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Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences
To find out if Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences is for you, you can start by asking yourself: Do I feel committed to helping people improve their physical performance and quality of life? Do I enjoy working with all types of people? Am I curious about how the body works? Am I well organized? Do I enjoy planning activities and programs for others to enjoy? Am I comfortable taking a leadership role? Do I enjoy science? Do I keep myself physically fit and active?
What courses will I be taking? top
During the first two years, you will complete most of your general education requirements. These courses in English, the humanities, social science, math, and physical science will give you necessary skills in comprehension, reasoning, and writing. You also will take some beginning courses in the health sciences.
What kind of job can I get? top
With the growing emphasis on health and physical fitness, professionals with skills in physical fitness and health will have many job opportunities. This interest in health enhancement through fitness will continue well into the next decade. Graduates who show a commitment to the field and who work hard to develop their skills will experience better than average job opportunities. Those students who complete a degree in teacher licensure may enter the job market as teachers of K-12 health and physical education.
What will my student workload be like? top
Most undergraduate majors require at least 124 credit hours to graduate. Your studies will include about 50 hours in general courses with a strong focus on the biological sciences. These courses will give you a well-rounded education as well as a good foundation for working with health and physical fitness issues in or out of the school setting.
The HSES major includes about 55 hours of courses that prepare you for your professional area of interest. All majors have at least a 12-week internship, which gives you a supervised field experience in your specialty. Most internships are within an hour of KU.
Can I get financial help? top
The School of Education and the HSES Department offer several competitive scholarships to juniors and seniors. For information about academic, merit-based, and minority scholarships, write or call the University of Kansas, University Scholarship Center, 33 Strong Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045, (785) 864-5439. For information about grants, loans, and other need-based financial aid, write or call KU's Office of Student Financial Aid, 50 Strong Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-1920, (785) 864-4700.
What if my interests change? top
Some undergraduate courses taken as part of your general studies apply toward other degrees and will prepare you for a variety of careers. You can continue your interest in physical activity by taking courses HSES offers to all KU students regardless of major.
The KU Difference top
With so many sport and exercise science programs in the country, why should I choose KU?
KU enrichment
The university's excellent faculty and its rich curriculum have attracted national attention. Students and teachers from around the world will introduce you to a diversity of cultures and viewpoints. You will choose from hundreds of KU lectures, plays, concerts, and student activities that will make your undergraduate school years worthwhile.
The faculty top
You will be guided by faculty who serve as role models for the health sciences. They are respected as teachers and researchers. Many operate specialized labs and clinics and select students to work with them in this research setting. Close supervision and advising offer students opportunities to develop and broaden their skills.
The facility top
Robinson Center, home of the HSES department, houses extensive lab facilities to challenge your professional development. The Center houses labs in elementary physical education, applied physiology, fitness evaluation and biomechanics.
The University of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution, committed to a policy of equal opportunity in admissions, financial assistance, and employment.
