Concentrations and Combined Programs

Personalize your degree by choosing from four concentrations and three combined degree program options.

All students in the Exercise Science BS program must select a concentration.

The Pre-Physical Therapy concentration prepares you for future graduate study in physical therapy and for applying to UB's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. You will complete the prerequisites for the DPT program. In the Pre-PT concentration, you will develop a strong foundation in the health sciences, including chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics and nutrition through rigorous coursework.  Physical therapists are movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.

To be eligible to apply to the UB DPT program, you must complete the first three years of the Exercise Science program–Pre-Physical Therapy concentration.

You can apply to the DPT program in your junior or senior year of the Exercise Science program.

Undergraduate exercise science majors who are members of the University Honors College are guaranteed acceptance to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as long as they maintain eligibility to be in good standing with the Honors College and meet the necessary admissions requirements for the DPT program, including minimum GRE scores and prerequisite GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students in the Honors College must apply to the DPT program and submit their completed application by the stated deadline.

DPT admissions requirements and deadlines.

All students in the Pre-Physical Therapy track must maintain an overall UB GPA of ≥ 2.0 and a major GPA of ≥ 2.0 to remain in good standing in the Exercise Science program.

The Pre-Athletic Training concentration prepares you for future graduate study in athletic training. You will complete the prerequisites for UB's Athletic Training program. In the Pre-AT concentration, you will develop a strong foundation in the health sciences, including chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics and nutrition through rigorous coursework. An athletic trainer is a health care professional educated and experienced in the management of health care problems associated with sport and physical activity. In collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an important member of the health care team in schools, colleges, universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine clinics, performing art clinics, and other health care settings.

All students in the Pre-Athletic Training concentration must maintain an overall UB GPA of ≥ 2.0 and a major GPA of ≥ 2.0 to remain in good standing in the Exercise Science program.

To be eligible to apply to UB’s MS AT program, you must complete the first three years of the Exercise Science program–Pre-Athletic Training concentration

You can apply to the graduate Athletic Training program in your junior or senior year of the Exercise Science program. However, if you plan to complete the combined program (BS/MS 3+2), then you should apply in your junior year.

Applicants for the MSAT must apply through ATCAS. Applications open in July and admission is rolling. The priority deadline is Dec. 31. You must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA to apply. Emphasis is placed on prerequisite and general science courses. You also must complete 10 hours of observation with an athletic trainer, submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement describing professional goals and interests.

MS AT admissions requirements and deadlines.

The Pre-Health Professions Concentration is designed to prepare students for future graduate study in health professional programs. In the Pre-Health Professions, you will concentrate on developing a strong foundation in the health sciences, including chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience and nutrition through rigorous coursework. The science-based curriculum prepares graduates to assess fitness and design exercise programs to enhance health and prevent disease while also taking prerequisites for health professional programs.

Career Pathways: Medical doctor (MD), osteopathic medicine (DO), dental medicine, physician assistant, chiropractic.

All students in the Pre-Health concentration must maintain an overall UB GPA of ≥ 2.0 and a major GPA of ≥ 2.0 to remain in good standing in the Exercise Science program.

Our Applied Exercise Physiology concentration is designed to prepare students for future graduate study or careers in exercise and sports performance or strength and conditioning. Students in the Applied Exercise Physiology concentration develop a strong foundation in the health sciences, including anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition through rigorous coursework. The concentration is suitable if you plan to pursue a career as a strength and conditioning specialist or exercise physiologist working with a spectrum of people ranging from those with chronic conditions and disease to professional athletes.

Career Pathways: Clinical exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, performance enhancement specialist, director of athletic performance, sports performance coach, exercise specialist, fitness director, corporate fitness manager, group fitness director.

All students in the Applied Exercise Physiology concentration must maintain an overall UB GPA of ≥ 2.0 and a major GPA of ≥ 2.0 to remain in good standing in the ES program.

*The Health Promotion concentration has been discontinued effective Fall 2022. Students are no longer able to select this concentration. Students continuing in the concentration (started before Fall 2022) will be allowed to finish.

All students in the Health Promotion concentration must maintain an overall UB GPA of ≥ 2.0 and a major GPA of ≥ 2.0 to remain in good standing in the Exercise Science program.

Earn a bachelor’s in exercise science and a master’s in nutrition with the ultimate wellness degree.

Earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in exercise science to increase your employability and earning potential.

You will graduate from the five-year combined 3+2 program in Exercise Science/Athletic Training with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master of science degree in athletic training. You are then eligible to sit for the national examination to become a Certified Athletic Trainer, a credential required to practice as an athletic trainer. Possible employment opportunities include working in secondary schools (high schools), college and universities, performing arts medicine (e.g., dance companies), industrial (e.g., manufacturers) or even professional sports. You'll also be exposed to a multitude of settings and health care providers through robust interprofessional education programming.

The combined ES BS/DPT program allows students to earn the BS in Exercise Science and the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) professional graduate program in 6 years (3+3). UB is the only 3 + 3 DPT program within the SUNY system where you can complete all six years at the same university. The combined Exercise Science BS/DPT program (3+3) is suited for exceptional students who want an accelerated pathway to complete the Bachelor of Science and DPT degrees. Students in this program will apply to UB’s DPT program in year three. Refer to the DPT Admissions website for details.