Mar 30, 2023  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Exercise Science B.S.


TOTAL DEGREE HOURS: 120

Exercise Science includes the study of the biological and behavioral aspects of exercise, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, behavior modification, and the clinical aspects of exercise. The Exercise Science major integrates classroom study with hands-on practical experiences. The major is structured such that graduates qualify for professional certifications such as ACSM’s Certified Exercise Physiologist, and NSCA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and for positions relating to health promotion, strength and conditioning, clinical rehabilitation, personal fitness training, and sport performance. In addition, the Exercise Science major prepares students for admissions to professional schools such as physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, chiropractic and athletic training.

Students who successfully complete the undergraduate Exercise Science major earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.

Limited Access


The Exercise Science major is limited access and enrollment is limited to 36 students each fall semester. Selection of the 36 students is based on the admission criteria below.

Guidelines for Applying to the College of Education Exercise Science Major


These guidelines apply to all students seeking admission to the major regardless of whether they are seeking General or Early Admission.

Overview of Admissions Process


  • Students seeking admission to the major must be admitted to USF-Tampa.
  • The Exercise Science major is a limited access major.As such, students are not guaranteed admission.Exercise Science admits only 36 students each fall, and general admission to the major is competitive.Admissions is based on the composite GPA. (A composite GPA score is equal to 30 percent of the overall GPA plus 70 percent of the common statewide prerequisite GPA).
  • Admissions are available through two mechanisms: early admissions and general admissions.Both are detailed below.
  • Completed applications should be submitted to Student Academic Services, EDU 106/Fax 813-974-3391.
  • Transfer students applying to the major should submit transcripts along with the College of Education Exercise Science Application.

Criteria for Early Admission


Students must apply by June 1 and fulfill the following criteria to be considered for Early Admission:

  • Attainment of minimum of 3.0 composite GPA.
  • Completion of at least 5 of the 7 prerequisite courses and attainment of a minimum grade of a B or higher in each course; finishing all prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA or 3.0 or higher.

All remaining prerequisites must be completed no later than the second Friday in August prior to the first day of fall classes.

Transfer students must submit transcripts for remaining prerequisites by second Friday in August.

Criteria for General Admission


Students must apply by July 25 and fulfill the following minimum requirements to be considered for General Admission:

  • Attainment of minimum 2.5 GPA overall.
  • Completion of and attainment of a minimum of a C- grade or higher in the following prerequisite courses no later than summer term prior to fall admission.
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses no later than the second Friday in August prior to the first day of fall classes.
  • Selection of the remaining students not admitted via Early Admission is based on the composite GPA. Those students with the highest GPAs will be admitted first and a wait list will be formed

University Admissions


Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following urls:

Requirements after Admission


Students will be informed early August if they have been accepted into the major. Students accepted into the major must inform the College of Education’s advising office by August 15th that they will or will not be enrolling in fall classes. Once admitted, students are required to meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete an online College of Education orientation and attend an Exercise Science orientation he week prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
  2. In addition to tuition, fees, and books the student is responsible for the following costs:
    • Material and supply fee for PET 3384 ;
    • Student membership for the Exercise Science student organization
    • Professional liability insurance
    • Student membership in at least one professional organization
    • Transportation to and from field experiences required in courses including the practicum and internship
    • Possible requirements of practicum/internship sites such as health/medical exam, immunizations/vaccines, criminal background check, finger printing, drug/alcohol screening, personal health insurance, uniforms, and parking
    • Possible costs associated with obtaining physician clearance (e.g., medical exam and/or tests) prior to participation in physical activity/exercise. Students complete a Pre-Activity Screening Questionnaire (PASQ) based on American College of Sports Medicine guidelines to determine if physician clearance is needed.
    • Assignments in some classes (e.g., printing/binding of group project reports, academic and professional portfolio, etc.)
  3. Receive a grade of C- or higher in all required courses and maintain a 2.5 GPA (overall and in major) in order to progress to the next semester.
  4. Complete 15 hours of volunteer community service for a non-profit health and wellness organization.
  5. Sign and submit an Assumption of Risk and Waiver document.

State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites


Students should complete the following prerequisite courses at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted.

Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C- is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses.

  • CHM X045 and CHM X045L) or CHM X030 or CHM X045C – 4 credit hours
  • HUN X201 or HSC X100 – 3 credit hours
  • (BSC X085 and BSC X085L) or (PET X322 and PET X322L) or (BSC X093 and BSC X093L) or APK X100C or BSC X085C or BSC X093C – 3-4 credit hours
  • APX 105C or (BSC X086 and BSC X086L) or (BSC X094 and BSC X094L) or PET X323C – 4 credit hours
  • STA X023 or MAC X147 – 4 credit hours
  • MAC X105 or MAC X140 or MAC X147 or MAC X311 – 4 credit hours
  • SPC X608 – 3 credit hours

FOR ALL MAJORS: Students are strongly encouraged to select required lower division electives that will enhance their general education coursework and that will support their intended baccalaureate degree program. Students should consult with an academic advisor in their major degree area.

Recommended Supporting Courses


The following are recommended prerequisite courses. The grades in these courses will not be used to calculate the common course prerequisite GPA for admission.

NOTE: Though no computer course is recommended, students need to possess excellent computer skills, i.e., MS applications.

Total Major Hours: 54-57


GPA Requirements


Once admitted, students must maintain a 2.5 overall GPA and earn a 2.5 in all major coursework. 

Grading Requirements


Students must earn a C- or higher in all major coursework.

Other Requirements


The Exercise Science major is a full-time major. Students must be available for classes from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday each semester. Additional time commitments may be necessary for course work such as PET 3940  (Practicum) and PET 4941  (Internship).

Research Opportunities


Undergraduate students in any degree program are able to participate in undergraduate research. Several options exist to show mentored undergraduate research activity on a student’s official transcript. Those who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 4914  course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of Undergraduate Research is able to assist with further inquiries.

Advising Information


For prospective and current College of Education students with a home campus of Tampa, please select the following link for information about scheduling an  advising appointment:  https://www.usf.edu/education/about-us/advising.aspx

For prospective and current College of Education students with a home campus of Sarasota-Manatee, please select the following link for information about scheduling an advising appointment: https://www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-advising/

For prospective and current College of Education students with a home campus of St. Pete, please select the following link for information about scheduling an advising appointment: https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-advising/advisor/index.aspx

4 Year Plan of Study - Exercise Science B.S.


NOTES:

Potential Entry Level Job Titles:

  • Physical Therapist
  • Strength/Conditioning Coach
  • Physician Assistant

Potential Entry Level Salary Range:

  • $39,000 - $100,000

Year 1


Semester 1 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 16

Semester 2 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 16

Semester 3 (Summer)


Please consider pursing High Impact Practice opportunities this semester such as Education Abroad, Internship Opportunities, Community Engagement, or Research Opportunities.

Questions about opportunities? Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.

Year 2


Semester 4 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 13

Semester 5 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 12

Semester 6 (Summer)


Please consider pursing High Impact Practice opportunities this semester such as Education Abroad, Internship Opportunities, Community Engagement, or Research Opportunities.

Questions about opportunities? Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.

Year 3


Semester 7 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 8 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 9 (Summer)


Total Credit Hours: 9

Year 4


Semester 10 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 11 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 9

2 Year Plan of Study - Exercise Science B.S.


NOTES:

Year 1


Semester 1 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 2 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 3 (Summer)


Total Credit Hours: 9

Year 2


Semester 4 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 5 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 9 or 12