Program Guide

Exercise Physiology

College: Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
Degree: BS in Exercise Physiology
Specialized Admission: No

*Please Note: Face-to-face/in-person instruction of this program is available ONLY at the main campus in Tallahassee, FL. This program is NOT available via Online/Distance Learning.*

The Exercise Physiology major prepares students for graduate study in exercise physiology, physical therapy, and other health fields including medical school, as well as positions as personal trainers and health fitness instructors with both hospital-based wellness programs and corporate fitness programs.

Requirements for Admission to the Upper-Division Major

Students must complete at least 52 hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 and at least half the required General Education hours, including English composition and mathematics, or an A.A. Degree. 

Students must complete the following courses in preparation for upper-division coursework in the major. All of the following may also apply toward General Education and/or major coursework. 

MAC 1105 (3) College Algebra
MAC X114 (3) Analytic Trigonometry or approved alternative
MAC X140 (3) Pre-calculus Algebra or approved alternative
HUN X201 (3) The Science of Nutrition
CHM X045, X045L (3,1) General Chemistry I with Lab
CHM X046, X046L (3,1) General Chemistry II with Lab
BSC X010, X010L (3,1) Biological Science I with Lab
PSY X012 (3) General Psychology
*BSC X011/L (3,1) Biological Science II and Lab
*PET 3322/L (OR BSC X085/L) (3,1) Functional Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab (†)
*PET 3322C (OR BSC X086/L) (3,1) Functional Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab (†)

* = Required for graduation but not required for admission consideration or certification to upper-division status in the major

(†) = The Anatomy and Physiology I and II sequence, for all lectures and labs, MUST be completed with the same prefix (i.e. PET 3322 + PET 3322L + PET 3322C OR BSC 2085 + BSC 2085L + BSC 2086 + BSC 2086L).

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org .

Major Program of Studies: (41-46 hours)
A final grade of C minus or better is required in all prerequisite and major courses.

Upper Division Major Coursework: (32-37 hours)
Complete all of the following:

HUN 3224 (3) Intermediary Metabolism of Nutrients I
HUN 3226 (3) Intermediary Metabolism of Nutrients II
PET 3102 (1) Introduction to Exercise Science ("S" grade required)
APK 3110C (4) Applied Exercise Physiology
PET 4551 (3) Exercise Testing and Prescription
STA 2122 (3) Introduction to Applied Statistics or STA 2023 (3) Business Statistics
CHM 3217, 3217L (3,1) One Semester Organic Chemistry and Lab or all of: CHM 2210, CHM 2211, CHM 2211L (3,3,3) Organic I, II, II Lab
BCH 3023C (3) Introduction to Biochemistry or BCH 4053 (3) General Biochemistry I
PHY 2053C (4) College Physics A with Lab
PHY 2054C (4) College Physics B with Lab

Electives: (9 hours minimum)
Select any three (3) of the following:

HSC 4711 (3) Wellness and Risk Reduction
PET 3361 (3) Nutrition and Sport
APK 4400 (3) Sport Psychology
APK 3164 (3) Eating Disorders and Body Image
ATR 3102 (3) Athletic Training (for non-majors)
APK 3113 (3) Strength and Conditioning
PET 4076 (4) Physical Dimensions of Aging
APK4401 (3) Exercise Psychology
APK4402 (3) Applied Sport Psychology
HUN4362 (3) Fundamental Foods
APK4403 (3) Performance Psychology
PET3932r (3) Special Topics

Digital Literacy: (0-3 hours beyond major)
CGS 2060 Computer Fluency (3) or any University accepted Digital Literacy course.

Oral Communication Competency: (0-3 hours beyond major)
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met through any University approved college-level course; SPC 1017 suggested.

Electives to meet the graduation requirement of 120 hours; at least ten hours must be at the 3000-4000 level.

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary
Min. Hrs. Required 120
General Education 36*
Prerequisites 39*
Major Coursework 47*
Minor Coursework 0
Digital Literacy 0-3
Oral Competency 0-3
Electives to bring total hours to 120

*NOTE: MAC 1105 (3), STA 2122 (3) and PSY 2012 (3) General Psychology should be taken as part of General Education requirements. Other courses required for this major may also be used to satisfy General Education requirements."

Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.

Salary Information: For more information go to: National Association of Colleges and Employers (www.naceweb.org) or the Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm) provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Exercise Leader, Fitness Instructor/Consultant, Corporate Fitness Manager, Exercise Testing Technician, Fitness Club Manager, Activities Director, Health & Fitness Advisor, Exercise Physiologist.

Representative Employers: Athletic Teams, Hospitals, Fitness Centers, Private Practice, Health Organizations, Spas/Resorts, Health Departments.