COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science at Wichita State University requires a minimum of 120 total credit hours and is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in human movement, health sciences, and applied fitness training. All students must also maintain CPR/AED certification throughout the program, while first aid certification is recommended but not mandatory. The curriculum combines general education requirements, major-specific science courses, and open electives to ensure both academic breadth and specialized expertise. Students complete approximately 34 to 35 credit hours of general education courses covering essential academic skills such as communication, mathematics, and social sciences. A significant portion of the degree consists of 56 credit hours of required major courses that must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0, ensuring students meet academic standards in their field of study. Core science-based courses include General College Physics I (PHYS 213) and General Chemistry I (CHEM 211), which build a strong scientific foundation. Students also study Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Biomechanics of Human Movement, Exercise and Sport Nutrition, and Physiology of Exercise, all of which focus on how the human body responds to physical activity and training. Practical learning is emphasized through courses such as Administration in Exercise Science, Experiential Fitness Practicum, Internship in Exercise Science, and Seminar in Strength and Conditioning, which provide real-world exposure in fitness, rehabilitation, and performance settings. Additionally, students complete a statistical concepts course to develop research and data analysis skills relevant to human performance studies. The remaining 29 to 30 credit hours are open electives, allowing students to explore additional interests and complete degree requirements. Overall, the program is structured to develop scientifically trained professionals equipped for careers in fitness, healthcare, sports performance, and related fields.