Popular Accredited Exercise Science Programs in Georgia [2026 Guide]

Exercise science programs in Georgia offer training for roles in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, and allied health. Whether you are interested in athletic performance at the University of Georgia, urban health and corporate wellness at Georgia State University, or hands-on lab work at Georgia Southern University, you can choose from campus-based degrees as well as at least one program with fully online coursework.

Best Exercise Science Programs in Georgia

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University of Georgia

B.S.Ed. in Exercise and Sport Science

The B.S.Ed. in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Georgia is housed in the Mary Frances Early College of Education and focuses on the scientific study of physical activity, exercise, and sport. The curriculum is designed for students interested in careers in fitness and wellness, sports medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, and preparation for advanced professional programs such as physical therapy and physician assistant studies.

As a student in this major, you complete a structured sequence that includes university core requirements along with specialized coursework in exercise science. The degree follows the typical four year timeline for a full time student and requires a minimum of about 120 semester credit hours to graduate, in line with UGA bachelor degree expectations. Within that total, you build a strong foundation in human movement, health, and performance that aligns with the expectations of professional schools and certifying organizations.

The program specifies 35 credit hours of core exercise science coursework, covering key topics such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, fitness testing and exercise prescription, motor control, exercise psychology, measurement, and exercise epidemiology. You then add at least 8 hours of research, practicum, internship, or service learning experiences, and 19 hours of major electives that allow you to tailor the degree to interests such as pre physical therapy, strength and conditioning, or pre medicine.

Learning takes place in classrooms, small laboratory sections, and applied field settings based in the Ramsey Center, where you work with faculty on practical assessments and hands on projects. This structure helps you connect theoretical knowledge with real measurements of human performance using modern equipment and methods.

In addition to coursework, the department encourages participation in research groups such as the Non Invasive Muscle Physiology Lab and related exercise science labs. These opportunities help you understand how research informs best practices in clinical exercise physiology, sports performance, and health promotion, and they provide solid preparation if you plan to move into graduate research degrees later on.

Student life in the major includes involvement with organizations like the Exercise is Medicine club and pre professional societies. Regular advising each semester, combined with clear four year plans, helps you stay on track with prerequisites for professional programs while completing the degree within the expected four year timeframe.

Courses and Curriculum

The exercise and sport science curriculum at the University of Georgia begins with foundational science courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics, alongside the university core in writing, social sciences, and humanities. These courses support later work in advanced exercise science by giving you a strong background in how the body functions and how to analyze data related to human performance.

Once you move into the major, you progress through core courses that examine the physiological, mechanical, psychological, and epidemiological aspects of exercise. Laboratory components are built into many of these classes so you can practice fitness assessment, interpret physiological measurements, and apply exercise prescription guidelines. Group projects and case studies reinforce your ability to evaluate research findings and turn them into practical training or rehabilitation plans.

In the final portion of the program, you choose from a range of major electives and complete practicum or internship experiences. This part of the curriculum lets you sharpen your focus toward clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, wellness coaching, or preparation for graduate programs such as Doctor of Physical Therapy. The program culminates in applied experiences where you work with real clients or community partners under professional supervision.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• Exercise Physiology – Studies how the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and endocrine systems respond and adapt to acute and chronic exercise, with lab experiences in measuring oxygen consumption, heart rate, and lactate thresholds.
• Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription – Covers protocols for assessing aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition, and guides you in designing safe, evidence based exercise programs for diverse populations.
• Biomechanics – Introduces mechanical principles of human movement, including kinematics and kinetics, so you can analyze sport techniques, reduce injury risk, and improve performance using motion analysis and force data.
• Motor Control – Explores how the nervous system plans, initiates, and refines movement, with applications to skill acquisition, balance, coordination, and rehabilitation strategies for individuals recovering from injury.
• Exercise Psychology – Examines motivation, behavior change, stress, and mental health as they relate to exercise participation, preparing you to support adherence and performance through psychological strategies.
• Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology – Focuses on reliability, validity, test selection, and data interpretation so you can design assessments, analyze results, and report outcomes in both clinical and performance settings.
• Exercise Epidemiology – Reviews population level relationships between physical activity and health outcomes, helping you understand how exercise is linked to chronic disease risk and public health recommendations.
• Clinical Exercise Assessment and Prescription – Applies exercise testing and prescription principles to clinical populations such as individuals with cardiovascular, metabolic, or pulmonary conditions, with emphasis on safety and monitoring.

Practical Experience

Practical learning is a core part of the B.S.Ed. in Exercise and Sport Science. Many classes include lab sections where you conduct graded exercise tests, body composition assessments, and movement analyses using equipment commonly found in clinical and performance settings. These experiences build confidence in handling instrumentation and interacting with clients or research participants.

Beyond coursework, you complete at least 8 credit hours in research, practicum, internships, or service learning. Placement options include hospital based cardiac rehabilitation, community wellness centers, strength and conditioning settings, and research labs in the Department of Kinesiology. Under supervision, you learn how to translate classroom knowledge to real programs that support health, rehabilitation, or athletic performance.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise and training across different body systems.
• Apply biomechanical principles to analyze technique, identify movement inefficiencies, and recommend modifications to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
• Design and implement individualized exercise prescriptions that reflect current professional guidelines and client specific goals and health status.
• Administer and interpret fitness and functional assessments, including aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, and body composition tests.
• Communicate exercise and health information clearly to clients, patients, and interdisciplinary teams in clinical, community, and performance environments.
• Critically evaluate research in exercise science and incorporate evidence based findings into program design and professional decision making.
• Demonstrate professional behavior, ethical practice, and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse populations in exercise and health related settings.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the University of Georgia’s exercise and sport science program pursue roles in fitness and wellness centers, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, corporate wellness, and strength and conditioning support for athletes. Many alumni use the degree as a pre professional path into Doctor of Physical Therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, chiropractic, and other advanced clinical programs, supported by the program’s emphasis on science based coursework and hands on experience.

The university’s strong completion record adds additional value to your credential. The University of Georgia reports an overall graduation rate of about 87%, indicating that most students successfully complete their degrees and move into the workforce or graduate education.

Admissions Requirements

• Admission to the University of Georgia as an undergraduate student.
• Completion of key core areas before application to the major, including Areas I and III, at least one Area VI science course, and KINS 2010 in progress at the time of application.
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.25 and minimum 3.25 GPA in Area VI courses, with a recommendation for an even stronger Area VI GPA to remain competitive.
• No grade lower than C in required Area VI science courses and in exercise and sport science program courses once admitted.
• Submission of a program application that includes academic records and an essay evaluated by the selection committee.

Application Deadlines

For first year applicants to the University of Georgia, the Early Action deadline is typically October 15, and the Regular Decision deadline is January 1. Materials such as transcripts and test scores are usually due shortly after those dates. Once admitted to UGA, you apply separately to the B.S.Ed. in Exercise and Sport Science major, with major applications accepted in August and January and due in the third week of each semester.

Georgia State University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Georgia State University is a 120-semester-hour degree designed for students interested in careers in adult fitness and wellness, worksite health promotion, personal training, clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation and related fields. The programme is delivered on the Atlanta campus through the College of Education & Human Development.

Students begin by completing university core (IMPACTS) requirements and foundational science and kinesiology courses such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biomechanics, and movement science. Early exposure to measurement, motion analysis, and exercise testing labs helps build a solid base for later coursework.

The major coursework spans approximately 60 credit hours of field-of-study and major specific courses that include biomechanics, exercise physiology, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, motor behaviour, and programme management. Those credit hours are integrated with the broader 120 credit total for degree completion.

One hallmark of the programme is its location in downtown Atlanta, which affords students access to corporate wellness centres, hospital rehabilitation clinics, sport performance labs and research partnerships. These local connections enable practicum and internship placements and augment applied learning opportunities.

Advisors work with you to select electives, lab sequences and professional experiences that align with certification goals (such as ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist) or graduate-school preparation (physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training).

You graduate with the B.S. in Exercise Science from Georgia State University, an applied portfolio of internships and lab work, and readiness for careers in performance, wellness or clinical fitness.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with major prerequisite courses and supporting sciences: human anatomy & physiology, general chemistry, statistics, and introductory kinesiology or movement science. These courses ensure you understand how the body functions and how exercise science frames its practices.

Mid-level major courses include applied biomechanics, physiology of exercise, motor learning and control, nutrition for physical activity, and fitness assessment and exercise prescription. These courses integrate lecture and lab so you practise using instrumentation, collect data, interpret results and design programmes for different client groups.

In the final phase of the degree you enrol in upper-division coursework such as programme management in exercise science, advanced assessment and prescription for special populations, strength and conditioning fundamentals, and a required internship or research practicum. Electives aligned with your interests allow you to tailor your focus toward wellness, performance, corporate fitness or clinical exercise settings.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• Biomechanics – Applies mechanical and movement analysis principles to human motion, joint loading, force production and performance improvement using lab-based measurement, motion capture or force plate data.
• Exercise Physiology – Examines how cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular and metabolic systems respond and adapt to acute and chronic exercise; lab work may include VO₂ testing, heart-rate monitoring and strength measurement.
• Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription – Focuses on selecting and administering valid fitness tests (aerobic, strength, flexibility, body composition), interpreting results and designing safe, individualized exercise programmes.
• Motor Learning and Control – Studies how the nervous system plans, executes and refines movement, how skills are acquired, and how feedback and practice structure influence learning in performance or rehabilitation contexts.
• Nutrition for Physical Activity – Explores the relationship between diet, body composition, performance, recovery and wellness across the lifespan and how to integrate nutrition into training or wellness programmes.
• Programme Management in Exercise Science – Covers leadership, marketing, facility operations, human-resource issues, risk management and business concepts relevant to fitness, wellness or performance organisations.
• Special Populations – Exercise Testing and Prescription – Teaches screening, testing and programming for clients with cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary or musculoskeletal conditions and how to apply safe practices in these settings.
• Internship in Exercise Science – A semester-long supervised field placement in a fitness, wellness, clinical, or sport-performance setting where you apply your assessment, programming, client interaction and professional behaviours under supervision.

Practical Experience

At Georgia State University the Exercise Science programme emphasises applied learning through labs early in the curriculum and then advances into professional internships. Laboratory courses use modern equipment—such as force plates, motion capture, metabolic carts, body composition analysers, and heart-rate monitors—to give students real measurement and assessment experience.

The major includes a supervised semester-long internship placement in a setting such as a corporate wellness centre, clinical exercise physiology facility, athletic training lab or strength and conditioning environment. Within this internship you design and deliver assessments and programmes under supervision, build professional communication skills, and document your work in a portfolio to support your job or graduate-school application. The urban location of the programme gives you access to employers in Atlanta, enhancing networking and placement opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor behaviour systems interact to support movement, exercise adaptation and health outcomes.
• Use valid laboratory and field-based methods to assess fitness, movement quality and health risks for healthy individuals and clients with controlled conditions.
• Interpret assessment data and current research to design safe, individualized exercise or wellness programmes aligned with clients’ goals and health status.
• Apply biomechanics, physiological adaptation, nutrition and behaviour-change principles to optimise performance, health and wellness across populations.
• Demonstrate professional behaviours, ethical decision-making, leadership and effective communication in exercise science, wellness or clinical settings.
• Select and implement technology-enhanced assessment and training tools appropriate for fitness, wellness, performance or rehabilitation settings.
• Prepare for professional certification or graduate study in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, wellness management or allied health professions.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. in Exercise Science at Georgia State University are prepared for careers such as exercise physiologist assistant, wellness and fitness coordinator, strength and conditioning coach, corporate wellness manager, fitness assessment specialist or rehabilitation technician. Many alumni also continue into graduate or professional programmes including physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, public health, and exercise science research.

The university has a strong student-success record; Georgia State University reports a bachelor-degree graduation rate of approximately 63%, reflecting the percentage of first-time, full-time students who complete their degree within six years.

Admissions Requirements

• Admission to Georgia State University as an undergraduate student.
• Completion of the university core (IMPACTS) Areas A-F and major prerequisites such as KH 2220/KH 2230 or equivalent movement or kinesiology courses with a minimum grade-“C-” or better.
• Declaration of the Exercise Science major and completion of major application to the Department of Kinesiology and Health.
• Maintenance of minimum cumulative GPA as required by the major and university; achievement of grade “C” or better in core major courses to progress into upper-division coursework.

Application Deadlines

For fall semester entry the deadline to apply for the major is August 1. For summer admission the deadline is May 1 and for spring the deadline is November 1. Applicants should ensure all transcripts and prerequisite courses are submitted by these dates to be considered for placement and scheduling.

Georgia Southern University

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Major in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) at Georgia Southern University is a 124-credit-hour programme designed to be completed in four years of full-time study on the Statesboro campus. It combines general education, supporting sciences and major coursework to prepare students for careers in fitness, wellness, performance or graduate study.

Within the major you explore the anatomical, biomechanical, neurological, physiological and psychological factors underlying human movement and physical activity. Coursework is constructed so that you develop a strong scientific base and then apply that knowledge through practical experiences, lab work and internships.

Laboratory and field-based learning are emphasised from early in the curriculum. Students work in the human performance and body-composition laboratories, engage in measurement of movement, body composition, ECG monitoring and motion-analysis systems enabling hands-on experience in realistic settings.

The programme supports career readiness by offering more than 100 onsite partnerships where students can complete clinical rotations, internships, job shadowing or applied assessment experiences. This helps students build professional networks and practical credentials before graduating.

Advising is structured so that you map major requirements, select electives aligned with career goals (such as strength and conditioning, corporate wellness, cardiac rehabilitation or pre-professional health programmes) and complete an internship or capstone experience.

On completion you earn your B.S.K. in Exercise Science from Georgia Southern University, prepared for either entry-level professional work or further graduate or allied health study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with foundational coursework in anatomy & physiology, introductory kinesiology, general chemistry and the university’s mandated general education requirements. These courses create a base of scientific literacy and movement science context for later study.

Mid-programme you progress into core major courses such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, measurement & evaluation in kinesiology, sport and exercise psychology, and research methods in kinesiology. Labs accompany many of these courses so you perform assessments, collect and interpret data, and begin designing interventions.

In the upper division you select electives according to your chosen career track (for example performance, wellness or rehabilitation), and you complete a formal internship or practicum in a site-based field experience. The sequence culminates in applied work and often participation in professional certification preparation or graduate-school readiness opportunities.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 2100 – Foundations of Exercise Science: Provides an overview of the discipline, introduces career pathways, professional standards and foundational knowledge in movement science.
• EXSC 3100 – Human Anatomy & Physiology for Exercise Science: Covers anatomical structure and physiological function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems, with lab applications linking structure to movement.
• EXSC 3400 – Biomechanics of Human Movement: Applies mechanical and motion-analysis principles to movement; you explore joint forces, leverage, motion capture, and injury-prevention strategies in lab settings.
• EXSC 3600 – Exercise Physiology: Examines acute and chronic physiological responses to physical activity including metabolic regulation, cardiovascular adaptation, neuromuscular changes and training effects.
• EXSC 3800 – Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription: Teaches how to design, administer and interpret fitness and movement tests, develop individualized exercise programmes and monitor outcomes for diverse clients.
• EXSC 4100 – Sport & Exercise Psychology: Explores psychological factors influencing physical activity, motivation, adherence, performance and behaviour change across populations.
• EXSC 4300 – Research Methods in Kinesiology: Introduces research design, data collection, statistical interpretation and application of research findings in exercise-science contexts.
• EXSC 4500 – Internship in Exercise Science: A supervised placement in a fitness, wellness, rehabilitation or performance setting where you apply assessment, programme design and professional communication under faculty or site supervision.

Practical Experience

Georgia Southern University embeds practical experience via laboratory courses beginning early in the major where you use equipment such as force plates, metabolic carts, body-composition analysers, ECG systems and motion-capture systems. These labs help you gain confidence in measuring movement, strength, endurance and fitness variables.

In your senior year you complete an internship or major practicum in a professional setting such as a hospital wellness centre, corporate fitness programme, sports-performance team, or strength and conditioning club. Under supervision you assess clients, design programmes, lead sessions, monitor results and document professional practice. These experiences support your readiness for employment or graduate-school transition.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, biomechanical and neurological systems interact to support human movement, exercise and training adaptation.
• Use valid, reliable assessment tools to evaluate fitness, movement quality, body composition, strength, endurance and health-risk factors in diverse populations.
• Interpret assessment data and research findings and apply them to design safe, effective, individualized exercise and wellness programmes.
• Integrate principles of biomechanics, movement analysis, nutrition, behaviour change and programming for performance, fitness or health goals.
• Communicate assessment results, programme design rationale and outcomes clearly with clients, coaches, allied-health professionals and colleagues.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour, ethical decision-making, leadership and effective collaboration in exercise science, wellness or performance settings.
• Prepare for professional certification, entry-level practice in fitness, wellness, performance or rehabilitation settings, or for admission into graduate or allied-health programmes in exercise-science disciplines.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S.K. in Exercise Science at Georgia Southern University are equipped for roles such as personal trainer, corporate wellness coordinator, strength and conditioning coach, fitness assessment manager, exercise physiologist assistant, cardiac-rehabilitation technician, and sport-performance specialist. Many alumni continue into professional or graduate-level programmes such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training or exercise-science research.

The university reports an undergraduate graduation rate of about 53%, reflecting student completion of the bachelor’s degree within six years at Georgia Southern University.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent meeting Georgia Southern University freshman admission standards.
• Submission of online application, official high school transcripts (and any college transcripts if transfer), and payment or waiver of application fee.
• Minimum institutional GPA requirement (varies by incoming class) along with completion of prerequisite coursework (for example biology, chemistry or mathematics) recommended for success in the major.
• Once admitted you must maintain a satisfactory academic record and complete all major application steps (including minimum grades in required core courses) to progress into upper-division major coursework such as EXSC 3100 and above.

Application Deadlines

Georgia Southern University invites first-year applicants for fall to apply by November 1 for priority scholarship consideration.

Kennesaw State University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Kennesaw State University is a 120-credit-hour programme offered through the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. It is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study and builds both foundational knowledge and applied skills in exercise science.

Students begin with anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and introductory movement or health courses to create a strong scientific base. Afterwards, they progress into specialised courses in areas such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, programme design and assessment. The curriculum emphasises both cognitive understanding and psychomotor skill development.

The programme is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) via the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) and is also recognised by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program. These recognitions reflect the programme’s focus on preparing students for professional certifications and rigorous academic standards.

Hands-on laboratory experience is central. Students work in the Exercise Science Physiology Laboratory where they engage in measurement of body composition, neuromuscular functioning, aerobic capacity, electrocardiography, air-displacement plethysmography and other advanced technologies. These facilities provide opportunities to translate theory into practice.

The programme gives flexibility for students aiming to enter the workforce directly, or continue into postgraduate study such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant programmes or graduate degrees in exercise physiology or allied health. Internships and research-based experiences are built into the curriculum to support those trajectories.

Upon completion of all required credit hours—including general education, major core courses, labs, elective requirements and at least one internship—you graduate with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Kennesaw State University, equipped with applied experience, professional readiness and a pathway toward certification or advanced study.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum starts with foundational courses such as human anatomy & physiology I & II with labs, general chemistry, statistics, movement science or kinesiology introduction, and major introductory courses like ES 2100 (Physical Activity in Health and Disease). These early courses ensure students gain a base in human biological systems, movement science and basic health concepts.

In the middle portion of the programme you take courses like Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Nutrition and Performance, Strength & Conditioning, Motor Behaviour or Control, and Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription. Many of these courses include laboratory or field-based components where you collect data, analyse movement or physiological responses, and design exercise programmes.

During the upper-division phase students choose electives aligned with their interests (wellness, performance, clinical exercise) and complete a senior-level internship (for example ES 4950 Senior Internship) or research project. In that sequence you apply your learning in a professional setting, interact with clients or performance populations, document professional practice and prepare for certification or graduate school.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• ES 2100 – Physical Activity in Health and Disease: Introduces how physical activity relates to health, disease prevention and movement science; foundational course for the major.
• BIOL 2251/2251L – Human Anatomy & Physiology I + Lab: Covers structure and function of the human body’s musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems with lab-based practical investigations.
• ES 3900 – Physiology of Exercise: Examines how cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular systems respond and adapt to exercise; involves laboratory assessments and data interpretation.
• ES 3700 – Strength & Conditioning: Focuses on scientific and practical foundations of resistance training, conditioning, programme design and performance enhancement.
• ES 4200 – Nutrition and Performance: Explores nutritional strategies for performance, recovery and health, how diet and physical activity interact across lifespan and populations.
• ES 4600 – Exercise Prescription: Teaches how to select and administer assessment tests, interpret results and design and deliver safe exercise programmes for diverse clients.
• ES 4500 – Advanced Topics in Exercise Science: Provides deeper understanding of research methods, programme planning, leadership or advanced assessment techniques in exercise science.
• ES 4950 – Senior Internship in Exercise Science: A capstone experiential course (3-12 credit hours) where you apply major learning in a real-world professional setting under supervision and document professional practice.

Practical Experience

Kennesaw State University integrates hands-on laboratory and applied experiences from early in the curriculum. Students use advanced measurement tools in the Exercise Science Physiology Laboratory such as metabolic carts, ECG, plethysmography systems, force plates, and body-composition analyzers to measure aerobic capacity, neuromuscular function and movement performance.

The senior Internship course (ES 4950) allows students to work in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, or sport-performance settings, apply assessment and programming skills, interact with clients or athletes, document outcomes and reflect on their professional development. The internship is supervised by faculty and site professionals and helps build the professional portfolio and network required for employment or graduate-school entry.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how anatomical, physiological and biomechanical systems support human movement, exercise adaptation and health outcomes.
• Use valid and reliable assessment protocols to evaluate fitness, movement quality, body composition, neuromuscular and aerobic performance in healthy and special-population clients.
• Interpret assessment data and research findings to design safe, effective, individualized exercise programmes for diverse populations.
• Apply principles of strength and conditioning, movement analysis and performance enhancement within wellness, sport, or rehabilitation based settings.
• Integrate nutrition, wellness coaching and behaviour-change strategies into exercise-science or fitness interventions across the lifespan.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with clients, coaches, health-care professionals, and interdisciplinary teams regarding assessment results, programme rationale and outcomes.
• Prepare for certification (e.g., ACSM, NSCA), entry-level employment or graduate-level study in exercise science, fitness, performance or allied-health fields.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the B.S. in Exercise Science at Kennesaw State University are prepared for careers such as exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, fitness assessment specialist, wellness programme coordinator, rehabilitation technician, corporate wellness specialist or performance analyst. Many use the degree as a stepping-stone into physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant programmes or graduate work in exercise physiology.

The university reports a six-year bachelor-degree graduation rate of approximately 48% for first-time, full-time students, showing a key institutional completion metric.

Admissions Requirements

• Admission to Kennesaw State University as an undergraduate student.
• Meet university undergraduate entrance criteria and declare interest in the Exercise Science major.
• For formal admission to the major you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and earn a grade of “C” or better in each required course (for example BIOL 2251, BIOL 2251L, BIOL 2252, BIOL 2252L, ENGL 1101, ENGL 1102, ES 2100) and you may repeat no more than two attempts for each required course.
• Once admitted you must maintain a grade of “C” or better in all required major courses and follow the progression map provided by the Wellstar College Advising Centre.

Application Deadlines

Kennesaw State University accepts applications for fall, spring and summer entry terms. It is advised that students complete the major-application process (to declare their major) before their junior year to ensure correct sequencing of labs, internships and professional experiences.

Georgia Highlands College

Associate of Science in Exercise Science Pathway (Online and On-Campus Options)

The Associate of Science in Exercise Science Pathway at Georgia Highlands College is a 64 credit hour transfer degree designed to be completed in about two years of full-time study. It combines the Core IMPACTS curriculum with focused Exercise Science field-of-study courses so you can build a strong base in human movement, health, and performance while preparing to transfer into a bachelor program in kinesiology, exercise science, or related health fields.

The pathway is intentionally flexible. You can complete major field-of-study courses fully online through GHC Online, choose a mix of day or evening classes, or attend traditional on-campus sections. While you have the option to learn completely at a distance for most exercise science courses, the college recommends taking anatomy and other lab-based science courses on campus to maximize your hands-on learning with models and lab equipment.

As you move through the program, you gain foundational skills in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, fitness and health concepts, and introductory exercise science. These courses help you understand how the body responds to physical activity, how to communicate using scientific and medical language, and how to start thinking about exercise prescription and wellness promotion.

The A.S. Exercise Science Pathway is also structured as a first step toward Georgia Highlands’ Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and other upper-division degrees at institutions in the University System of Georgia. By following the recommended sequence of courses, you can complete the 64 credit hours in two years and transfer with junior standing into a related bachelor program.

Throughout the degree, you are encouraged to stay current with emerging information in exercise science, interpret basic research, and practice applying evidence-based concepts in assignments and projects. This emphasis on critical thinking and application helps you bridge the gap between introductory coursework and more advanced study later on.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum begins with the 42-hour Core IMPACTS requirement, where you complete communication, math, social science, humanities, and introductory science courses that satisfy general education expectations across the University System of Georgia. Within this core you are advised to choose math and STEM options that also serve as prerequisites for upper-level exercise science coursework after transfer.

Alongside the core, you complete 18 hours of Exercise Science field-of-study coursework plus 4 hours of institutional physical education requirements. These classes introduce you to physical activity and disease, human anatomy and physiology with lab, basic medical language, nutrition, and foundational fitness and health concepts. Together, they provide the entry-level knowledge needed for kinesiology and health-related bachelor programs.

Because the pathway is transfer-oriented, you do not specialize as deeply as in a four-year major, but you do build a cohesive set of courses that prepares you for junior-level work in exercise science, health sciences, or sports medicine at Georgia Highlands or another university. Careful advising ensures that your course selections meet both associate degree requirements and prerequisites for your intended bachelor program.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

• EXSC 2100 – Intro Physical Activity & Disease: Introduces the relationships between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and chronic disease. You explore how regular movement affects body systems, health risk factors, and quality of life, and begin to connect exercise science concepts to public health and clinical outcomes.
• BIOL 2251 – Anatomy and Physiology I: Covers structure and function of the human body at the cellular, tissue, and organ-system levels with emphasis on skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Lab activities use models and basic measurement tools to connect anatomical knowledge to movement and exercise.
• BIOL 2251L – Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory: Provides hands-on experience with anatomical models, microscope work, and basic physiological experiments. You practice identifying structures, relating them to function, and building the skills needed for more advanced courses in health and exercise science.
• BIOL 2252 – Anatomy and Physiology II: Continues the study of human systems, focusing on cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, and digestive systems. You learn how these systems respond to stress, physical activity, and environmental demands.
• BIOL 2252L – Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory: Uses lab exercises to explore cardiovascular and respiratory measures, fluid balance, and endocrine-related processes. This lab experience reinforces theory from lecture and strengthens your understanding of whole-body physiology.
• PHED 1020 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid: Introduces emergency response skills including basic CPR, AED use, and first-aid procedures. You develop the ability to respond appropriately to injuries and acute incidents in sport, fitness, or community settings.
• AHSC 1101 – Medical Terminology: Builds fluency in the word parts, prefixes, suffixes, and root terms used throughout medicine and allied health fields. This helps you read, interpret, and use professional language in exercise, clinical, or wellness contexts.
• PHED 2202 – Principles of Human Nutrition: Surveys macro- and micronutrients, digestion, energy balance, and dietary planning. You learn how nutrition connects to health, weight management, and performance, and how basic nutritional principles support exercise goals.

Practical Experience

As an associate-level, transfer-focused program, Georgia Highlands College emphasizes classroom and basic lab learning rather than long internships. However, you still gain practical experience through labs in anatomy and physiology, fitness and health courses, and activity-based physical education classes where you practice exercise techniques and learn how to monitor basic physiological responses.

The program encourages you to apply what you learn in your own physical-activity habits and to use course projects to explore health promotion, fitness planning, or introductory exercise leadership. If you plan to move directly into work as a fitness assistant or entry-level trainer while continuing your education, advisors can help you identify local opportunities that complement your coursework.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how major body systems support movement, physical activity, and basic exercise responses in healthy individuals.
• Use foundational anatomical and physiological knowledge to explain how physical activity can influence health and disease risk.
• Interpret basic health, fitness, and activity information and communicate it in clear language appropriate for general audiences.
• Apply introductory nutrition and wellness concepts when discussing physical activity, weight management, and lifestyle choices.
• Demonstrate familiarity with medical and scientific terminology needed for further study in exercise science and health-related fields.
• Show developing skills in critical thinking, information literacy, and use of evidence when discussing topics in exercise science.
• Prepare academically to transfer into bachelor programs in exercise science, health sciences, kinesiology, sports medicine, or related disciplines.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

The Exercise Science A.S. Pathway at Georgia Highlands College is primarily designed as a transfer degree. After completing the 64 credit hours, many students move into bachelor programs in health sciences, exercise science, kinesiology, or sport-related majors at Georgia Highlands or other universities in Georgia. This sets the stage for eventual careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, sports coaching, and wellness promotion.

At the associate level, the pathway also supports entry-level roles such as fitness center attendant, recreation assistant, or support roles in wellness and sports programs while you continue your education. The combination of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, CPR/first aid, and fitness concepts gives you a practical foundation that employers in community and campus recreation value.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent that meets general admission standards for Georgia Highlands College.
• Submission of an online application, official high school transcript, and any prior college transcripts for transfer credit evaluation.
• Placement into appropriate English and math levels according to college guidelines, which may use high school GPA, test scores, or placement tools.
• Ability to meet science sequencing expectations for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses that form part of the pathway’s STEM foundation.

Application Deadlines

Georgia Highlands College admits students for fall, spring, and summer terms. You are encouraged to apply several months before your intended start date so that advising, placement, and course registration can be completed on time. Because the Exercise Science pathway uses sequenced science courses, starting in the fall term and following the recommended sequence helps you stay on track for two-year completion.