Exercise & Sport Science
Accelerated Degree Program in ESS Kinesiology B.S. and Athletic Training M.S.
About
The Accelerated Graduate Program in ESS Kinesiology B.S. and Athletic Training M.S. replaces the Dual Degree Program in ES Pre-Professional and Athletic Training. This program will officially launch in Fall 2026. The Kinesiology (KIN) degree merges the existing ESS-Fitness and ESS-Pre Professional tracks into a single program. The Accelerated Graduate Program allows students to select undergraduate electives in addition to the prerequisite courses for the Master's degree to individualize their educational experience according to their unique interests, needs, and goals.
At a Glance:
KIN-AT vs. Pre Professional-AT
|
Requirement |
KIN-AT |
Pre Professional-AT |
| Undergraduate Credits in major | 52-54 | 57-60 |
| Electives | Yes | No |
| Apply for Admission to undergraduate program | No | Yes |
| Apply for Admission to graduate program | Yes | Yes |
| GPA requirement | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Complete the CSH College Core | No | No |
| Requires 2ndmajor, minor, or individualized option | No | No |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Low |
| Anatomy & Physiology |
ESS 205 & 206 or
BIO 312 & 313* |
BIO 312 & 313 |
| ESS 100 credits | 4 | 6 |
Curriculum
Required courses that may also fulfill general education - 23 credits
| BIO 105 | General Biology | 4 |
| CHM 103 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| HPR 105 | Creating A Healthy, Active Lifestyle | 3 |
| PHY 103 | Fundamental Physics I | 4 |
| PSY 100 | General Psychology | 3 |
| STAT 145 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
KIN Core Courses – 25-27 Credits
| ESS 201 | Safety, First Aid and CPR | 1 |
| ESS 205 | Human Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise Science I* | 3 |
| or BIO 312 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I* | |
| ESS 206 | Human Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise Science II* | 3 |
| or BIO 313 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II* | |
| ESS 207 | Human Motor Behavior | 3 |
| ESS 281 | Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries | 2 |
| ESS 302 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| ESS 303 | Biomechanics | 3 |
| ESS 317 | Medical Terminology and Documentation | 2 |
| or CHE 220 | Medical Terminology for Health Education | 1 |
| or RTH 355 | Medical Language and Digital Competencies for Allied Health Professionals | 3 |
| ESS 328 | Field Experience in Exercise Science | 3 |
| ESS 446 | Current Research and Trends in Exercise Science | 3 |
Physical Activity Courses – 4 Credits
| ESS 100 | Physical Activities | 1 |
| ESS 116 | Water Safety Instruction | 2 |
Potential Elective Courses (but not required)
| ESS 323 | Nutrition and Sport | 3 |
| ESS 349 | Psychology of Coaching Competitive Athletics | 2 |
| ESS 368 | Foundational Exercise Program Design | 3 |
| ESS 411 | Essentials of Strength & Conditioning | 3 |
| ESS 413 | Advanced Strength & Conditioning Methods | 3 |
| ESS 431 | Fitness Programming for Persons with Disabilities | 1 |
| ESS 443 | Fitness Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| ESS 447 | Administration in Fitness and Sport | 3 |
| ESS 448 | Promotion and Development of Fitness and Sport Programs | 3 |
Total credits: 52-54
FAQ
Program Basics
What is KIN?
KIN is a new ESS emphasis that combines the ESS-Fitness and ESS-Pre-Professional tracks into one flexible program where students can personalize their coursework to match their goals.
When can I declare KIN-AT?
Fall 2026. Students can officially declare the Accelerated Graduate Degree beginning Fall 2026. Due to a new software system, students will receive further instructions on how and when to declare (so please do not try to declare prior to this notification).
Starting Fall 2026, new students can only enroll in the Accelerated Graduate Program.
Does KIN have an application and admission process?
No — just declare the Accelerated Degree Program and meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0.
Have the Fitness and Pre-Professional tracks been eliminated?
Not yet. Current UWL students may complete their degrees in the existing tracks.
Can I stay in the Dual Degree ES Pre-Professional/Athletic Training Program?
Yes, you can complete the Dual Degree Program as it is currently. All degree requirements of these tracks must be met without exception. Students not yet admitted to the ESS-Fitness or ESS-Pre Professional track must complete the application and admission process.
What happens if my GPA drops below 3.0 after I declare?
KIN-AT requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for matriculation. If your GPA drops below this threshold, contact your ESS Academic Advisor as soon as possible to discuss your options and develop a plan.
How do I learn more about KIN-AT?
Students are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend a KIN informational session.
We will be hosting 2 KIN informational sessions in Spring 2026. These sessions will offer an in-depth look at the KIN program, outline key considerations for students deciding whether to switch to KIN, and provide time for students to ask questions. To provide efficient, targeted guidance these sessions will be split, with one portion focusing on KIN and Fitness and the other portion focusing on KIN and Pre Professional (although any student is welcome to attend either session).
- KIN informational sessions (260 Graff Main Hall, Hesprich Auditorium)
- Monday, March 9
- 7:00-7:45pm: Focus on pre-professional track and Dual Degree students
- Wednesday, March 25
- 7:00-7:45pm: Focus on pre-professional track and Dual Degree students
- Monday, March 9
After attending a KIN informational session, students can discuss further questions and/or concerns with Dr. Cordial Gillette, cgillette@uwlax.edu