*The exercise science major is
offered face-to-face on the Statesboro
Campus. It is not offered online.
The exercise science major at Georgia Southern University focuses on the study of how exercise relates to the body in the following ways:
Prepare for employment in fitness centers, research laboratories or as an exercise technician in a cardiac rehabilitation center. Our curriculum provides an excellent foundation for students who are interested in pursuing graduate degrees in movement-based fields as well as for those students who wish to pursue a professional degree in medicine or in the rehabilitation sciences, such as physical or occupational therapy.
You will complete 125 semester credits, and the program is designed to be completed in four years.
The Exercise Science program is composed of five areas of concentration:
The allied health and graduate school concentration will prepare students to apply for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, physician’s assistant, medical school or kinesiology.
The inclusive physical activity concentration will prepare students to prescribe safe and effective programming for individuals with disabilities and provide motivational support to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students will be prepared to work in community and public health settings to improve access to exercise for all individuals as they gain a working knowledge of the American Disability Act (ADA) and policies specific to accessibility.
Certifications:
ACSM/NCPAD – Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT)
NSCA – Certified Special Populations Specialist (SPS)
The fitness and wellness management concentration prepare students for personal trainer, group fitness instructor and wellness coach/health coach certifications. Students will learn to prescribe fitness for both individuals and groups in multiple platforms, to develop and provide exercise programming for facilities and individuals as well as fitness testing and behavior modification counseling within the commercial and corporate fitness industries.
Certifications:
ACSM – Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
ACSM – Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
ACE – Group Fitness Instructor (GFI)
NSHC – Certified Health Coach (CHC)
ACSM/NPAS – Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS)
The sport performance concentration prepares students for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s certification test (CSCS) or USA Weightlifting’s Sport Performance certification, leading to careers designing strength and conditioning programs for athletes in team settings.
Certifications:
NSCA – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
USA Weightlifting – Sport Performance Certification
USA Weightlifting – Advanced Sport Performance Certification
GHSA – Certified Community Coach
ASEP – Coaching Principles Certified
ASEP – Sport First Aid Certified
FMS – Functional Movement Screening
The tactical strength and conditioning concentration prepares students for to work with members of police, fire, SWAT or military organizations in the areas of strength and conditioning.
Certifications:
NCSA – Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC)
You may also minor in exercise science, with options in exercise behavior or coaching behavior.
Last updated: 11/8/2019
