Kinesiology: Applied Exercise Science, BS

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Applied Exercise Science concentration


The concentration in Applied Exercise Science (AES) offers a sequenced course of study focused on exercise testing, exercise prescription, and nutrition that will prepare students for careers as fitness professionals, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and clinical exercise physiologists. 

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Applied Exercise Science concentration


Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

University Requirements

Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.

The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.

Composition I4-6
Advanced Composition3
Humanities & the Arts (6 hours)6
Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours)6
fulfilled by HK 150 and any other course approved as Natural Sciences & Technology
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)6
fulfilled by HK 140 and HK 250
Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: US Minority Culture (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course)3
Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one must be Quantitative Reasoning I)6-10
fulfilled by HK 201 and any other course approved as Quantitative Reasoning I
Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required)0-15

Major Requirements

HK 125Orientation to Health & Kinesiology1
HK 140Social Sci of Human Movement3
HK 150Bioscience of Human Movement3
HK 154Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Health3
HK 160Foundations and Careers in Kinesiology3
HK 201Health Sciences Research Methods3
HK 250Motor Development and Control3
MCB 244
MCB 245
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
and Human Anat & Physiol Lab I
5
MCB 246
MCB 247
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
and Human Anat & Physiol Lab II
5

 Concentration Requirements

HK 350Fitness Testing and Ex Prescription3
HK 352Bioenergetics of Movement3
HK 354Musculoskeletal Anatomy3
HK 454Physiological Basis of Strength & Conditioning3
Concentration Electives. Choose three courses from the following:9
HK 340Social & Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity3
HK 353Biomechanics of Human Movement3
HK 362Coaching Strategies3
HK 438Mechanisms of Exercise & Sport Injury3
HK 446Physical Activity & Diverse Populations3
HK 449Health Assessment3
HK 452Clin & Applied Ex Physiology3
HK 453Nutrition for Performance3
HK 459Physical Activity Across the Lifespan3
RST 340Facility Management in Recreation, Sport and Tourism3
Experiential Learning Course (HK 351, HK 360, HK 390, HK 391, HK 472, HK 495)Maximum of 6
Total Hours120

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Applied Exercise Science concentration


This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Year
First SemesterHours
Composition I or General Education course4
HK 1251
HK 1403
HK 1543
Free Elective course4
 15
Total Hours 15
First Year
Second SemesterHours
General Education course or Composition I3
HK 1503
HK 1603
General Education course3
Free Elective course4
 16
Total Hours 16
Second Year
First SemesterHours
MCB 2443
MCB 2452
HK 2013
HK 2503
Language Other Than English (3rd level)4
 15
Total Hours 15
Second Year
Second SemesterHours
MCB 2463
MCB 2472
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 14
Total Hours 14
Third Year
First SemesterHours
HK 3503
HK 3523
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Third Year
Second SemesterHours
HK 3543
HK 4543
General Education course3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHours
Concentration Elective3
Concentration Elective3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Fourth Year
Second SemesterHours
Concentration Elective3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15

Total Hours: 120

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Applied Exercise Science concentration


  1. Content Knowledge: Students will learn and engage with significant theories, models, themes, and ideas within the health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
  2. Critical Thinking and Discovery: Students will explore and analyze scientific findings to promote inquiry, generate evidence-based solutions, and create new ideas within health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
  3. Awareness and Understanding: Students will be exposed to and engage with a holistic perspective related to the diverse socioeconomic, behavioral, sociocultural, biological, environmental, philosophical, ethical and historical factors that influence health and/or kinesiology.
  4. Programming and Assessment: Students will apply evidence-based practices in developing, implementing, and assessing programs and interventions related to health promotion, physical activity adoption and adherence, and the prevention and management of diseases.
  5. Leadership and Engagement: Through a variety of applied learning opportunities, students will demonstrate leadership and effective communication skills, showcase an appreciation of and commitment to health and well-being as they develop and sustain productive relationships and work for the common good at local, national, and global levels.

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Applied Exercise Science concentration


Department of Health and Kinesiology

Health and Kinesiology Website
115 Freer
906 S. Goodwin
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2461
Email: hk-business-office@illinois.edu

College of Applied Health Sciences

Applied Health Sciences Website
110 Huff Hall
1206 South 4th Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-2131
Email: ahs@illinois.edu

Advising

Advising Website

Admissions

Admissions Website
(217) 333-2130
Email: ahs-admissions@illinois.edu