How do I apply to the Exercise Science Program? Detailed application instructions and materials are
available online (see
www.uwlax.edu/sah/ess/fit/html/apply.htm). Application
materials include: application, resume, results of fitness test,
job shadows and reports, and unofficial transcripts. Application deadlines are October 1 and February 1. ALL materials
must be received by the
ESS-Exercise Science Program Director prior to the deadline to be
considered for admission.
When should I apply to the Exercise Science Program? Most students apply during their sophomore year. This gives
students enough time to meet the
application requirements and is early enough in a student's
academic career to allow them to change their major if their
application is not successful.
What is included in the fitness test, how do I pass the
test, and who do I contact to perform the fitness test? The fitness test includes the following health-related fitness
components: cardiorespiratory efficiency (maximum treadmill running
test); muscular fitness (push-up test);
flexibility (sit -and-reach test); and body composition (underwater
weighting test).
Testing takes place in the Human Performance Laboratory (room 225 Mitchell
Hall).
Contact Chris Dodge at 785-8685 or
dodge.chri@uwlax.edu for
an appointment. Fitness tests may be completed any time before a
student applies for admission.
Where should I do the two job shadows that are required
for admission to the ESS-Exercise Science Program? Job shadows provide you with a real-world observation of a
variety of fitness and/or clinical exercise-related careers. Each student is free to select
his or her shadow sites based on interest and career goals. Because
there are so many options, students are encouraged to to consider fitness
versus performance, young versus old, healthy versus clinical
populations, and public versus private facilities. Each job shadow
must be approved by your academic advisor before you complete the
shadow.
Which minors are most often pursued by ESS-Exercise
Science
students? ESS-Exercise Science students can select any minor offered
by any department on campus. Some of the more common minors
among ESS-Exercise Science students include:
Nutrition; Recreation Management; Psychology; Business; Foreign
Languages; and
Recreation Inclusion. Additionally, many students pursue a
certification in gerontology (see
www.uwlax.edu/conted/gerontology/).
Which concentration is most often pursued by ESS-Exercise
Science
students? The most popular concentration is Coaching Competitive Athletics.
Are there any exercise science-related clubs or organizations on campus
that I can join? The clubs most often selected by ESS-Exercise Science
students include: The
Student Physical Therapy Club; the
Sport Management Club,
and the Weightlifting, Powerlifting, and Body Building Club.
Each offers students excellent experiences and leadership
opportunities as well as an environment for great social networking.
The Campus Activities Board lists additional organizations, clubs,
and activities that may also be of interest.
What certifications will an ESS-Exercise Science degree prepare
me to earn? The American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM) offers a Health Fitness Specialist (HFS)
certification. Additionally, the National Strength and Conditioning
Association (NSCA) offers a Certified Strength and Conditioning
Specialist (SCSC) certification. Both of these certifications are
highly valuable to ESS-Exercise Science graduates and require a bachelor’s degree.
What does it mean to be
recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine and by the
National Strength and Conditioning Association? The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) are the
leading bodies for granting academic program approval for
exercise science-related degrees. Students who graduate from programs
recognized by these professional organizations have significant
advantages in post-graduate certification, employment, and admission
to many graduate programs.
What type of jobs may be available to me with a degree
in ESS-Exercise Science? Potential jobs for ESS-Exercise Science majors include:
Wellness Director; personal trainer; group fitness instructor;
exercise physiologist; corporate fitness; strength and conditioning
coach; and many others. Students with this degree are also well
prepared for admission to graduate school in a variety of areas.
Students planning to enter the fitness industry after graduation are
encouraged to seek significant work/volunteer experiences related to
their interests outside of the classroom. Employers usually place a
high value on a combination of educational and work/volunteer
experiences when making hiring decisions.
