Applied Physiology and Sports Management Pathway Guide

Preparation for Transfer as an Applied Physiology and Sports Management Major

The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as an applied physiology and sports management major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed.  If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.

UC listings refer to SMU’s University Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the University Curriculum Transfer Guide for a list of courses satisfying UC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.

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The Applied Physiology and Sport Management Program

The APSM program provides a rigorous curriculum for understanding the biological basis of health and fitness and the business background required of professionals in the sport, health and fitness industries. Science courses are structured in accordance with evidence-based practices (EBP), with each course consisting of basic science specific to the discipline and an in-depth investigation of the research literature as it relates to EBP. Experiential learning opportunities through practicum courses, labs, internship courses, and research projects give students the ability to apply learned concepts within “real world” settings.  A Senior Project for both the Applied Physiology & Health Management and Sport Management concentrations provides all APSM students the opportunity to select an aspect of health, fitness or sport management and hone learned skills through a practical project. The project findings are documented in the form of a research paper, a summative report to the faculty, and a poster presentation and discussion of the project.

Possible Career Paths

Academic coursework and experiential learning opportunities within this program will prepare students for a variety of possible career paths including: commercial health and fitness facility management, allied health professions (physical therapy, nursing, physician assistant and occupational therapy), corporate wellness programming, sports strength and conditioning, athletic training, health management, sports marketing, management of professional, collegiate or amateur sport organizations, representation of professional athletes, sport public relations, sport facility and event management.

Why APSM in Dallas?

The fitness, wellness, health and sports industries comprise an enormous and growing share of the U.S. and global economies. Generating hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue across multiple categories annually, the sports industry is one of the largest markets in the United States. Because Dallas is the 5th largest sports market in the U.S., there are professional major and minor league teams for each sport, numerous sports venues to host these teams, and respected sports marketing agencies to support sponsorship of these teams by upper echelon brands.

Majoring or Minoring in APSM

The B.S. in APSM offers three concentrations: applied physiology and health management , sport management , and sport performance leadership . The department also offers minors in applied physiology , applied physiology and health management , sport management , and sport performance leadership .  Admission to the program is competitive.  For consideration, students must have a minimum 2.000 GPA, complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, complete the two subset courses required for the selected concentration with a minimum of C- in each course, attend a required orientation meeting for prospective majors, submit a completed general application, and declare an area of concentration. 

Preparing for a Smooth Transition

A seamless transfer to SMU and the APSM program requires planning. This guide is designed to assist you in planning your transition.  Taking the time to prepare for your move lays the best foundation for success. The following are a few important points to remember:

• The second language requirement of the University Curriculum may be satisfied by 1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, 2) placing out of four terms of world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or 3) being literate in a native language other than English.
• SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
• Work on the University Curriculum prior to transfer is highly encouraged.
• Compare Course Descriptions found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits. 
• For additional information on the APSM major, visit our department homepage or call 214-768-2776.
• For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.

An SMU Degree

A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 122 hours, 60 of which must be completed at SMU.  Components of the degree include:

• Courses in your major
• Courses required for the University Curriculum (UC)  
• Elective courses.  These electives may also be used to add a second major or minor. 

The University Curriculum (UC)

The University Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components: 

1. Foundations - 6 hours of Discernment and Discourse courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Foundation courses, 2 hours of Personal Responsibility and Wellness courses, proficiency in a second language and 3 hours of a Ways of Knowing course (offered only at SMU)
2. Breadth and Depth - 7 Breadth and 3 Depth courses which may double count with majors and minors
3. Proficiencies and Experiences - 6 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through Breadth and Depth coursework or approved, noncredit activities.

Apply Now!

Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.