Undergraduate Program

Applied Exercise Science

Undergraduate Program

A student and a patient work together on pre-habilitation

Our Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Exercise Science allows you to customize your academic plan with rigorous, science-based coursework and experiential learning opportunities. The flexible curriculum permits students to customize their studies to prepare for career readiness such as a minor in business, nutrition, public health or other areas. For students pursuing graduate studies, the flexibility permits time to complete required prerequisite coursework for a wide variety of disciplines (e.g. athletic training, clinical exercise physiology, nutrition, biomedical engineering, physical therapy, public health, medicine, chiropractic, physician assistant, occupational therapy, exercise psychology, and numerous other graduate programs).

Major in Applied Exercise Science

Applied Exercise Science is a good choice for students who are interested in understanding the importance of physical activity throughout all stages of life. AES majors work directly with athletes, patients, clients, and fellow industry professionals (doctors, nutritionists, etc.). Students often pursue a minor or advanced degree in public health, entrepreneurship, or business.

Non-Kines U-M students: Considering a cross-campus transfer? Advisor Rebecca Krombeen ([email protected]) can help you find the right program for your interests. You can also check out her slide presentation, Guide to Cross Campus Transfer, at myumi.ch/qgPjW.

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Mission

Applied Exercise Science majors study the biological, social, psychological, business, research, and clinical aspects of physical activity. Through coursework and experiential learning, students learn how to assess and promote physical activity across the lifespan using preventative and therapeutic methods.

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Program Overview

Applied Exercise Science majors customize their academic plan with rigorous, science-based, and business-based coursework and experiential learning opportunities.

AES Electives. All AES students will elect 15 hours of major electives, in consultation with their advisor and faculty members, that best align with their future career aspirations. AES Major electives offer a valuable opportunity for students to customize their education, deepen their knowledge in specific areas, develop relevant skills, and prepare for future careers or further education.

All AES majors are required to participate in a for-credit real-world learning experience during or after their junior year. The primary purpose of an internship is to give students the opportunity to apply theory in a real work setting and develop professional skills to enhance their academic coursework. In addition to internships, other experiential learning opportunities are available in a research setting, independent study experiences, or assisting in a teaching environment.

Students who complete the Applied Exercise Science Program receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

View the sample curriculum from current and past years in the Forms and Bulletins section of this page, below.

AES Program Flexibility

The Applied Exercise Science program seeks to immerse students in the multidisciplinary fields of how physical activity enhances human performance, disease progression, and overall quality of health. Coursework contains a combination of experiential learning, laboratory skills, and internship and research opportunities, along with a minimum of 15 credits of electives. Students have the flexibility to tailor the program to meet their specific career interests, earn a minor, and/or fulfill prerequisite coursework for graduate programs.

This AES major prepares students for career readiness upon graduation in areas such as health promotion, healthcare, athletic performance, entrepreneurship, business, and many other fields. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for students interested in health-related graduate programs such as athletic training, nutrition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and others.

Graduates of the Applied Exercise Science program have gone on to careers in health promotion, healthcare, athletic performance, entrepreneurship, and business in roles such as research assistant, rehabilitation aide, ECG technician, project manager, strength and conditioning coach, medical sales and marketing, fitness director, and numerous other physical activity-related fields.

AES graduates have also gone on to graduate/professional school in programs such as athletic training, clinical exercise physiology, nutrition, biomedical engineering, physical therapy, public health, medicine, Chiropractic, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and exercise psychology, among others.

The School of Kinesiology sponsors or promotes over a dozen groups for students to pursue their personal and career interests. They include the Pre-Physical & Occupational Therapy Club, the Black Undergraduate Kinesiology Association, the Michigan Sport Consulting Group, Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK), the co-ed Kinesiology fraternity - and many more! List and links to their Maize Pages or websites are on the Student Organizations page.

Applied Exercise Science Undergraduate Faculty

Our Applied Exercise Science undergraduate faculty are leaders in their fields, and have a variety of interests and specialties. View the AES undergraduate faculty list.

Courses

Sample AES Course Offerings

Biology & Behavior of Human Movement
Applied Anatomy & Physiology
Statistics
Principles of Motor Behavior
Essentials of Exercise Physiology
Exercise Prescription & Testing
Psychology of Sport & Exercise
Physical Activity Across the Lifespan
Social Factors in Physical Activity Behavior