Undergraduate Programs

The College of Education at UT Austin offers three different degrees:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Applied Learning and Development (ALD)
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Kinesiology
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Athletic Training

Students who are completing the Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development degree program can choose to major in Early Childhood to Sixth Grade Generalist teacher certification, Early Childhood to Sixth Grade Bilingual Generalist teacher certification, All-Level Generic Special Education teacher certification, or the Youth and Community Studies program, a major which does not lead to teacher certification.

B.S. in Applied Learning and Development

Major: Applied Learning and Development

Major 1: Early Childhood to Sixth Grade ESL Generalist Certification (PDF)

This program is designed for students who are seeking Texas certification to teach in a pre- kindergarten to sixth grade classrooms.

Major 2: Early Childhood to Sixth Grade Generalist Certification with Bilingual Education (PDF)

This program leads to certification to teach in pre-kindergarten to sixth grade classrooms, and an additional certificate to teach in pre-kindergarten to sixth grade bilingual classrooms.  

Major 3: All-Level Generic Special Education (PDF)

This program leads to certification to teach in pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade special education classrooms.

Major 4: Youth and Community Studies (PDF)

This program is designed for students who are preparing to work with children in a variety of settings and who do not wish to pursue teaching certification. This program does not culminate in a teaching certificate.

B.S. in Kinesiology

Major: Exercise Science (08-10) (PDF) :: General Kinesiology (06-08) (PDF)

This major includes required courses in anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and motor development. Many graduates plan to pursue graduate or professional study in areas such as exercise and sport science, sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other allied health professions. Students who plan to pursue pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, pre-dental, pre-physical therapy, or any other health-related profession should consult with an academic advisor in the Health Professions Office (471-3172; PAI 5.03).

Major: Applied Movement Science (08-10) (PDF) :: All Level Teacher Certification in Kinesiology (06-08) (PDF)

This major prepares students for positions as physical education teachers at the elementary, middle school or secondary level. The all-level program allows students to explore developmental issues of children and adolescents, learning theory, teaching methods, with a strong component of field experience in the public schools. Although the State of Texas does not have a certification program for coaching, many graduates of this major pursue coaching opportunities.

Major: Health Promotion (08-10) (PDF) :: Health Promotion & Fitness (06-08) (PDF)

This major prepares students for careers in health promotion and disease prevention in community health settings, school health, corporate fitness and wellness, government and nonprofit agencies, and personal training. Many of our students pursue graduate degrees in health promotion or related fields of study such as public health, physical therapy, nursing, nutrition, or counseling. The major includes required courses in epidemiology, foundations of heath promotion I and II, evaluation and research design, physiology, and anatomy. There are also opportunities for training in clinical testing and personal training. The specializations of community health and wellness, health sciences, health fitness instructor, and medical fitness and rehabilitation are recommended for this major. Many of our students choose to complete a semester-long internship and seek professional certifications such as Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Instructor, Exercise Technologist, or Fitness Director, National Strength and Conditioning (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer.

Major: Sport Management (08-10) (PDF) :: Sport Management (06-08) (PDF)

The Sport Management major prepares students for careers in the sport and entertainment industries, such as intercollegiate athletics administration, facility management, professional sports, the sporting goods industry, private/public sport clubs, resorts, and event management. In addition to the required courses, students must complete a semester-long internship. Many students choose to continue their education through graduate studies in sport management, law, or business. All students interested in the Sport Management program must complete specific prerequisites and a separate application for admission to the major.

Major: Physical Culture & Sports (PDF)

This major is designed to prepare students for graduate school in fields such as sport history, sport sociology, sport philosophy, sport psychology, journalism, and/or careers related to a humanities/social science approach to sport and exercise. Examples of careers include writing and journalism; youth sport development, health promotion, public relations work, governmental and sport agency work, sport and community work, and coaching outside the public schools.

B.S. in Athletic Training

Major: Athletic Training (PDF)

Athletic Training is recognized as an allied health care profession by the American Medical Association. Athletic Trainers are health care professionals that specialize in the prevention, evaluation, care, and rehabilitation of injuries to athletes and those engaged in physical activity. The Athletic Training major prepares students for a career as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), but also builds a solid foundation for students interested in medicine, sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other allied health care professions. Typical employment settings for graduates of the program include college and university athletics, high schools, clinics and hospitals, professional sports teams, and corporate and industrial health care settings. Many students also continue their education in medical or allied health professional schools. All students interested in Athletic Training must complete specific prerequisites during their Direct Observation program, in addition to a separate application for admission to the major.