Sport and Lifestyle Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Lifestyle Studies degree is offered through Ohio University's Department of Recreation, Sport Pedagogy, and Consumer Sciences on the Eastern campus, Lancaster campus, Pickerington Center, and Zanesville campus. This major provides a broad background in the recreation, sports, health and fitness professions preparing graduates for meaningful employment in the field of sports and recreation. Courses emphasize practical skills in leadership, critical thinking, and creative problem solving within the Liberal Arts tradition, which are also transferrable to a wide range of non-recreation employment opportunities.  The flexibility in course selection, along with the requirement for a minor or certificate, allows students to tailor the degree towards their personal needs and interests, thus enhancing their potential to meet community job market demands.  Students who follow advising guidelines may be able to complete two minors or a double major.  The Bachelor of Science in Sport & Lifestyle Studies may also serve as a degree completion program for transfer students with an associate degree with an emphasis in sport, recreation, or fitness. 

• Top 13-45% of their graduating high school classes
• Average composite ACT score of 21-26
• Average combined SAT score of 1050-1230 (math and evidence-based reading and writing)
• Average high school grade point average of 3.58 (on a 4.0 scale)

• Provide a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score. See minimum requirements below. IELTS reports should be sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL results should be sent electronically directly from the testing agency (school code 1593). Duolingo English Test results can be shared online with Ohio University once your test has been certified.

  English Proficiency Minimum Score Requirements
  TOEFL Paper: 520 (composition score of 5)
  TOEFL Internet (IBT): 68 (writing subscore of 17)
  IELTS: 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5)
  Duolingo English Test: 95

• Complete at least three years in a high school in an English-speaking system, including three years of high school English (not ESL) courses with a grade of B or better.

• Submit an ACT composite score of 21 with 21 ACT English and 21 ACT Reading subscores.

• Submit a 1060 SAT Total with 540 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subscore.

• Have completed the equivalent of Ohio University's English 1510: Writing and Rhetoric I (Freshman Composition) with a grade of C or better. Course equivalency will be determined during the application process.

Graduates of the Sport and Lifestyle Studies Program will be prepared for work in a variety of sport and activity settings including youth sports leagues, senior centers, nursing homes, community recreation centers, commercial recreation settings, and government parks and recreation departments. By integrating the fields of sport, recreation and health, along with a selected minor, the SLS degree will offer a unique program that will be highly adaptable to the regional Appalachian communities served by the RHE campuses of Ohio University.

• Application form
• USD $70 international application processing fee
• Academic records from every secondary/post-secondary institution you have attended, with a certified or attested translation if the original document is not in English. Unofficial academic records may be submitted via email to [email protected] to receive an admissions decision. Official academic records must be provided upon arrival to campus, before the first day of classes, or sent by mail in envelopes sealed and stamped by one of the following:
  • Your school or university
  • Ministry of Education of your home country
  • EducationUSA or related binational organization
    
    Please note: We cannot accept scanned or faxed copies as official results. ​​​​​​​​Official academic records must be submitted by mail, as previously noted, to:
    
    Undergraduate Admissions
    Chubb Hall 120
    1 Ohio University
    Athens OH 45701 - USA
• Official proof of English proficiency, if available. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams should be taken within the last 12 months.
• Proof of citizenship: a copy of your passport information page.
• Evidence of sufficient funding to support your educational and living expenses for a 9-month period. Learn more about the necessary amount on our Costs & Aid page. Your financial documentation must include:
  • A letter from your sponsor confirming the amount of funding that will be provided and stating your relationship to the sponsor (a PDF sample sponsor form is available but not required) and a letter or statement from your sponsor's bank confirming that the funding is available in an accessible account. The name on the bank document must match the sponsor letter and must be written in English.
  • If you will receive a government or other external scholarship, please provide proof of nomination of the award with your application packet.
• Optional materials can be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via postal mail or by emailing [email protected]. Optional materials may include:
  • Standardized test scores, if applicable. Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for freshman applicants to the Athens campus. If you choose to submit standardized test scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency: SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314). Ohio University considers the Evidenced-based Reading and Writing scores from the SAT.
  • Essays
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Lists of extra-curricular interests and activities