The B.S. in Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science prepares students for positions in teaching, the health and fitness industry, and leisure services and for graduate study.
Program Requirements
In addition to the university’s general requirements, students seeking the B.S. degree in Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science must meet the requirements listed below. Students in Exercise Science must complete 42 sh of major core courses and have 18 sh of electives related to the field. The major core courses include a 6 sh internship in the field.
Students may declare a preliminary major in Athletic Training, but may not enroll in the initial clinical course (PET 3670 Athletic Training Clinical I) until the fall semester of each year after being formally admitted to this limited access program. Acceptance into the program is competitive. Minimum application requirements are based on the prerequisites for entry into PET 3670 Athletic Training Clinical I. After meeting entry criteria into PET 3670 Athletic Training Clinical I, the student must earn a grade of “B” or better in all major courses and a “C” or better in all major-related courses to graduate. Additionally, students enrolled in the athletic training clinical courses must adhere to the program retention policies as outlined in the Athletic Training Student Handbook. For more information, contact the Director of Athletic Training Education.
Students in Physical Education will complete a student teaching experience during their senior year. Requirements for admission to the student teaching program are as follows:
Grade of “C” or higher in all courses used to fulfill major requirements
At least a 2.50 cumulative GPA in the major
Recommendations of academic advisors and chairperson of the Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science Department
No more than 24% of the program requirements for the degree may be taken in traditional business subjects.
Athletic Training Specialization
The Athletic Training Specialization is designed to prepare students for an entry-level allied healthcare career in the athletic training profession (high school athletics, college/university athletics, professional sport teams, industrial, or sports medicine clinic/outreach settings). This program, specifically designed to meet national and state licensure requirements, includes a three-year comprehensive plan of study starting in the sophomore year that combines classroom and clinical education components. Students graduating from this program may be eligible to sit for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Board of Certification (BOC) examination and athletic training state licensure/certification in Florida (as well as other states). BOC exam eligibility requirements are defined in the ATEP Retention and Program Progression Guidelines. Contact the Program Director for this information. The Athletic Training specialization is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education(CAATE). This is a limited access program and acceptance to the University does not constitute admission to the upper division portion of the Athletic Training Specialization. A separate application must be made to the department during spring semester of the sophomore year.
Graduation requirements for the program are:
Complete application documents to the Athletic Training Education Program
Fulfill admission requirements for the Athletic Training Education Program
Grade of “C” or better in all major and major-related courses
Adhere to ATEP Retention and Progression Guidelines
General Studies
In addition to the general studies requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Studies curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "Graduation and General Degree Requirements" section of this catalog.
General Physics is non-calculus based and is usually recommended for non-science majors. University Physics is calculus based and is usually recommended for science majors.
Total Semester Hours:
36-37
Students should take the following to satisfy components of General Studies:
State mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Studies requirements.
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
0-10
Total Hours
0-10
Major
Students with an interest in the Athletic Training major should contact the Director of Athletic Training Education to discuss this rigorous program before declaring this as a preliminary major. Students must be accepted into this limited access program before beginning upper division course work. Students must also adhere to ATEP Retention Policy to be eligible to sit for BOC certification exam.
Student must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
6-9
Total Hours
6-9
Exercise Science Specialization
The Exercise Science Specialization is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the fitness industry, cardiac rehabilitation, and other clinical fields, and graduate school. The program has specific courses (PET 4380 Exercise Testing and Prescription, PET 4383C Physiological Basis of Strength Development) that prepare students for certifications such as the ACSM Health and Fitness Specialists and the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists. The course work precedes an internship that allows students to receive valuable work experience just prior to graduating. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has endorsed the curricula for the University of West Florida’s undergraduate Exercise Science specialization. The curriculum covers the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of an ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor.
General Studies
In addition to the general studies requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Studies curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "Graduation and General Degree Requirements" section of this catalog.
General Physics is non-calculus based and is usually recommended for non-science majors. University Physics is calculus based and is usually recommended for science majors.
Total Semester Hours:
36-37
Exercise Science majors should take the following to satisfy components of General Studies:
State mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Studies requirements.
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
0-16
Total Hours
0-16
Recommend PET 2622 Advanced Prevention and Care of Injuries in Health, Leisure, and Sports and either PEO 2031 Analysis of Individual Sports or PET 2824 Analysis of Team Sports be taken at the lower division.
Physical Education specialization prepares students to seek employment in the coaching, sport, and fitness industry outside of the K-12 school setting. This program may meet the requirements for Florida temporary certification. Additional requirements would subsequently be necessary to obtain a professional certificate. Students are advised that this program may not be accepted for certification in other states because it is not a state approved program.
General Studies
In addition to the general studies requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Studies curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "Graduation and General Degree Requirements" section of this catalog.
General Physics is non-calculus based and is usually recommended for non-science majors. University Physics is calculus based and is usually recommended for science majors.
Total Semester Hours:
36-37
Physical Education majors should take BSC 1085 Anatomy and Physiology I/BSC 1085L Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory to fulfill the laboratory science component.
Common Prerequisites
State mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
In addition to EDF 2085 Teaching Diverse Populations, a minimum of 6sh with an international or diversity focus is required. Eligible courses will be determined by the Florida public college or university where the student is currently earning the A.A. or B.S. foreign language courses may be used to meet this requirement. The courses in brackets indicate substitutes for Florida public colleges and universities.
Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II *
6
Total Hours
15
+
An additional 3 sh is required with an international or diversity focus.
*
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Studies requirements.
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
Student must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
Students interested in becoming certified Physical Education teachers in grades K-12 will be able to do so by enrolling in the Physical Education/Teacher Education Specialization, which prepares students to teach in public and private schools through participation in the State of Florida school district alternative certification program. Requirements for teacher education programs may change due to legislative mandates. Therefore, students should inquire with the Division of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science to be made aware of any pertinent changes or requirements.
In addition to the university’s general requirements, students seeking the B.S. in the HLES/Physical Education Teacher Education specialization must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or greater in all previously attempted college work and have passing scores on the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Certification Exam.
For admission to student teaching, students must meet the requirements listed below:
Grade of “C” or higher in all major related courses
2.50 or greater cumulative GPA
Passing scores on the Professional Education Test for Physical Education of the Florida Certification Exam
Completion of 100 service hours approved by the Physical Education Teacher Education Program committee
Approval by the Physical Education Teacher Education Program Committee
General Studies
In addition to the general studies requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Studies curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "Graduation and General Degree Requirements" section of this catalog.
General Physics is non-calculus based and is usually recommended for non-science majors. University Physics is calculus based and is usually recommended for science majors.
Total Semester Hours:
36-37
Physical Education majors should take BSC 1085 Anatomy and Physiology I/BSC 1085L Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory to fulfill the laboratory science component.
Common Prerequisites
State mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
Student must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
0-1
Total Hours
0-1
Sport Management Specialization
The Sport Management specialization prepares students for entry level careers as leaders and administrators in the sports industry and for further study in graduate school. Possible positions include athletic director positions in municipal recreation and athletic departments; director of youth sports programs; managers of professional and amateur sports organizations; and directors of activity centers such as YMCAs, sports camps, and private organizations. An internship in the field is a capstone experience for students in this specialization.
General Studies
In addition to the general studies requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Studies curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "Graduation and General Degree Requirements" section of this catalog.
General Physics is non-calculus based and is usually recommended for non-science majors. University Physics is calculus based and is usually recommended for science majors.
Total Semester Hours:
36-37
Exercise Science majors should take the following to satisfy components of General Studies:
State mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
Advanced Prevention and Care of Injuries in Health, Leisure, and Sports
3
Total Hours
23-24
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to complete at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
Student must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
