment

Kinesiology Health and Sport Studies

Phone: 313-577-4249