Texas Wesleyan University was founded in 1890 by the Methodist Episcopal Church and was originally known as Polytechnic College. Pioneers A.S. Hall, W.D. Hall and George Tandy donated land for the campus on the east side of Fort Worth and the first classes were held in 1891.
Church leaders chose Dallas as the site for the Southern Methodist University and the Polytechnic campus became the Woman’s College for Southern Methodism, becoming Texas Women’s College in 1914. The college grew steadily until the Great Depression when dwindling enrollment led the trustees to close the school. In 1935, the school merged with Texas Wesleyan Academy, becoming Texas Wesleyan College. That same year, men were admitted as students. The school gained university status in 1989.
Today, there are 2,619 students enrolled at Texas Wesleyan University. The school is still affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
Texas Wesleyan University Accreditation Details
Texas Wesleyan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges Commission on Colleges. Accreditation indicates to parents, employers and students that graduates are well-prepared in their field of study. The university must undergo reaccreditation on a regular basis and agrees to address any areas that are identified as needing improvement by the accrediting agency. Accreditation also indicates that the school has the resources necessary to accomplish its mission. In addition to regional accreditation, programs throughout the school are accredited by the following organizations:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- National Association of Schools of Music
- State Board for Educator Certification/Teacher Education Agency
- University Senate of the United Methodist
Texas Wesleyan University Application Requirements
Students who have not completed college credit after high school graduation are admitted as freshmen. Students must complete an application and provide official high school transcripts as well as SAT or ACT scores. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or above, and SAT score of 1,000 or an ACT score of 19.
Students who have completed more than 13 credit hours after high school graduation may apply as transfer students. Students must complete an application and provide official high school and college transcripts. Students must provide transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Students with less than 30 credit hours must have a high school diploma and a GPA of 2.0 or higher as well as an SAT score of 1,000 or an ACT score of 19. Students must provide a high school transcript if they have not earned more than 30 credit hours at an accredited college or university after high school graduation.
Graduate admissions requirements vary depending on the program chosen. Students are encouraged to discuss the requirements with an admissions counselor before applying.
Tuition and Fees
Full-time undergraduate tuition at Texas Wesleyan University is $24,178 per year and part-time undergraduate tuition is $828 per credit hour. Graduate tuition varies depending on the program the student wishes to complete.
Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and loans. Texas Wesleyan University also accepts veterans and employer benefits. Students may also qualify for work-study programs to offset the cost of their tuition. Students whose parents work for Texas Wesleyan University or another participating institute of higher learning may be eligible for the Tuition Exchange Program. All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for financial assistance.
Student Experience
The Exercise Science program, offered through the Department of Kinesiology, provides students with the skills necessary to be exercise specialists and wellness educators. Students learn in a curriculum based in theory, research and practice. The program also provides students with the prerequisites they need to further their studies in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Medicine.
Students earn a Bachelor of Science degree that allows them to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the exercise science industry. Courses required for the program include:
- Adapted Physical Education
- Anatomical Basis for Physical Activity
- Anatomical Basis of Movement
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Basic Concepts of Wellness
- Biomechanics
- Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
- College Algebra
- Composition & Literature
- Composition & Rhetoric
- Data Collection in Exercise Science
- Exercise Physiology
- First Aid
- Fitness Assessment and Prescription
- Foundations of Exercise Science
- Fundamentals of Modern American History
- Fundamentals of Motor Development
- Health Considerations for Special Populations
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Issues in Sport Seminar
- Nutrition for Sports and Exercise Performance
- Physiology of Exercise
- Sport Facilities Management and Design
- Sports Psychology
- Strength and Conditioning
- University Physics I
Students must also complete fine arts, cultural literacy, social literacy and a religion requirement. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA within their specific coursework and complete each course with a “C” or better to graduate from the program. Students may also choose to enter the Pre-Physical Therapy track which prepares them for careers in Physical Therapy or advanced study in the field.
There are many options for students to gain hands-on experience in exercise science as well. Clubs like the Sports Medicine Society promote the well-being of the student-athlete population. Students may also benefit from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Texas Wesleyan University also offers a wide range of athletic teams that allow students to work directly with athletes. Students may choose from:
- Baseball (Men)
- Basketball (Men and Women
- Cheer and Dance (Co-Ed)
- Cross Country (Men and Women
- Football (Men)
- Golf (Men and Women
- Soccer (Men and Women
- Softball (Women)
- Table Tennis (Co-Ed)
- Tennis (Men and Women
- Track and Field (Men and Women
- Volleyball (Women
Graduates have found position in health and fitness clubs, corporate health promotion programs as well as clinical rehabilitation settings.
Texas Wesleyan University has been providing outstanding education to students for over 100 years and offers many programs in flexible formats that allow adult learners to achieve their higher education goals. Programs offered at Texas Wesleyan University provide the knowledge necessary to move into a new career or advance in a current career through advanced education.
Related Resources:
What Sports Medicine Classes Do I Need to Take to Get a Job in Sports Medicine?
What is an Exercise Physiologist?
What Does A Sports Nutritionist Do?
