Students who wish to start upper-level coursework in the Spring 2026 semester or later

We are in the process of seeking approval for changes to the Exercise Science application and have received provisional approval.  These changes will apply to students who wish to begin upper-level Exercise Science courses during the Spring 2026 semester or later. 

Updated application timeline and requirements for Spring 2026 EXS start:

• Apply by July 31^, 2025
• Students will receive a final answer by September 1, 2025

Updated Coursework requirements:

The required pre-requisite coursework will remain similar, while accounting for the earlier application deadline.  Any pre-requisite coursework completed outside of JMU must have been successfully transferred to JMU to be considered as part of the application process.

• Must be completed before applying to the program:
  • KIN 100
  • KIN 202
• Must complete 2 out of 3 of the following courses prior to your application:
  • CHEM 131+131L
  • BIO 270+270L
  • BIO 290+290L
• Students must complete the remaining CHEM or BIO requirement prior to beginning their upper-level coursework with a C- or better.
• Students will be allowed to have ONE repeat-forgive option considered as part of their application. They will need to indicate this on their application.
  • Students must have completed the second attempt at the time of their application. 

Updated application timeline for future semesters:

• Fall semester start of 300- and 400-level Exercise Science courses:
  • Students who wish to begin upper-level coursework during the Fall Semester will apply by December 15 the prior winter.
  • Final decisions will be communicated by February 1.
• Spring semester start of 300- and 400-level Exercise Science courses:
  • Students who wish to begin upper-level coursework during the Fall Semester will apply by July 31 the prior summer.
  • Final decisions will be communicated by September 1.

Sample Student Timelines:

Jenny Madison – Fall Coursework Start

Jenny Madison wants to begin upper-level Exercise Science coursework during the Fall Semester of their Junior Year

• Sample course schedule:
  • Fall Freshman year: KIN 100
  • Spring Freshman year: KIN 201, CHEM 131+131L
  • Fall Sophomore year: KIN 202, BIO 290+290L
• Application and course registration timeline:
  • November – Sophomore year:
    • Sets spring schedule to include BIO 270+270L, along with remaining General Education and minor courses
  • December 15 – Sophomore year:
    • Applies to the Exercise Science concentration
  • February 1 (or earlier) – Sophomore year:
    • Receives notification of admission decision
  • Between February 1 and April 1 – Sophomore year:
    • If admitted, meet with KIN advisor to set up course plan for the last two years
    • If not admitted, consider other majors that will allow her to continue to progress toward graduation.
      • Note: both Health Sciences and Sport Rec Management must be declared by February 15^th to be able to register in April for fall classes
    • April:
      • Register for fall and summer (if desired) coursework.

Tommy Jefferson – Spring Coursework Start

Tommy Jefferson is on track for a spring coursework start, because he struggled in BIO 290+290L and wants to retake this class in order to utilize a repeat-forgive option.

• Sample Course Schedule
  • Fall Freshman year: KIN 100
  • Spring Freshman year: KIN 201, CHEM 131+131L,
  • Fall Sophomore year: KIN 202, BIO 290+290L
  • Spring Sophomore year: Decides to retake BIO 290+290L to use a repeat-forgive option in his application
• Application and course registration timeline:
  • April – Sophomore year:
    • Sets fall schedule to include BIO 270+270L, along with remaining General Education and minor courses
  • July 31 – Summer between Sophomore and Junior year:
    • Applies to the Exercise Science concentration
  • September 1 (or earlier) – Junior year:
    • Receives notification of admission decision
  • Between September 1 and November 1 – Junior year:
    • If admitted, meet with KIN advisor to set up course plan for the last two years
    • If not admitted, consider other majors that will allow her to continue to progress toward graduation.
      • Note: both Health Sciences and Sport Rec Management must be declared by September 15^th to be able to register in April for fall classes
    • November:
      • Register for spring coursework