Kinesiology with Exercise Science Concentration (B.S.)

120 hours

The Exercise Science concentration prepares students for graduate studies in various allied health fields, including, but not limited to Athletic Training (AT), Exercise Science (ES), Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), Physician Assistant (PA), and other clinical professions. In addition to the academic curriculum, students take part in an immersive semester-long internship in their chosen allied health setting. Upon graduation, students will be well prepared to enter graduate studies in the allied health setting and will have a competitive edge over students who did not complete an undergraduate program with a concentration in Exercise Science.

Admission Requirements

Students who desire to graduate with a Kinesiology degree should initially declare Interdisciplinary Studies as their major upon acceptance to the University of North Georgia. Secondary Admissions into Kinesiology is required to complete the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Science Concentration.  Therefore, certain courses require Secondary Admissions as a pre-requisite requirement for registration. These courses include KINS 3101, KINS 3200, KINS 3350, KINS 3380, KINS 3380L, KINS 4380, KINS 4420, KINS 4435, KINS 4471, KINS 4480, and KINS 4490.

Secondary Admissions is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The number of students admitted may be limited as determined by the Department of Kinesiology.

To be eligible for Secondary Admissions, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Completion of at least 35 semester hours;
2. A grade point average of 2.75 or higher;
3. Completion of all Core IMPACTS Writing and Mathematics courses with a grade of “C” or higher;
4. Completion of Introduction to Kinesiology (KINS 2100) with a grade of “C” or higher (may be in-progress at the time of application);
5. Completion of Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 2251K) with a grade of “C” or higher;
6. Completion of Anatomy and Physiology II (BIOL 2252K) with a grade of “C” or higher (may be in-progress at the time of application);
7. Submission of a completed application for Secondary Admissions in the Exercise Science concentration during an application period.

Details about the application submission process and the dates/deadlines for applications can be found on the Exercise Science webpage https://ung.edu/degrees/bachelors/kinesiology-exercise-science.php.

Retention in Exercise Science Concentration Area

One important aspect of the Exercise Science concentration area is the constant vigilance exercised by the faculty involved to ensure that standards of quality are maintained. The following standards must be maintained for continued retention in the concentration area:

1. Compliance with rules, regulations, and policies as defined in the University of North Georgia student handbook.
2. Completion of all courses in the academic major (e.g., KINS) with an academic grade of “C” or higher.
3. Maintenance of a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 as required for continued acceptance and graduation from the concentration.
4. Compliance with professionalism standards and expectations as defined by the Exercise Science Faculty with the Department of Kinesiology.

Probation and Dismissal

Students may be placed on probation and/or dismissed if they fail to comply with the standards for retention in the Exercise Science concentration. Students who are placed on probation for academic purposes will have one semester to retake KINS courses in which a grade of “C” of better was not obtained and/or improve their overall grade point average to above the minimum 2.75 requirement for the concentration. 

Successful completion of these academic action items will return the student to good academic standings within the concentration. Students who return to good standing within the concentration will have their probationary status removed.

Students may also be placed on probation within the Exercise Science concentration for non-academic instances of non-professional behaviors which are deemed to be in direct violation of the UNG Student Handbook & Exercise Science Faculty Expectations. Students who are placed on probation for non-academic performance reasons will be required to meet with the Exercise Science coordinator and placed on a professional development plan (PDP). After a semester, the student’s progress on addressing all unique elements associated with the PDP will be evaluated. It will be at the discretion of the Exercise Science coordinator to determine if the student was successful in completion of their PDP and/or may require the student to remain on a PDP even if they are removed from formal probation within the concentration. Students who refuse to agree or comply with the PDP will be dismissed from the Exercise Science concentration.

Students who fail to return to good academic standing within one semester of being placed on probation (for academic or non-academic purposes) will be dismissed from the Exercise Science concentration. Any student who is dismissed from the Exercise Science concentration will be required to reapply for admission consideration during the next available application period should they wish to continue their progress in upper-level coursework. Re-applying for admission consideration is not a guarantee of re-acceptance. 

In addition, a student will not be allowed to register for KINS 4490 (Internship: Exercise Science) until all standards for retention and good academic standing has been achieved within the Exercise Science concentration. Due to the sensitive nature of working with both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in various clinical settings, this policy will be strictly enforced for the safety of all parties.

Appeals

Students denied Secondary Admission or continuance in the Exercise Science concentration may appeal the decision. Appeals must be made in writing to the Kinesiology Department Head within three weeks (21 days) after the notice of the decision and should clearly state why an exception should be made. If a resolution cannot be made at the department level, the student may elevate the appeal in accordance with university policy.

Caveat

For the most recent information on current Exercise Science policies and procedures, please review the Exercise Science concentration web site.