Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology is ideal for students interested in the science of exercise and nutrition, and its impact on the body. The program includes extensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, exercise physiology, and metabolism.

FSU was the first university in the nation to offer an innovative curriculum that combined nutrition and exercise physiology. The degree prepares students for graduate studies in exercise physiology and post-graduate training programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, chiropractic, physician assistant, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Students are also prepared for positions as personal trainers and health fitness instructors with hospital-based and corporate fitness programs. Upon graduating, students may be eligible for certification in programs offered through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

Students must complete at least 52 hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 and at least half the required General Education hours, including English composition and mathematics, or an A.A. Degree.

Students must complete the following courses (C- or higher) in preparation for upper-division coursework in the major. All of the following may also apply toward General Education and/or major coursework. (See section on “Grades and Continuation Requirements.”)

Course # Hours Name
MAC 1105 3 College Algebra
MAC X114 3 Analytic Trigonometry
or approved alternative
MAC X140 3 Pre-calculus Algebra
or approved alternative
HUN X201 3 The Science of Nutrition
CHM X045, X045L 4 (3+1) General Chemistry I (and lab)
CHM X046, X046L 4 (3+1) General Chemistry II (and lab)
BSC X010, X010L 4 (3+1) Biological Science I (and lab)
PSY X012 3 General Psychology

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org.

Course/Degree Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

Students must complete at least 52 hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 and at least half the required General Education hours, including English composition and mathematics, or an A.A. Degree.

prerequisites

Students must complete the following courses (C- or better) in preparation for upper-division coursework in the major. All of the following may also apply toward General Education and/or major coursework. (See section on “Grades and Continuation Requirements.”)

Course # Hours Name
MAC 1105 3 College Algebra
MAC X114 3 Analytic Trigonometry
or approved alternative
MAC X140 3 Pre-calculus Algebra
or approved alternative
HUN X201 3 The Science of Nutrition
CHM X045, X045L 4 (3+1) General Chemistry I (and lab)
CHM X046, X046L 4 (3+1) General Chemistry II (and lab)
BSC X010, X010L 4 (3+1) Biological Science I (and lab)
PSY X012 3 General Psychology

The courses below may not be required for admission, but they are still required for graduation for the major:

CHM 2210 3 Organic Chemistry I
CHM 2211 3 Organic Chemistry II
CHM 2211L (*or students can take CHM 3217/3217L-4hrs of One Semester Organic Chemistry lecture and lab to complete the Orgo I and II requirements). 3 Organic Chemistry II lab
BSC 2011 3 Biology II
BSC 2011L 1 Biology II lab
PET 3102 (*requires grade of "S") 1 Introduction to Exercise Science
STA 2122 (or STA 2023) 3 Statistics

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org.

additional major requirements

Course # Hours Name
BSC 3023 (or 

or BCH 4053)

3

Biochemistry

BSC 3023L 1

Biochemistry Lab

PET 3322, 3322L (or BSC 2085 and BSC 2085L)* 4 (3+1) Functional Anatomy and Physiology I
PET 3323C (or BSC 2086 and BSC 2086L)* 4 Functional Anatomy and Physiology II
APK 3110C 4 Applied Exercise Physiology
PHY 2053C 4 College Physics A
PHY 2054C 4 College Physics B
HUN 3324 3 Intermediary Metabolism of Nutrients I
HUN 3226 3 Intermediary Metabolism of Nutrients II
PET 4551 3 Exercise Testing and Prescription

*The Anatomy & Physiology sequence MUST be completed in ALL of the same subject prefix: PET3322/3322L & PET 3323C or BSC 2085, 2085L & BSC 2086/2086L.

REQUIRED MAJOR ELECTIVE: 9 credit hours. Students Choose 3 of the Following:

APK 3113 3 Methodology of Strength and Conditioning
APK 3164 3 Eating Disorders and Body Images
APK 4400 3 Sport Psychology
APK 4401 3 Exercise Physiology
APK 4402 3 Applied Sport Psychology
APK 4403 3 Performance Psychology
ATR 3102 3 Athletic Training I (for non-AT majors)
HSC 4711 3 Wellness/Health Risk Reduction
HUN 4362 3 Functional Foods and Human Health
PET 4051 3 Human Movement and Studies
PET 3361 3 Nutrition and Sports
PET 3932r 3 Special Topics
PET 4076 4 Physical Dimensions of Aging
Bachelor's Degree Minimum Program Requirements (Summary)
Minimum Program Requirements (Summary)
Min. Hours Required 120
General Education 36*
Prerequisites (and coursework outside of the department/college) 44 (0 beyond general ed.* and major requirements)
Major Coursework 34 (this total excludes hours of prerequisites and includes 9 hrs for the required major electives)
Minor Coursework 0
Digital Literacy 0-3
Oral Competency 0 – 3
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met through with an approved college-level course; SPC 1017 suggested.
Additional electives and CoreFSU requirements as needed to reach 120hrs and 45hrs of 3000-4000 level coursework to earn a bachelor's degree. 0-12

*Note: MAC 1105 (3), STA 2122 (3) and PSY 2012 (3) General Psychology should be taken as part of General Education requirements. Other courses required for this major may also be used to satisfy General Education requirements

Contact

To find out if you’re eligible to apply:

Office of Academic Services and Intern Support
CEHHS-StudentServices@fsu.edu
850.644.5279

For questions about the application process:

Office of Academic Services and Intern Support - HNFS Grad Admissions
HNFS-grad@fsu.edu
850-644-1117