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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Exercise Science B.S.
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 Return to: College of Education
TOTAL DEGREE HOURS: 120
Plans of Study
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.
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University Admissions - College of Education
Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following URLs:
Admission Requirements - Exercise Science B.S.
Once admitted to the University, students are required to meet the following requirements:
1. Earn a grade of B- or higher in the following courses with no more than two attempts:
- APK 3120
- BSC X085/X085L OR PET X322/X322L OR BSC X093/X093L OR APK X100C OR BSC X085C OR BSC X093C
- BSC X086/X086L OR APX 105C OR BSC X094/X094L OR PET X323C
- HUN X201 OR HSC X100
- MAC X105 OR MAC X140 OR MAC X147 OR MAC X311
2. Submit an application to the College of Education for the Exercise Science program.
3. Attend an Exercise Science orientation the week prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Required Courses: (88 credit hours)
State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites - Exercise Science B.S. (26 credit hours)
Following Florida BOG Regulation 8.010, state mandated common course prerequisites are lower-division courses that are required for progression into the upper division of a particular baccalaureate degree program.
Transfer students should complete the State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites 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. Successful completion of the common prerequisites alone does not guarantee a student admission into the degree program.
Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C- is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses. (Courses with an * must be passed with a grade of B- or better in no more than two attempts)
- (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*
- APK X105C 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 Public Speaking – 3 credit hours
State Mathematics Pathway – Exercise Science B.S. (6 Credit Hours)*
The Exercise Science B.S. uses the Statistical Thinking Mathematics Pathway with the following requirements:
Required Supporting Course: 1 course; 3 credit hours
The following is a required supporting course. It is a prerequisite for major required coursework:
Major Core Courses: 2 courses; 6 credit hours
Major Required Courses: 16 courses; 50-53 credit hours
Additional Information - Exercise Science B.S.
GPA Requirements
Once admitted, students must maintain a 2.0 overall GPA and earn a 2.0 in all major coursework.
Receive a grade of C- or higher in all other required courses and maintain a 2.0 GPA (overall and in major) to progress to the next semester.
Grading Requirements
Students must earn a B- or higher (in no more than two attempts) in the following courses:
- APK 3120
- BSC X085/X085L or PET X322/X322L or BSC X093/X093L or APK X100C or BSC X085C or BSC X093C
- BSC X086/X086L or APX 105C or BSC X094/X094L or PET X323C
- HUN X201 or HSC X100
- MAC X105 or MAC X140 or MAC X147 or MAC X311
Students must earn a C- or higher in all major coursework outside of the specialized criteria coursework.
Residency Requirements
A student must complete 32 hours of major coursework at USF to meet residency requirements.
Time Limit for Coursework
The College of Education reserves the right to determine whether courses five years or older can be applied toward a degree based on the following guidelines:
- Courses completed within the last five years may be accepted toward graduation.
- Courses completed over five years but less than ten years ago must have the approval of the chairperson from the department in which the equivalent course is taught.
- Courses completed ten years ago or longer will count as elective credit only toward graduation.
Other Information
The Exercise Science major is a full-time major. Students must be available for classes from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST), Monday through Thursday each semester. Additional time commitments may be necessary for coursework such as PET 3940 - Practicum in Fitness and Wellness and PET 4941 - Internship in Fitness and Wellness .
Though no computer course is recommended, students need to possess excellent computer skills, i.e., MS applications.
It is recommended that students take the following courses as electives as they will be helpful in the Exercise Science major:
- PEM 2131 – Weight Training
- HLP 2081 – Personal Wellness
In order to graduate with a BS in Exercise Science, students must complete 15 hours of volunteer community service for a non-profit health and wellness organization.
In addition to tuition, fees, and books the student is responsible for the following costs:
- Material and supply fee for PET 3384 - Exercise Testing and Prescription ;
- Student membership for the Exercise Science student organization;
- Professional liability insurance for practicum, internships, and other hands-on experiences;
- Student membership in at least one professional organization;
- Transportation to and from field experiences required in courses including the practicum, internships, and other hands-on experiences;
- Any additional 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;
- Any 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; and,
- Assignments in some classes (e.g., printing/binding of group project reports, academic and professional portfolio, etc.).
Research Opportunities - College of Education
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 - Advanced Undergraduate Research Experience course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of High Impact Practices and Undergraduate Research (HIPUR) is able to assist with further inquiries.
Plans of Study - Exercise Science B.S.
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Return to: College of Education
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