Pre-Professional Track

The pre-professional track is for students who plan to attend graduate school for a pharmacy, physical therapy or physician assistant career.

The pre-professional track has rigorous math and science requirements to prepare you for grad school. It is the more science and math-heavy of the two degree tracks available in the program. You are required to take an additional year of biology, chemistry, physics and math.

You will have a leg up on the competition when it comes to professional certifications such as those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Our exercise science classes, such as strength and conditioning, exercise physiology and applied nutrition are specifically designed to prepare you for these certification exams.

Major Requirements

Exercise science majors at Wingate earn a BS. Students may also minor in exercise science. 

Pre-Professional Four-Year Plan

The Four Year Academic Plans are standard templates for how a degree can be completed in eight (8) consecutive Fall & Spring semesters.  There is varying flexibility in the exact course sequence depending upon individual student circumstances, major curriculum and course availability.  Students should consult with their Faculty Advisor for course sequencing, degree planning and other considerations.  Students are ultimately responsible for their degree planning.

Professional Internships

All exercise science majors undertake a professional internship, usually in the summer between their junior and senior year. Internship possibilities include fitness clubs, strength and conditioning at a local university or with a professional sports team, and cardiac rehabilitation at a local hospital.

Career Possibilities

A degree in exercise science on the pre-professional track will allow you to pursue a master’s degree if you are interested in exercise physiology, health promotion, physician assistant, physical therapy or pharmacy.

Strength and conditioning coaches at the college and professional level are often required to have a master’s degree and CSCS certification through NSCA. Many fitness industry management positions, such as director of a fitness club or supervising a group of personal trainers, also require an advanced degree.