Admission Criteria for Exercise Science Education

Applications may be obtained and returned to The Office of Student & Alumni Services in A100 PAES Building. It is recommended that students meet with an academic counselor in A100 PAES Building one to two quarters prior to applying in order to review admission requirements. The deadline for applying is April 1 for Autumn Quarter admission. Students will be notified of their admission status by the fifth week of the Spring Quarter, at which time, if the applicant is accepted into the major, a faculty advisor will be assigned. An organizational meeting will be conducted  by the 9th week of the quarter.  Students should plan to schedule an appointment with an academic counselor in A100 PAES Building  during the first quarter of enrollment in the major to develop a curriculum plan.

To be considered for admission, the application packet must be complete and contain the following items: a) a completed application form; b) three completed reference forms; c) a typewritten statement of professional goals, including the reason for pursuing the degree and choice of either the exercise science or the health promotion strand; d) an Ohio State University transcript or advising report showing previous course work and courses in progress; e) official transcripts from other institutions, if applicable; and f) a completed Intra-University Transfer (IUT) form. The application packet is available on-line at:  Application Packet for Exercise Science Education major.

Please submit your application materials and letters of recommendation to:

Prerequisite Courses and Required Grades

The following prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better for admission to the Exercise Science Education major: 

The applicant must have earned a C- or better in these courses and have a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher over at least 45 earned credits of coursework.  The application is evaluated upon the apparent ability of the student to do well in the sciences, thus grades attained in other science courses are also considered.

EDU PAES 209 must be taken the Autumn Quarter after acceptance into the program.

Although First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation have been excluded from the curriculum, current certificates in these areas are required for enrollment in the following courses:

Students may earn these certificates by enrolling in EDU PAES 102 or by enrolling in certification courses offered by the American Red Cross. Proof of the completion (photocopies of the front and back of the certification cards) is required in order to register for the above listed courses.

Other Academic Factors that are considered for Acceptance into the Program

Grade point average is considered, with special attention given to grades earned in science courses. In 2005, the mean grade point average for applicants (n=60) was 3.18 (range 2.09-3.95), while the mean grade point average for those accepted into the program (n=49) was 3.29 (range 2.88-3.95). In 2006, the mean grade point average for applicants (n=80) was 3.26 (range 2.41-4.00), while the mean grade point average for those accepted into the program (n=58) was 3.38 (range 2.79-4.00). Simply meeting the GPA requirement does not guarantee admission into the major. The application is evaluated more favorably when there is a clear intent to pursue this major, evidenced by the completion of some of the courses included in the major in addition to the prerequisite courses with high grades.

Extracurricular Experiences

Various extracurricular opportunities exist for students to demonstrate a firm commitment to a career in exercise science. This commitment is more compelling when the student has volunteered or participated in activities closely associated with exercise science, outside of sports participation. These include working in exercise testing programs, fitness programs, and coaching. In addition, the well-motivated applicant may show evidence of membership in one or more of the various student or professional associations related to health or fitness and sport, such as the OSU Exercise Science Club, and/or hold certifications sponsored by those associations.

Statement of Professional Goals

Applicants must provide a Statement of Professional Goals, which should indicate the chosen strand. The statement should include a discussion of why the applicant is interested in exercise science or health promotion. Factors that point to a strong commitment to exercise science, as well as any extenuating factors that the committee should consider regarding the application should also be included. Goal statements are rated on content and presentation. Typographical errors and poor grammar will reduce the strength of the statement.

Letters of Recommendation

Clearly, strong letters of recommendation are especially important. At least one letter must be from a professor or graduate associate of a science-based course that the applicant has taken at Ohio State. Letters written by persons who are familiar with the exercise science program at Ohio State, who know the faculty in the program, or who are members of the one of the many organizations associated with exercise science and sports medicine are especially encouraged.

Exercise Science Education

Exercise Science Education Curriculum

Exercise Science Application Packet

Faculty Advisors

College of Education - General Education Curriculum

Practicum/Internship Hours & Professional Experience

Please Note: This information may change without notification to the recipient of these materials. The appropriate academic unit advisor can determine requirements based upon the year of matriculation to OSU. The Graduate School Bulletin, and the OSU Course Offerings Bulletin are the official University documents that apply to programs in the School. Although a thorough review of this document has occurred, if mistakes exist, the information in the relevant University bulletin prevails.