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exercise science professor helping students

Bacholor of Science in
Exercise Science

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Strong mind,strong body.

Exercise Science is the study of the body's response to exercise and requires an understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Through our advanced facilities and academic program, we emphasize physical activity, wellness, and disease prevention.

Students learn to conduct exercise assessments, structure exercise programs, promote fitness, and enhance quality of life for a diverse population. Students develop practical hands-on skills, critical thinking, and communication strategies needed to enter the workforce or make a seamless transition to graduate school.

Education Recognition Program

Education Recognition Program (ERP) distinction by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) means our program prepares students to be ready to enter the fitness industry upon graduation. We are also currently applying for CASCE (Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Association) accreditation.

Top Reasons to choose Exercise Science at florida southern college

Healthcare is one of the country's fastest growing industries.

According to labor statistics, employment in health care occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs.

Attain National Certification

Our program is designed to prepare you to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association's (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam, a nationally recognized and credible certification needed to enter the workforce.

Exceptional graduate school placement rate

Students applying for graduate programs are accepted at exceptional rates in programs such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Chiropractic, Strength and Conditioning, Physician Assistant, Exercise Physiology, Athletic Training and more.

Hands-on Experience

Learn to use metabolic testing equipment, heart rate monitors, blood pressure equipment, body composition assessment tools, motion analysis software, force plate analyzers, electromyography (EMG) sensors, cycle ergometers and sports performance testing equipment.

Experiential Opportunities

Engage in research with faculty, attend professional conferences, get involved in organizational clubs, conduct professional experiences within internship sites and develop professional networking opportunities.

Employment Outlook

Top Alumni Skills

Example Direct-Entry Employment

Example Graduate Programs

During my time as an ExSci major, I was able to attend various conferences and workshops, intern at a physical therapy clinic, create and present my own research project, gain hands-on experience in class, and become a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist).

— Elise Barnes
Fullbright Scholar

Meet our Mocs

Alexis Mace

Alexis Mace

As a scholar-athlete, I combined my two passions (exercise science and softball) to research the effects of maximal jaw clenching on player bat-swing velocity. With my professors at my side, we concluded that it is a useful strategy that improves athletic performance!

Devin Mantei

I love the many performance opportunities for Dance Majors. The Exercise Science program has so many wonderful and knowledgeable professors.

Lowery Brooke

The Exercise Science major is what I have loved most about FSC. All of the professors genuinely care about each student's success, providing opportunities after opportunities to enhance your knowledge and professionalism. I have truly enjoyed every aspect of the Exercise Science program and am thankful that I completed my undergraduate degree with this amazing program and professors.

Lexi Mahnke

With Exercise Science, you are not just part of a major - you are part of a community. This camaraderie helps foster personal growth and enables students to build strong relationships with their peers and faculty. I have had the opportunity to conduct and evaluate a variety of exercise assessments, synthesize evidence-based research, design training programs, and lead exercise sessions.

Emma Nieves

I love how connected the Exercise Science Department is. From the first day as a freshman, they have felt like family. The Exercise Science program designs a peer mentor program, so when you walk in on the first day as a freshman, you already have someone to help guide you. I also love how invested the professors are. They create an enriching atmosphere that is so upbeat and positive.

Daniella Rincon Garcia

I have had the opportunity to put into practice every concept learned in lecture, either in lab or outside the classroom. Being in exercise science has allowed me to do research and work on the fields I love.

Jadin Dewith

Exercise science provides so much opportunity to get involved. From participating in research, to helping on a faculty research project, or even forming your own, there are so many ways to dive deeper into the content that you talk about in class. I love our labs and our hand-on approach, which really lets me dive deep into learning.

Exercise Testing and Prescription

In EXS 3740 Exercise Testing and Prescription National competencies from ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescriptions are explored, with emphasis on the following variables: patient assessment, risk stratification and health evaluation; execution of proper exercise testing procedures; and the use of exercise and metabolic equations. Students evaluate and assess the impact of these variables on exercise prescription for a variety of patient populations.

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A visit is the next step. Online or In‑Person.

Schedule a campus tour or take our video tour of one of the nation’s most beautiful campuses. Participate in our daily online Admission Info Session or a MocTalk webinar to learn more about Florida Southern.

Learn More about visiting our campus

Featured Exercise Science Faculty

Dr. Sara Terrell
- Exercise Science Program Director

Often times in my classroom I will encourage students to complete self-evaluations of their respective learning progress by connecting learning outcomes to metacognition principles. The goal of this exercise is to help students move beyond just memorizing content for a test and instead develop awareness, reflection, and personal responsibility for their learning process. Cultivating a classroom environment centered on these aforementioned areas is a humbling task and one I wrestle with every semester. The reward is worth it when students begin to synthesize and apply information at a higher level of thinking, a transferrable skill needed to successfully navigate the dynamic healthcare landscape we live in today.

Read More about Dr. Sara TerrellMeet Our Faculty

Clubs and More

You can be involved in prestigious organizations, such as Phi Epsilon Kappa, the national professional fraternity for persons pursuing careers in exercise science, physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, sports medicine, and sports management.

Learn More about florida southern's clubs and organizations

Program Details

Available in: 

  • BS
  • Minor

First-Years

All freshman applicants to Florida Southern Colleges full-time degree programs must submit the following information:

Transfers

Applying to Florida Southern as a transfer student is easy.

If transferring less than 24 credits, we also need your:

  • Official high school transcript
  • SAT and/or ACT scores

Additional Admission Requirements for Exercise Science

  • Students must be able to obtain transportation to clinical and applied experience sites. In some clinical situations, students may have to complete additional requirements such as, but not limited to: background check, fingerprinting, drug screening, proof of vaccinations, and HIPAA training.

Exercise Science Program Contact

Office of Admissions

Admissions Counselors
863.680.4131

Dr. Sara Terrell

Program Director
863.680.4436

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