In addition to meeting the general admission requirements set by the University of Mary for all students, students making application for acceptance into the U-Mary Exercise Science (EXS) Professional Program also must comply with the University of Mary EXS Department requirements. (Please note that policies, procedures, and guidelines are subject to change, and you, therefore, must contact the EXS Department to verify currency of information greater than one academic year old). The EXS Program Admissions Committee will make its decision regarding selection of applicants based on the admissions criteria and qualifications outlined below.

Neither race, nor creed, nor age, nor religion, nor national or ethnic origin, nor color, nor gender, nor disability shall be a criterion of admission to programs and activities conducted by the University of Mary, including admission procedures of the professional-level Exercise Science Program.

Prospective students shall engage in educational and training activities in such a way that they will accurately represent their competence, maintain the highest level of competence, communicate honestly, avoid discriminatory practices, preserve the dignity of individuals with whom they will be working, not endanger other students or the public, and promote change by choice. In this respect, prospective students will demonstrate:

· Intellectual capacity sufficient to fulfill the curricular requirements.

· Ability to effect multi-modal communication.

· Ability to physically learn and implement the various technical skills  
  required by the discipline.

· Emotional stability sufficient to withstand the stress, uncertainties,
  and changing circumstances that characterize the respective allied
  health care profession.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA:

1. Prerequisite Course Grade Point Average (GPA)

Candidates are required to carry a 2.75 or better GPA in the prerequisite courses.

2. Overall Grade Point Average

Candidates are required to carry an overall GPA of 2.5 or better.

3. References

Candidates must submit three (3) character references, completed by individuals other than friends and family. 

4. Professional Goal Statement

Candidates must submit a one-page write-up of professional goals and how the bachelor’s degree in exercise science will prepare them to reach those goals. Professional Goal Statement Form (1) is provided. Please type or attach a word-processed document to the official form.

The Professional Goal Statement is an opportunity to express your writing skills as well as your personal sincerity and desired outcomes within the field of study. Writing abilities will be evaluated on the following:

· Convention – use of standard written English

· Focus – clarity of a central/unifying theme

· Support/Elaboration – use of detail and explanation in the
  development of a main point

· Organization – logical presentation of ideas

· Integration – well-developed response

· Task completion – aesthetics, format, cultural diversity, sensitivity to
  diversity, ability to follow directions

· Reasoning – including ability to define or to select pertinent
  information, ability to recognize stated and unstated assumptions

5. Volunteer Work and Community Service Verification

Graduation from the professional Exercise Science Program requires a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer work and community service. Students may access volunteer verification forms from the Department of Exercise Science.

6. Preference for University of Mary Students

Preference for University of Mary Students is consistent within the Division of Human Performance Sciences. Students who have completed one or more semesters of course work at the University of Mary in preparation for application to the Exercise Science Program will receive a weighted preference as part of the criteria for admission to the Exercise Science Program as follows:

LEVEL 5: Students who began their prerequisite studies at the University of Mary and who have completed four (4) semesters of course work or who have completed three (3) semesters of course work and are enrolled in a fourth at the University of Mary at the time of application to the Exercise Science Program

LEVEL 4: Students who have completed three (3) semesters of studies or who have completed two (2) semesters of course work and are enrolled in a third at the University of Mary at the time of application to the Exercise Science Program

LEVEL 3: Students who have completed two (2) semesters of studies or who have completed one (1) semester of course work and are enrolled in a second at the University of Mary at the time of application to the Exercise Science Program

LEVEL 2: Students who have completed one (1) semester of study or who are enrolled at the University of Mary the semester of application to the Exercise Science Program

LEVEL 1: Students who are or who have completed part-time, correspondence, and/or independent study through the University of Mary to fulfill prerequisite course work for application to the Exercise Science Program. Students whose credit hour equivalent from independent study and correspondence courses is equal to one full time semester will be granted preference at Level 2.

The EXS Program Admissions Committee will consist of 3-5 members of professionals among the Bismarck Community and the Division of Human Performance Sciences. In the event the required applications materials are not sufficient to distinguish between qualified candidates, an interview process for selected prospective students may be implemented. In this event, each applicant to whom this applies, will have an opportunity to discuss professional goals (as presented in his/her paper submitted during the application process) and answer additional questions posed by the interview committee.

Students will be notified of selection for an interview as soon as possible prior to the date of the interview session.

Each candidate invited for an interview will be rated on the following four (4) key areas:

1. Personal Attributes – motivation, maturity, interpersonal skills,
   communications skills

2. Knowledge of the profession of exercise science.

3. Judgment and problem-solving ability – ability to define a 
   problem, ability to suggest potential solutions, ability to recognize
   stated and unstated assumptions

4. Career goals and interests.