Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I apply to the Fitness Program?
    Application materials can be found on the Fitness Program website (http://www.uwlax.edu/sah/ess/fit/).  Application materials include: application, resume, results of fitness test, mission statement, job shadows and reports, unofficial transcripts, and 1 letter of recommendation.  Application packets include the specific instructions needed to fill out the application.  Application deadlines are October 1 and February 1.  This means ALL materials including references should be submitted to the Fitness Program Director prior to the deadline. 
  2. When should I apply to the Fitness Program?
    Application deadlines are twice per academic year, October 1 and February 1.  Applicants must have at least 30 credits completed and have completed ESS 115, HPR 105, and BIO 105/103 or MIC 100 before submitting the application.  A TRANSFER STUDENT must have taken at least one course at UWL prior to applying.  It is important to realize once admitted to the program, there are an additional 38 credits necessary to complete the program requirements.  This includes a 12 credit internship which is taken upon completion of ALL coursework.  When deciding to apply to the program it becomes important to realize the requirements of the program, including the internship.  Typically sophomores and juniors apply.
  3. 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 consists of health related fitness components: cardiorespiratory efficiency, muscular fitness, flexibility, and body composition.  
    Testing takes place in Room 225 Mitchell, the Human Performance Lab.  Contact Chris Dodge @ 785-8685 for an appointment by e-mail (dodge.chri@uwlax.edu) but as we approach the deadline, e-mail becomes less and less convenient.
  4. Where should I do my job shadow’s which are required for application to the Fitness Program?
    Job shadows are required to provide you with a chance to explore the fitness field.  Facilities to consider depend on your interest in the area.  Examples include:  fitness versus performance, young versus old, healthy versus diseased populations (cardiac, pulmonary, etc.), public (nonprofit) versus private facilities, and assessment versus training.  Nonetheless, each job shadow should be approved by your advisor before you go on it.
  5. What options do I have for the ESS 100 Fitness Specific Electives?
    You are allowed to take any of the current ESS 100 offerings to count towards these electives.  While they are not listed on the curriculum sheet they will be applied to your SNAP report.  Another option would is to participate in a workshop or certification.  This requires students to contact the Fitness Director ahead of time to make sure it would be approved.  Credits earned depends on the amount of time spent at the workshop.
  6. What are some of the common minors that would correspond well with an ESS-Fitness degree?
    Students can select from a variety of minors offered through any department.  Potential minors include the following:
    Nutrition, Recreation Management, Psychology, Business, Foreign Languages, Gerontology Certification (http://www.uwlax.edu/conted/gerontology/index.htm), Recreation Inclusive Minor, Sport Broadcasting, Communication Studies Minors TBA (Sport Broadcasting),
  7. What are some of the concentrations that would correspond well with an ESS-Fitness degree?
    Common concentrations ESS students take include:  Strength and Conditioning and Coaching Competitive Athletics.
  8. Are there any organizations on campus in which I can participate to learn more about the Fitness field?
    There are two clubs affiliated with the ESS-Fitness Program. They are the Fitness and Sport Management Club (www.uwlax.edu/fsm), and the Weightlifting, Powerlifting, and Body Building Club (www.uwlax.edu/wpbc). 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 be of interest for ESS-Fitness students.
  9. What certifications are available to me upon graduation with an ESS-Fitness degree?
    ACSM – HFI.  This is the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health Fitness Instructor.
    NSCA – CSCS.  This is the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach.  These are certifications that require a bachelor’s degree.
  10. What does it mean that the ESS-Fitness program is recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine?  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 fitness-related degrees. The ESS-Fitness Program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has received approval from both organizations. This means that the UW-L ESS-Fitness Program is nationally recognized for being the finest academic program of its kind by leading authorities. For students who graduate from the program, this means that future employers and graduate schools will recognize their degree for its excellence.
  11. What type of jobs may be available to me with a degree in ESS-Fitness?
    Potential jobs for fitness majors include the following:
    Wellness Director, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, exercise physiologist, corporate fitness, strength and conditioning coach.