Exercise & Sport Science

Kinesiology is defined as "the study of human movement."

Kinesiology (KIN) is a new emphasis within Exercise and Sport Science (ESS) that will officially launch in Fall 2026. This emphasis merges the existing ESS-Fitness and ESS-Pre Professional tracks into a unified program that will allow students to individualize their educational experience according to their unique interests, needs, and goals.

At a Glance:
KIN vs. Fitness vs. Pre Professional

KIN Core Courses – 25 Credits

*Students pursuing Physical Therapy should take BIO 312/313. Students considering other health professions should review the prerequisites of their intended graduate programs; when in doubt, BIO 312/313 is strongly recommended.

Physical Activity Courses – 4 Credits

Elective Courses (11 credits minimum)

Total credits: 40

Note: KIN students will also need to satisfy the CSH College Core

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?

Fall 2026. Students can officially declare the KIN emphasis beginning Fall 2026. Due to a new software system, students will receive further instructions on how and when to declare KIN (so please do not try to declare KIN before this notification).

Starting Fall 2026, new students can only enroll in KIN.

Does KIN have an application and admission process?

No — just declare the major and meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.75.

Have the Fitness and Pre-Professional tracks been eliminated?

Not yet. Current UWL students may complete their degrees in the existing tracks. Starting Fall 2026, new students can only enroll in KIN.

Can I stay in ESS-Fitness or ESS-Pre Professional?

Yes, you can complete your ESS-Fitness or ESS-Pre-Professional program. All degree requirements of these tracks must be met without exception (e.g., ESS-Fitness requires a 12-credit internship). Students not yet admitted to the ESS-Fitness or ESS-Pre Professional track must complete the application and admission process.

Can I declare KIN as a transfer student? 

Yes. Transfer students are welcome to declare KIN beginning Fall 2026. Because transfer credit situations vary, it is strongly recommended that you meet with an ESS Academic Advisor early to review how your existing credits apply toward KIN requirements and the CSH College Core. 

What happens if my GPA drops below 2.75 after I declare? 

KIN requires a minimum 2.75 GPA for graduation. If your GPA drops below this threshold, contact your ESS Academic Advisor as soon as possible to discuss your options and develop a plan.

Is KIN Right for Me?

Why consider switching to KIN?

• No application or admission process (just declare with a 2.75 GPA)
• Fewer total credits, including fewer ESS 100s
• Greater flexibility for electives, prerequisites, 2nd major or minor
• Optional, flexible internship structure
• Broad career and graduate school pathways

Do I have to switch to KIN?

No. Switching is optional for current UWL students. Starting Fall 2026, new students can only enroll in KIN.

Will switching to KIN delay my graduation timeline?

Probably not. Most ESS-prefix classes will transfer to the KIN emphasis, and the overall credit load is much lower. Students should check all degree requirements to see how switching may uniquely impact their progress- we hope to provide an electronic tool to aid in this process soon.

First- and second-year students are well positioned to switch; juniors and seniors should do a thorough degree audit comparison and work with an ESS advisor to make their decisions. 

Who is KIN NOT a good fit for?

KIN may not be the best fit if you:

• Strongly prefer a fixed, prescribed course plan with no decisions to make about electives
• Are exclusively focused on a fitness or strength & conditioning career and already have a full-time internship planned
• Have 1-2 semesters left, have completed most of the required coursework, and remaining courses are required prerequisites for grad school
• Want a pre-designed pathway that maps directly to most Doctor of Physical Therapy prerequisites 

Not sure? Talk to an advisor — they can help you weigh the options based on your specific goals.

Curriculum & Requirements

What's the difference between ESS 205 & 206 and BIO 312 & 313? Does it matter which I take?

ESS 205 & 206 are 3 credits each (6 total) and include a lab in both courses. BIO 312 & 313 are 4 credits each (8 total) and also include a lab in both courses. Both sequences meet the KIN requirement. Your choice will largely depend on your goals, interests, and grad school requirements.

• Pursuing Physical Therapy? It is strongly recommended you take BIO 312 & 313, as most DPT programs require 8 credits of Anatomy and Physiology.
• Pursuing PA, OT, Athletic Training, or other health professions? Requirements vary. Research your target programs' prerequisites and consult the Pre Health Student Resource Center
• Pursuing fitness careers or exercise science/kinesiology grad programs? ESS 205 & 206 is generally recommended.
• Unsure? Take BIO 312 & 313 — it covers more bases.

What are the CSH College Core requirements?

Broadly, the CSH College Core requires:

• 2 Math/Stats courses (or 1 Math, 1 Computer Science)
• 2 experiential science courses
• Completion of a 2nd major, a minor, 2 certificates, or the individualized option (18 credits outside the department, 12 must be 300/400 level)
  
  

Internship

How does the KIN internship work — when can I do it and do I need to find my own site?

ESS 458 (requires junior standing) is a new 6-credit internship that can be taken at a time that is both convenient and strategic for each specific student — for example, after completing key coursework, during a summer, or alongside lighter course loads. 

Should I do an internship?

Hands-on experience in a real professional setting is one of the most valuable things you can do before graduating. It helps you build a resume, apply classroom knowledge to actual clients and situations, and stand out to employers — many of whom expect practical experience from candidates in fitness and health-related fields.

If you are pursuing a health professions graduate program such as PT, OT, or PA, an internship can be especially valuable. These programs are highly competitive, and direct patient/client exposure strengthens your application and gives you concrete experience to discuss in personal statements and interviews. It also helps you confirm you're pursuing the right field before investing in a graduate degree. As the ESS-Pre Professional track did not allow for an internship option, this is a new perk that the KIN emphasis provides to students interested in the health professions. 

If you have any interest in working in fitness, health, or human performance after graduation an  internship is highly recommended.

Can I do the internship while taking other courses? 

Because the internship is half-time and flexible timing, it may be possible to take it alongside other coursework depending on your schedule and the site's expectations. 

What kinds of sites or organizations do KIN students intern with? 

Internship sites vary widely depending on a student's career goals. Past and potential placements include fitness centers, hospital-based wellness programs, corporate wellness departments, physical therapy clinics, strength and conditioning facilities, community recreation programs, and adaptive fitness organizations. Students can also intern in the La Crosse Exercise and Health Program (LEHP). 

Career & Graduate School

Is KIN just as good as Exercise Science for PT, OT, PA, or medical school?

Yes. The terms kinesiology and exercise science are often used interchangeably. In fact, both UW–Madison and UW–Milwaukee offer majors in Kinesiology.

KIN offers the same strong foundation in exercise science while providing greater flexibility. Students are responsible for identifying and meeting graduate program prerequisites and are strongly encouraged to declare the appropriate Pre-Health track and use the Pre-Health Student Resource Center.

What careers do KIN graduates typically pursue? New

KIN prepares students for a wide range of careers in fitness, health, and human performance, including:

• Personal trainer / fitness coach
• Strength and conditioning specialist
• Corporate or community wellness coordinator
• Exercise physiologist
• Physical therapy aide or technician (as a stepping stone to PT school)
• Adapted fitness specialist
• Recreation or program director

Many KIN students also go on to graduate programs in

• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• physician assistant studies
• clinical exercise physiology
• athletic training
• exercise science fields (e.g., biomechanics, sport psychology, exercise physiology, motor behavior, etc.)
• public health

How do I know which graduate program prerequisites I need to complete? 

Graduate program prerequisites vary significantly by school and program. You are responsible for researching the specific requirements of the programs you plan to apply to. The following resources can help:

• Declare your Pre-Health track — highly recommended for students pursuing health professions
• Pre-Health Student Resource Center — highly recommended for students pursuing PT, OT, PA, or medical school
  
  

How do I learn more about KIN?

Before contacting your advisor or registering for Fall 2026 classes, 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 
    • 6:00-6:45pm: Focus on fitness track students
    • 7:00-7:45pm: Focus on pre-professional track students
  • Wednesday, March 25
    • 6:00-6:45pm: Focus on fitness track students
    • 7:00-7:45pm: Focus on pre-professional track students

After attending a KIN informational session, students can discuss further questions and/or concerns with:

• ESS Academic Advisor
• ES/KIN program director: Dr. Teri Hepler, thepler@uwlax.edu