Quick Facts

  • Delivery: On-Campus
  • Credits: 120
  • Advisor: Lee Yarger

We offer the country’s most comprehensive aquatics degree program.

Established in 2002, the aquatics concentration was the first truly aquatic-specific program in the United States. Our well-rounded curriculum will prepare you for a diverse and satisfying career as an aquatic director, fitness trainer, coach, and many more opportunities. 

What You Will Learn

Coursework is as wide-ranging as

  • facilities design and management
  • pool operations
  • aquatics-focused biomechanics
  • lifeguard training and aquatics staff development
  • certifications in areas such as emergency medical responder, scuba, aquatic instruction, and aquatic special topics

Our electives are just as diverse, including sailing and kayaking, teaching diving and synchronized swimming, scuba instruction, and camp waterfront administration.

  • Students demonstrate knowledge appropriate to the leadership of aquatic staff and facilities.
  • Students identify common knowledge to prepare for, prevent, and respond to health and physical activity functions common to aquatic facilities.
  • Students demonstrate effective and appropriate written communication abilities.
  • Students demonstrate the ability to lead aquatic activities safely.
  • Students recognize the potential impact of physical activity on society and individual quality of life. 

The Only Bachelor's Degree of its Kind

Put simply, our program here at Ball State is the most comprehensive aquatics degree in the country. Since 2002, we have offered the only comprehensive bachelor's degree in aquatics in the United States.

Eight industry-specific Certifications

Students have the opportunity to earn at least eight industry-specific external agency certifications or licenses. This places you in a position to earn $7,000 to $10,000 more per year compared to 25 percent of the workforce that enters the profession with no prior aquatic experience (based on a 2002 analysis).

Real World, Hands-on work opportunities

Students who choose to major or minor in our aquatics programs with the Department of Kinesiology will get a broad range of hands-on, real-world experience before they enter the workforce. The student’s capstone experience during the 12-credit internship provides work opportunities in national and global locations.

Departmental Flume Available for Stroke Observation

Our students have the opportunity to take part in stroke evaluations using the departmental Flume (swim-in-place unit). This unique opportunity allows you to receive immediate feedback and rapidly apply knowledge representative to the profession.

Take Part In the Aquatic School

Each May, the Aquatic School provides an intensive week of aquatic instruction including such topics as lifeguard training and instructing, swimming pool operations and maintenance, and open water scuba. The program is available for credit and is designed to build camaraderie and obtain several aquatic certifications prior to the summer season.

A major in aquatics can provide opportunities to gain employment with various institutions, including:  educational institutions, health and fitness facilities, recreation natatoriums, waterparks, private clubs and fitness centers, and government entities.

Learn more

Department Scholarships

On top of the dozens of funding options offered through Ball State’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, our department awards scholarships to our own students. Find a scholarship.

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Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about our Aquatics Major, complete our online form. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.

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