Exercise Science

First-Year Applicants

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

• A completed application form
• An official high school transcript
• SAT and/or ACT scores (unless applying Test-Optional)
• Academic recommendation

Transfer Applicants

Applying to Florida Southern as a transfer student is easy. Submit:

• A completed application form
• Personal statement
• All official college transcripts
• Social standing form

If transferring fewer than 24 credits, also include your official high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores.

Learn More about transfer admissions

International Applicants

Review all international admission requirements

FSC’s Exercise Science curriculum blends anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and performance science with practical application at every level. Coursework covers the body’s response to physical demands, from cellular mechanisms to clinical outcomes, and develops the experimental mindset that sets great practitioners apart.

In Exercise Physiology, students conduct hands-on testing to understand how the body responds to physical demand. In Essentials of Strength and Conditioning, students learn how to coach and instruct with confidence, from structuring training programs to cueing movement in real time. Every course connects directly to real-world outcomes, preparing students to think critically and solve problems in healthcare and performance environments.

The curriculum is built around CASCE accreditation standards, preparing students to sit for — and pass — the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam, one of the most respected credentials in the field.

The BS in Exercise Science is a 124-credit-hour degree built around a rigorous science core and applied practicum experiences.

Science Foundation

Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, nutrition, and research methods provide the scientific foundation for understanding human movement and its effects on health and performance.

Applied Coursework

Exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, exercise prescription for special populations, clinical exercise testing, and health promotion develop the applied skills students need in clinical, athletic, and performance settings.

Certification Preparation

The curriculum prepares students for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam, one of the most respected credentials in the field, through coursework aligned with CASCE accreditation standards.

Clinical Experience

The 160-hour clinical requirement immerses students in a range of professional environments—including hospital rehab, private practice, campus training facilities, and community wellness programs—cultivating practical abilities, valuable references, and substantial professional experience.

Exercise Science students at FSC are part of a close-knit, professionally connected community. The peer mentorship program pairs incoming students with upperclassmen from day one. When you walk in as a freshman, you already have someone to help guide you. Get involved with:

• Phi Epsilon Kappa, the national professional fraternity for students pursuing careers in exercise science, physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, sports medicine, and sports management
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), FSC students participate in state and national NSCA events, including the NSCA National Coaches Conference and the SEACSM Annual Meeting

Exercise Science is the study of how the body responds to physical activity covering anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and performance science. FSC Exercise Science graduates pursue careers as clinical exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, fitness specialists, and health promotion professionals, or go on to graduate programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Physician Assistant studies, Chiropractic, and more.

The Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) accredits a select number of undergraduate programs nationwide for excellence in strength and conditioning education. CASCE accreditation means FSC’s curriculum meets the rigorous standards that graduate programs and employers recognize, and prepares students to sit for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam, one of the most respected credentials in the field.

The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is a nationally recognized credential awarded by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. FSC’s CASCE-accredited curriculum prepares students to sit for the CSCS exam upon graduation. The CSCS is widely recognized by collegiate and professional sports organizations, healthcare employers, and performance facilities.

Every FSC Exercise Science student completes 160 required supervised clinical hours in real-world settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, private clinics, community wellness organizations, and on-campus athletic training facilities. Students graduate with documented professional experience and references, not just a transcript.

FSC’s two dedicated labs in Edge Hall feature professional-grade equipment, including a DARI Motion Capture system (8 cameras, funded through an NSF grant), BOD POD body composition system, Parvo metabolic testing equipment, Monark anaerobic testing bike, electromyography (EMG) sensors, force plate analyzers, and a full strength and conditioning space. These are the same tools used in clinical and professional practice — available to FSC students from their first year.

Yes — it is one of the strongest. Exercise Science provides the anatomical, physiological, and clinical foundations that Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy graduate programs expect, while FSC’s required clinical hours give students the documented practical experience that strengthens any graduate application.

FSC Exercise Science students can join Phi Epsilon Kappa, the national professional fraternity for students in exercise science and related fields, and participate in NSCA events, including the NSCA National Coaches Conference and the SEACSM Annual Meeting. Faculty serve in leadership roles in the NSCA at the state and national level, creating networking opportunities that extend well beyond campus.