Department of Exercise and Sport Science

[1] Mission

The mission of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science is to mentor undergraduate and graduate students through education, scholarship, and service, by advancing evidence-based practice across athletic training, exercise science, and physical education while enhancing wellness, productivity, and quality of life.

[2] Undergraduate Programs

[2.1] BSE, Kinesiology and Physical Education – Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE)

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The degree of Bachelor of Science in Education, with a major in Kinesiology and Physical Education (K-12) – the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program – requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see UCA Core requirements) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major and/or designated courses; (2) physical education core and major requirements (45 hours); (3) College of Education course requirements for licensure as listed below; and (4) required courses in health education also listed below.

Upon successful completion of the Physical Education-Teacher Education (PETE) program, teacher candidates will be recommended to the Arkansas Department of Education for the initial teaching license.

A grade of C or better is required in all EXSS, PETE, and H ED courses. The PETE Program is an admissions program.

An emphasis in Health Education is required (11 hours). For more information about a minor in Health Education, see Health Education Minor in this Bulletin.

[2.1.1] Major in K-12 Physical Education – Teacher Education (PETE)

EXSS Core Curriculum (17 hours):

K-12 Major Requirements (43 hours):

Health Education course requirements (11 hours):

College of Education course requirements for licensure (11 hours):

[2.1.2] PETE Admission, Retention, and Exit Requirements

Teacher Education Admission, Exit, and Retention policies have recently been revised. Consult your advisor to ensure that you are following the best pathway during our transition.

[2.1.2.1] Admission

In addition to the College of Education’s admission requirements—see the College of Education page in this bulletin for teacher education Admission, Exit, and Retention Requirements—PETE students must successfully complete the following PETE program admission requirements.

1. Complete EXSS 1320 with a grade of C or better.
2. Complete the following required courses with a grade of C or better: PETE 2224 or 2225 or 2226 or 2230 (team sports); PETE 1230 (fitness); PETE 2212 or 2213 or 2214 or 2220 (individual sports); PETE 2223 (outdoor education and recreational games); PETE 2250 (dance); PETE 2300 and EXSS 2381. Note: pre-PETE students must demonstrate proficiency in team sports, fitness, outdoor education and recreational games and dance. Proficiency standards are included in the respective course syllabi.
3. Complete H ED 2201 with a grade of C or better. While H ED 2201 is the only required pre-admission health education course, a grade of a C or better and a grade point average of 2.5 or higher must be earned in all health education courses completed prior to the time of application.
4. Pass the PETE Fitness Test comprised of the following items: (a) 1.5 mile run, (b) sit-ups, (c) push-ups, (d) trunk flexion, and (e) body composition. Students initially complete the PETE Fitness Test while enrolled in PETE 1230. Should a student fail to pass all test items while enrolled in PETE 1230, two fitness test administrations are given each semester and one during the summer. Students should check with their academic advisors regarding testing dates, times and location.
5. Earn a passing score on the Developmental Portfolio prior to the established deadlines set by the PETE program.

Upon admission to the PETE program, teacher candidates must: Purchase a subscription to Chalk and Wire, an online system through which teacher candidates’ assessments are collected, evaluated, and stored for analysis. Chalk and Wire is used by all teacher education programs. A subscription may be purchased for one year and then renewed for a subsequent year or a two-year subscription may be purchased. (see: https://uca.edu/tlc/chalkandwire/).

[2.1.2.2] Program Retention Requirements (Level I)

In addition to the College of Education’s retention requirements (see: http://www.uca.edu/education/studentresources/). PETE teacher candidates must:

1. Maintain a cumulative and major grade point average of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2. Completion of required EXSS/PETE core and major courses with a grade of C or better.
3. Completion of required EDUC/MSIT courses with a grade of C or better.
4. Complete early field experiences and PETE 4380 – Internship I. Teacher candidates should be knowledgeable of and adhere to the regulations and policies contained in the Early Field Handbook and the related policies, information, forms, and candidates’ responsibilities (see:  https://uca.edu/ocs/teacher-education-application/ and https://uca.edu/education/field/).
5. Maintain a subscription to Chalk and Wire throughout enrollment in the PETE program. (see: https://uca.edu/education/chalkandwire).
6. Submit documentation of continued membership in national and student professional organizations while enrolled in the PETE program.
7. Submit documentation of participation in a minimum of three professional service activities each semester while enrolled in the PETE program.
8. Maintain professional dispositions/behaviors in interactions and communications with faculty, peers, and other professionals. Professional dispositions and behaviors are evaluated in each required major course.
9. Earn an acceptable score on the summative evaluation of the Level I performance standards based upon Teacher Excellence and Support System (TESS) during PETE 4380 – Internship I to advance from Level I to Level II.
10. Submit a copy of each entire score report for each PRAXIS II Subject Area Test taken regardless of the score earned. Students will submit each score report of the PRAXIS II Subject Area Test to the PETE 4380 – Internship I instructor. For the most current exam information and passing score refer to http://www.ets.org/praxis/ar?WT.ac=praxishome_states_121126. Should a teacher candidate fail to meet the passing score by the end of the term of enrollment in PETE 4380 – Internship I, an X grade will be awarded. A passing score on the PRAXIS II Subject Areas Test is required in order to enroll in PETE 4690/4691- Internship II (student teaching). Note: effective January 1, 2011, teacher candidates who register for PETE 4690/4691 – Internship II will be assessed a $250 course fee by the College of Education. This fee will be assessed in addition to the tuition and registration fees assessed by the university. (effective – January 1, 2011).

[2.1.2.3] Program Exit Requirements (Level II)

In addition to the College of Education’s exit requirements (see: https://uca.edu/education/studentresources/), teacher candidates must successfully complete the following Physical Education-Teacher Education (PETE) program exit requirements.

1. Maintain a cumulative, major, health education, and/or minor grade point average of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2. Complete PETE 4690/4691 – Internship II with a grade of C or better.
3. Adhere to all policies and procedures outlined in the Internship II Information. Requirements and criteria for success are included in the Internship II course syllabus.
4. Submit a copy of each entire score report for each Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Test taken regardless of the score earned. Students must document passage of the Principles of Learning and Teaching Test by the end of the semester of enrollment in PETE 4690/4691 – Internship II. Candidates may select one of the approved PLT Tests. Refer to http://www.ets.org/praxis/ar?WT.ac=praxishome_states_121126. Should a teacher candidate fail to meet the passing score by the end of the semester enrollment in PETE 4690/4691- Internship II, X-grades will be awarded. Note: a candidate cannot complete the degree program until this requirement is met.
5. Earn an acceptable score on the summative evaluation of the Level II performance standards based upon Teacher Excellence Support System (TESS) during PETE 4690/4691 – Internship II.
6. Earn a passing score on the Internship II Final Portfolio submitted through Chalk and Wire. The content, grading rubric, and deadlines for submission and completion are presented during candidates’ enrollment in PETE 4690/4691 – Internship II. Should a candidate fail to meet the passing score on the final portfolio by the stipulated deadline, X grades in PETE 4690/4691 will be awarded.
7. Earn a passing score from the PETE faculty on the oral presentation of the Internship II Final Portfolio. Note: the oral presentation of the portfolio cannot be scheduled until a passing score on the final portfolio is achieved. Should a candidate fail to earn a passing score on the oral presentation by the end of the semester of enrollment in PETE 4690/4691 – Internship II, X grades will be awarded.
8. Demonstrate professionalism through continued membership in SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) and membership in at least one additional professional organization (e.g. ArkAHPERD).

[2.2] Coaching Program of Study

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To be eligible to apply for coaching licensure the following requirements must be met:

1. Hold or be eligible to hold an initial/standard teaching licensure.
2. Complete the following 25 hours of course work: PETE 2300; EXSS 2340, 2381, 3303, 3331, 3382, 4230, and 4395 with a grade of C or better; and one of these coaching courses – EXSS 3209, 3210, 3211, 3212, 3213, or 3214 – with a grade of C or better.
3. Pass the coaching licensure exam designated by the Arkansas State Department of Education – Physical Education: Content and Design test #0095 (paper) or test #5095 (computer). A score of 169 or better is required. [PETE majors take Praxis II #5857]

For further information about licensure issues related to coaching, contact the Department of Exercise and Sport Science (450-5701) or the Office of Candidate Services (450-3131).

[2.3] BS, Exercise Science

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The degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Exercise Science requires successful completion of 120 hours with a minimum of 40 upper-division hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); and (2) the degree component. No minor is required.

Students have the option of completing a BS in Exercise Science without a concentration, a BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Clinical Exercise Science, or a BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Pre-Athletic Training. Lower-division UCA Core (general education) courses do not count toward the required hours for the major. A grade of C or better is required in all courses.

[2.3.1] Major in Exercise Science (no concentration)

EXSS Core Curriculum (18 hours)

Exercise Science Requirements (32 hours)

Statistics Requirement (3 hours)

Psychology Requirement (3 hours)

Nutrition Requirement (3 hours)

Major Requirements (15 hours)

Special Degree Requirements

[2.3.1.1] Field Experiences/Internship Retention and Program Exit Requirements

Retention in Field Experiences/Internship

A student may be removed from a field experience, clinical, or internship when any of the following occurs:

• The appropriate authority states that the student’s presence in the classroom and/or clinical site is not in the best interest of the school’s students or the clinic’s clients and/or the appropriate authority requests that the student be removed.
• The student exhibits unprofessional, unethical, and/or unlawful behavior.
• A decision has been made that the student cannot receive a grade of C or better in a field experience or internship course.

Program Exit Requirements

Students must complete the following requirements and submit the following documentation to the chair of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science prior to graduation.

1. Application for Graduation by the deadline established by the university and listed in the academic calendar.
2. A minimum of a 2.0 cumulative, major and minor grade point average.
3. Completion of required EXSS core and major courses with a grade of C or better.

[2.3.2] Major in Exercise Science, Concentration in Clinical Exercise Science

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The goal of this program concentration is to prepare students for careers working with clinically significant populations such as in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to address the needs within the state of Arkansas and the rest of the country for qualified clinical exercise specialists working with high risk individuals of cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and cancer.
With this concentration, students would gain education and training that would contribute to their preparation in taking the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist exam. Additionally, students would gain education and training that would contribute to gaining a specialized certification in exercise for cancer patients through the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Cancer Society.

EXSS Core Curriculum (18 hours)

Exercise Science Requirements (32 hours)

Statistics Requirement (3 hours)

Psychology Requirement (3 hours)

Nutrition Requirement (3 hours)

Concentration Requirements (15 hours)

A grade of C or better is required in all courses.

[2.3.2.1] Concentration Expenses

Students seeking admission to the Clinical Exercise Science concentration will be required to submit to the Concentration Coordinator a criminal background check from an approved agency by the application for admission deadline. The cost of the criminal background check is set by an approved external agency (e.g., Arkansas State Police). Additionally, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from their clinical experiences, and registration and travel for registered student organization events and conferences.

[2.3.2.2] Admission into the Clinical Exercise Science Concentration

All students are subject to the same admission procedures and standards. Entry into the program is by application only. Applications may be obtained by contacting the Concentration Coordinator or downloading the application from the department website http://www.uca.edu/exss/.

Applications should be submitted to the Concentration Coordinator by the fourth Friday in January to be considered for admission the following fall semester. The clinical exercise science admissions committee reviews all applications. Applicants will be notified in writing of their status by the first Friday in March. Students who have not completed prerequisite courses may apply for admission; however, completion of prerequisites is required prior to formal admission into the program. One class (cohort) is admitted each year. Admission to the Clinical Exercise Science concentration is selective and limited to ensure that an appropriate student to clinical site is maintained. Thus, the number of students admitted varies from year to year with a maximum cohort of 20 students. Students are advised that their acceptance into this program is not an assumed right. Applicants who believe they have been treated differently from other candidates in admission decisions are to contact the Chair of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science for information about the appeals process. All appeals begin at the departmental level. Students who are not accepted into the program may reapply the following year. Should a student decide not to reapply for admission, the Concentration Coordinator will help identify alternative academic programs.

Admission Criteria

Students must meet the following minimum prerequisites for admission to the Clinical Exercise Science concentration:

1. Completion of a minimum of thirty credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale;
2. Completion of WRTG 1310 or HONC 1310, WRTG 1320 or HONC 1320, MATH 1390 or 1392 or 1395 or 1491 or 1496 or 1580 with a grade of C or better;
3. Completion of EXSS 1310 with a grade of B or better as well as the following course requirements: (a) completion of 10 hours of clinical observation, and (b) completion of the Student Expectations Form;
4. Completion of professional courses (BIOL 1400, 1410 or 1440, EXSS 1320, EXSS 2381, and PSYC 1300) with a grade of B or better;
5. Completion of the program application by the fourth Monday in January;
6. Submission of a criminal background check to the Concentration Coordinator from an approved agency by the application for admission deadline;
7. Submission of official transcripts from all college course work completed to date; and
8. Completion of a formal interview with the clinical exercise science admissions committee.

Student Expectations for Admission

For selection, an applicant must demonstrate the following:

1. The physical capacity to perform appropriate health and fitness assessments using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and exercise programming of a clientele/patient.
2. The mental capacity to think critically and problem solve to identify appropriate assessments, modifications, and adaptations to create an inclusive strategy for health and wellness.
3. The social capacity to (a) effectively and sensitively interact with the client/patient and colleagues, to establish rapport and communicate judgments and health and wellness information effectively, (b) record health and fitness results and an exercise program clearly and accurately. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
4. The emotional capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress, and to be diligent in completing the clinical exercise science concentration as outlined and sequenced.

In the event a student is unable to fulfill these expectations, with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will not be admitted into the program.

Transfer students are encouraged to visit the campus and meet with the Concentration Coordinator. Prerequisite course work with the exception of EXSS 1310 Introduction to Exercise Science may be completed at another regionally accredited college, university, or community college. Courses taken elsewhere must be equivalent to UCA courses. The Exercise Science program reserves the right to determine appropriateness of transfer work related to the major and clinical exercise science concentration. All college course work must be submitted. Transfer students must meet the same academic, clinical and student expectations as all other students seeking admission into the program. Prior to admission, transfer students with no previous coursework at UCA must also establish a 2.5 grade point average in a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours.

For more detailed information (e.g., admissions/student expectations, transfer credit, etc.) contact Michael Gallagher, Director of the Exercise Science program at gallagherm@uca.edu or (501) 450-5706, or Thomas Lowder, Coordinator of the Clinical Exercise Science concentration at tlowder@uca.edu or (501) 450-5713.

[2.3.2.3] Progression through the Concentration

Upon acceptance into the clinical exercise science concentration, students are to present the following documentation to the Concentration Coordinator:

1. The first and second of the series of three hepatitis B vaccinations must be submitted prior to the first day of classes of the spring semester (the third of the series may be submitted prior to the first day of classes of the subsequent fall semester);
2. TB skin test results;
3. Current CPR/AED certification from a provider adhering to the most current standards for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Certification must be valid through the school year.

Records should be updated each August prior to the start of the fall semester. Failure to present required documentation to the Concentration Coordinator will result in administrative withdrawal from the program.

[2.3.2.4] Retention in the Concentration

To remain in good standing in the concentration, students must:

1. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale;
2. Earn a grade of C or better in EXSS Core courses: EXSS 2340, 3303, 3382, 4320, and 4395.
3. Earn a grade of C or better in Exercise Science Requirement courses: EXSS 2320, 3331, 3348, 3350, 3352, 3353, 4351, 4V99, and H ED 2201 and NUTR 1300.
4. Earn a grade of C or better in NUTR 3370, PSYC 4320, and MATH 2311 or PSYC 2330 or SOC 2321.
5. Earn a grade of B or better in clinical exercise science concentration courses: BIOL 4351, EXSS EXSS 3355, EXSS 4303, EXSS 4355, and NUTR 3390;
6. Meet the minimum grade requirements as set forth above. A student failing to meet the minimum grade requirements in these courses will not be allowed to enroll in subsequent clinical exercise science concentration courses until the minimum grade requirement is met;
7. Complete the required yearly August Orientation held prior to the fall semester;
8. Active participation in the registered student organization; and
9. Active participation in a professional organization meeting (e.g. Arkansas AACVPR, Central States ACSM, National ACSM).

Failure to meet the retention requirements will place the student on probationary status for a maximum of two semesters. If the requirements are not met at the conclusion of the probationary period, the student will be withdrawn from the clinical exercise science concentration and will need to reapply for admission.

[2.3.3] Major in Exercise Science, Concentration in Pre-Athletic Training

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Students will be able to identify and describe the professional preparation and responsibilities of health care providers and specifically athletic trainers. Secondary to the primary purpose, the Pre-Athletic Training concentration allows students the opportunity to complete all pre-requisite coursework for entry level Masters in Athletic Training within the 120 hours of the Baccalaureate degree.

EXSS Core Curriculum (18 hours)

Exercise Science Requirements (32 hours)

Statistics Requirement (3 hours)

Psychology Requirement (3 hours)

Nutrition Requirement (3 hours)

Concentration Requirements (15 hours)

A grade of C or better is required in all courses.

[3] Master’s Degree Programs

See Graduate Bulletin.

[4] Course Links (EXSS, PETE)

Follow this link to EXSS course descriptions: course link.

Follow this link to PETE course descriptions: course link.