Pre-professional Courses
ESS Core Courses
Additional ESS Core Courses
Program Information
Athletic Training
Exercise Physiology
Fitness/Wellness
Physical Education Teaching (6-12)
Sport Management
The department offers programs designed to prepare students as specialists in athletic training, exercise physiology, fitness/wellness, physical education teaching or sport management. Satisfactory completion of courses in one of these areas will lead to a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences.
To obtain this degree, the student must complete the university's general education requirements, the department's pre-professional requirements and the exercise and sport sciences core and specialization courses. Elective hours can be selected from UF courses with adviser approval. Alternatives to the required courses or electives must be approved by the adviser. All ESS majors are expected to complete the following:
(Select a minimum of four courses from list below.)
ESS majors must complete all requirements for the major at UF. Native students are required to complete all pre-professional requirements at UF as well. All courses required for the degree must be completed before internship/student teaching.
The University of Florida's undergraduate athletic training specialization is a CAAHEP
(Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited program offering students the opportunity to sit for the NATABOC (National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification) examination. Certification by the NATABOC is considered by most authorities to be the standard of qualification for the practice of athletic training. The athletic training specialization provides an excellent foundation from which a student can pursue entry-level employment or graduate study in athletic training or other allied health fields.
The student pursues the undergraduate specialization via introductory and advanced courses in athletic training and other specialties offered through the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences and other departments campus-wide. In addition, the student must accumulate a minimum of 800 hours of athletic training experience under the supervision of an NATABOC - certified athletic trainer. The student must plan for a minimum of two years (four semesters) to complete the required 800 clinical hours once the student has been formally accepted into the athletic training education program. The clinical experience is obtained by working at several affiliated sites located at UF, area high schools and nearby clinics. The program places emphasis on the development of both cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills through experiences in the classroom, research laboratory, clinical rotations and internship experiences.
The University of Florida admits students as freshmen into the major of Exercise and Sport Sciences. Students specializing in athletic training are reviewed each semester against critical tracking criteria established by the department and the athletic training faculty. In keeping with the SUS articulation agreement, all students are reviewed in the junior year for continuation in the athletic training program. Transfer students who have met the tracking criteria and minimum criteria for admission must interview and demonstrate basic skills and competencies from PET 2622C, Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries. Transfer interviews and skill demonstrations must be scheduled by transfer students prior to admission. Transfer students should contact the ESS Advising Office prior to the end of Spring term to find out the date/time interviews and skills demonstrations will be held.
Complete the following courses in the freshman/sophomore years for NATA certification requirements:
The following courses also are recommended in the freshman/sophomore years:
The exercise physiology specialization prepares students for a career in the health professions or for graduate study in exercise science. The curriculum provides a strong basic science background and requires additional coursework in the biological aspects of exercise.
Students are required to complete a one-semester internship in a biomedical research setting to become familiar with applications of the scientific method.
Complete the following pre-professional courses in the freshman/sophomore years:
And two courses (6 credit hours) from the approved list (see adviser).
Complete the following pre-professional courses in the junior year:
This specialization emphasizes the practical aspects of fitness and wellness. Students become exercise technicians and specialists in hospitals and corporate, private or state agencies. Students must complete a one-semester internship in one of these settings.
Complete four credit hours of fitness and conditioning courses in the freshman and sophomore years:
The following courses also are recommended in the freshman/sophomore years:
This program will lead to the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences with NCATE-approved teacher certification. Students are prepared to teach middle or secondary school physical education. This program also is a foundation for graduate study in educational administration or curriculum and instruction.
Sport management prepares the student to work in high-level competition sport settings. Included are professional, intercollegiate and amateur sports. The curriculum emphasizes athletes and their physical, psychological and social needs.
Complete the following courses in the freshman/sophomore years: