Exercise Physiology (BS)

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2024–Spring 2025 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology 
Unit: College of Education and Human Development
Department: Health & Sport Sciences (HSS)
Academic Plan Code(s): See Track Requirements tab.

Program Requirements

All students completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology must complete the core classes, program requirements, and at least one track, along with appropriate related and supporting or elective courses.  The core provides students with a background in the social, physiological, and historical knowledge needed for their chosen profession. 

The Allied Health Therapies track prepares students for careers in allied health therapies such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Clinical Exercise Physiology. Curriculum is designed to prepare students for graduate and professional school in these areas and follows guidelines set forth by the American College of Sports Medicine. 

The Human Performance track prepares students for careers in strength & conditioning, sport science, fitness, personal training, and corporate wellness. Curriculum is designed to maximize certification exam success and follows guidelines set forth by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

The Physical Education and Health track assists students in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to become effective and committed health and physical education teachers.  Extensive school-based fieldwork experiences are integrated into the curriculum.

Degree Summary

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Some courses required in this degree program may satisfy multiple requirements. To complete the degree in the minimum number of hours listed, some hours from the General Education Requirements must be satisfied by courses defined by the unit and/or program. Using other courses to satisfy General Education requirements will require additional hours to complete the degree requirements or reduce the number of available electives within a track. See the Degree Requirements and Track tabs for specific coursework. 

Specific coursework information can be found on the Degree Requirements tab.

Departmental Admission Requirements

See admissions requirements for the College of Education and Human Development at https://louisville.edu/admissions. 

Admission to the professional phase of the Physical and Health Education track also requires:

• Minimum 2.75 or higher overall GPA, or 3.0 in last 30 hours
• Minimum test scores as required by the Education Professional Standards Board
• C or better in ENGL 102  (or equivalent) and in Oral Communication course
• Completion of Pre-Professional Courses with a B-minus or better
• Any other requirements as outlined in Application.

General Education Requirements

All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above).  Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

College/School Requirements

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Not required for transfer students with 24 credit hours or more.  Students who successfully complete a first year experience course through another college may waive this requirement.

Program/Major Requirements

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Please see notes on Track page regarding Anatomy and Physiology requirements.

 Degree Requirements

A minimum of 120 hours with an overall GPA of 2.25; minimum grade of C- in Exercise Physiology core and track-specific courses; successful completion of an Exercise Physiology Internship or Research Project; minimum of 50 hours at the 300-level or above.

Track Requirements 

Flight Plans

Track in Allied Health Therapies

 Track in Human Performance

Track in Physical and Health Education

The Flight Plan outlined above is intended to demonstrate one possible path to completing the degree within four years.  Course selection and placement within the program may vary depending on course offerings and schedule, elective preferences, and other factors (study abroad, internship availability, etc.). Please consult your advisor for additional information about building a flight plan that works for you.

Degree Audit Report
Degree Audit reports illustrate how your completed courses fulfill the requirements of your academic plan, and which requirements are still outstanding. Degree audits also take transfer credits and test credits into account. "What-if" reports allow you to compare the courses you have completed in your current academic plan to the courses required in another academic plan.  Should you have questions about either report, please consult with your academic advisor.

Flight Planner
The Flight Planner tool is available for you to create a personalized Flight Plan to graduation.  Advisors have access to review your Flight Planner and can help you adjust it to ensure you remain on track to graduate in a timely manner.

To create these reports:

1. Log into your ULink account.
2. Click on the Academic Progress tile.
3. Select the appropriate report.
   1. To run a Degree Audit report, click on "View my Degree Audit."
   2. To create a What-if report, click on "Create a What-if Advisement Report."
   3. To run a Flight Planner report, click on "Use My Flight Planner."

Click here to run a Degree Audit report, create a What-if report, or run a Flight Planner report.

Professional Licensure Information

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, track in Physical and Health Education program prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure.  If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification, you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree. 

More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website:  https://louisville.edu/oapa/licensure-information (you may search by school or by the name of the program then click on 'View Details' to display the information).

For programs with an online option, more information about certification or licensure is available here: https://louisville.edu/online/About-Us?tab=disclosure.

Note: other tracks in the BS in Exercise Physiology program may prepare students to sit for examinations to qualify for certifications offered by private organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association.  These certifications are sometimes preferred or required for employment in specific settings (e.g., hospitals, college campuses) within the field.  However, other tracks in the program (Allied Health Therapies, Human Performance) are not designed to prepare students for any professional licensure issued by any US state or other jurisdiction.