Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Degree: Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Degree: Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis
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The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science with a Pre-Athletic Training emphasis at Grand Canyon University can help you enter the field of kinesiology. Offered by the College of Natural Sciences at GCU, this program is designed to teach you the foundational knowledge and skills to later translate to your career and may put you on the right path toward pursuing a master’s in athletic training degree.
This program lays a solid groundwork in exercise science, equipping you with essential principles, while immersing you in critical athletic training practices and subject matters. Through this on-campus program, you will study coursework and attend labs that cover various topics, including the following, to gain a well-rounded, STEM-focused education:
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
In this degree program you’ll get a hands-on look at athletic training through a combination of theory-based courses and specified labs. You will experience a deep exploration of the relationship among kinesiology, exercise science and athletic training.
While completing your coursework, you will focus on competencies that can help you understand the breadth of the profession, including:
Grasping these competencies involves studying advanced healthcare topics, applying existing studies to practical scenarios and deeply comprehending human anatomy and how movement affects overall health.
The STEM programs at GCU integrate theoretical coursework with practical, interactive lab components, providing a comprehensive learning experience that enhances your grasp of the discipline.
Within this STEM degree, many of your courses will focus on science-related topics. The various sciences are directly applicable to pre-athletic training, including:
The BS in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Pre-Athletic Training curriculum focuses on science, math and nutrition topics, while diving deeper into specific athletic training-related coursework and labs. Domains that you will cover in this program include the following:
GCU’s bachelor’s in exercise science with a pre-athletic training emphasis can prepare you to pursue graduate-level education, such as a master’s degree in athletic training. This program aims to provide you with a strong foundation and essential competencies, fostering your potential to pursue further educational opportunities.
This degree with a pre-athletic training focus can provide a solid preparation to pursue career pathways, such as an exercise physiologist. You may also explore a wide range of professional opportunities and find yourself employed in various settings, including but not limited to:
GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an organization that provides a comprehensive review of education institutions. Pre-athletic training students can feel confident knowing that their curriculum meets the highest standards established by the HLC. Proper accreditation of a university speaks to the quality of the programs offered. To learn more about accreditation, visit our accreditation page.
Choosing a degree program and a career path can be challenging. You can use the following frequently asked questions and answers to get started on your career research.
Exercise science is a degree background that is concerned with how different stressors affect the body and the optimization of a person’s overall health and wellness. It emphasizes the understanding of human anatomy, proper exercise techniques, kinesiology and motor learning. A pre-athletic training emphasis takes those concepts and channels them toward athletic training.
It is not. A pre-med degree is a course of study specifically designed to fulfill the prerequisites for medical school. Pre-med programs typically include coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and other science-related subjects at a master’s degree level to prepare students for medical school admission. The various options can have different academic focuses and career paths. For example, pursuing a master’s degree with pre-athletic training may lead to a career in athletic training and pre-med may lead to a path toward medical school and subsequent medical practice after earning a master’s degree.
Some may choose to pursue additional graduate-level programs after completing this BS exercise program, such as a master’s in athletic training or a graduate degree in other aspects of sports medicine.
Becoming an athletic trainer typically requires the completion of a master’s degree in exercise science, athletic training or a related field. This exercise science degree is a good starting point to work toward achieving your goal of becoming an athletic trainer. It requires a total of 120 credits for completion. Most of the classes are 15 weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your BS in Exercise Science degree.
Sports medicine and athletic training are related fields, but they are not the same. Sports medicine is a broad field that focuses on the medical and musculoskeletal aspects of physical activity, exercise and sports participation. It encompasses various disciplines such as orthopedics, cardiology, physiatry and primary care sports medicine. Athletic training, on the other hand, is a specific area within sports medicine that focuses on the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries in athletes and physically active individuals.
Sports medicine professionals typically diagnose and treat injuries and medical conditions related to physical activity, while athletic trainers usually provide immediate care for acute injuries, implement injury prevention strategies, and assist in the rehabilitation process.
Take the next step toward pre-athletic training opportunities by earning your bachelor of science in exercise science. Work toward making a positive impact on the lives of athletes and individuals engaged in physical activity by filling out the form at the top of the page.
