person conducting exercise experiments in a lab
What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Minimum of 120 semester hours

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: Aug. 1
  • Summer: May 1*
  • Spring: Nov. 1

* Students should apply for summer admission only if they are planning to take required major courses.

Exercise Science, B.S.

Georgia State’s B.S. in Exercise Science prepares students for careers in adult fitness and wellness, worksite health promotion/corporate fitness, personal training, clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation and other related fields. Preparation is also provided in biomechanical analysis, program management, sports skills development and enhancement, strength and conditioning, and related topics.

Employers value Exercise Science majors. In every class, at every event, and in every program in which you participate, you practice skills that connect to the competencies employers value most.

  • Heath care, exercise, and fitness thrives in team-based environments, and the B.S. Exercise Science curriculum is designed to enhance collaboration skills that will transfer in the field. This is accomplished through group activities and labs.
  • The Exercise Science Program integrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills in program-level courses.
  • Technology is evolving in the health and fitness industry, and allowing our students to experience and train with the most recent technology to help evaluate the human body is paramount.
  • Many classes aim to help students evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and work develop as leaders in the field.

Program Highlights

Research & Experience Opportunities

With more people becoming healthy and physically active, the demand for exercise science professionals has greatly increased. Several corporate headquarters have been established in or moved to Atlanta, increasing the need for corporate wellness centers, health educators and wellness coaches.

Our program’s location in the heart of Atlanta provides ample opportunities for conducting research and getting practical experience with several cutting-edge facilities and organizations. Students participate in a semester-long internship to put what they’ve learned into practice before they graduate. While students complete an internship or research fellowship before graduating, they are encouraged to become involved in faculty research throughout their program.

MUSCLES

Many students in the exercise science program participate in Moving University Students Closer to Leadership in Exercise Science (MUSCLES). MUSCLES is a student organization that offers opportunities to network, participate in community service activities, attend educational events and connect with the regional and national chapters of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Georgia State exercise science students have won the Southeastern ACSM Student Trivia Bowl title and have placed as high as third nationally. Our students also have an above national average pass rate for ACSM’s Certified Exercise Physiologist Exam.

Sign up for MUSCLES

Program Details

Admissions Requirements

Program Requirements for Students in Fall 2019 Catalog and After:

  • completion of Areas A-F
  • completion of the following two Area F courses, with a minimum grade of “C” or better on the first attempt (WF counts as an attempt) — competitive applicants will have a grade of “B-” or better in each: KH 2220K and 2230K
  • submission of the major application, including a statement of purpose not to exceed 1,000 words, which addresses 1) your educational and career objectives and how an Exercise Science degree will help you achieve those goals, and 2) lists extracurricular activities, including jobs, volunteer work, student clubs/organizations, etc.

Program Requirements for Students in Fall 2016 through Summer 2019 Catalogs:

  • completion of Areas A-E
  • completion of the following four Area F courses, with a minimum grade of “C” or better on the first attempt (WF counts as an attempt) — competitive applicants will have a grade of “B-” or better in each: KH 2220, KH 2221, KH 2230, and KH 2231
  • submission of the major application, including a statement of purpose not to exceed 1,000 words, which addresses 1) your educational and career objectives and how an Exercise Science degree will help you achieve those goals, and 2) lists extracurricular activities, including jobs, volunteer work, student clubs/organizations, etc.

Program Requirements for Students in Catalogs Prior to Fall 2016:

  • completion of Areas A-E
  • completion of the following two courses with a minimum grade of “C” and minimum combined course grade point average of 2.5 in no more than two attempts per course: KH 2220 (Anatomy in Kinesiology & Health) and KH 2230 (Physiology in Kinesiology & Health)
  • submission of the major application

Apply for this program »

Program of Study

B.S. in Exercise Science

Areas A-E: Core Curriculum Recommendations

Students must complete 42 semester hours in Areas A-E of the Undergraduate Core Curriculum. MATH 1111 is a prerequisite for B.S. Exercise Science majors. The Department of Kinesiology and Health recommends that students take MATH 1111 in Area A2. If a student chooses MATH 1101 or lower in Area A2,they must still complete MATH 1111 prior to taking KH 3600 in Area G. The department recommends taking CHEM 1151K/1152K or PHYS 1111K/1112K as the 2 course sequence in Area D (the 1 extra credit hour will count in Area G). MATH 1112 or MATH 1113 are prerequisites for PHYS1111K/1112K. The department recommends taking PSYC 1101 for Area E.

Semester hours are shown in parentheses after an entry.

Area F. Courses Appropriate for a Major (18)

Required (18):

KH 2130 Introduction to Kinesiology and Health (3)
KH 2220K Anatomy and Lab in Kinesiology and Health (4)
KH 2230K Physiology and Lab in Kinesiology and Health (4)
KH 2520 Principles of Physical Activity and Fitness (3)
Choose One Course (4):
The course cannot be used in Area D.

BIOL 1103K Introductory Biology I (4)
BIOL 1104K Introductory Biology II (4)
BIOL 2107 Principles of Biology I (3) and BIOL 2107L Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1)
BIOL 2108 Principles of Biology II (3) and [BIOL  2108L) Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1)
CHEM 1151K Survey of Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 1152K Survey of Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 1211K Principles of Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 1212 Principles of Chemistry II (4)
PHYS 1111K Introductory Physics I (4)
PHYS 1112K Introductory Physics II (4)
PHYS 2211K Principles of Physics I (4)
PHYS 2212K Principles of Physics II (4)
KH 2220K and KH 2230K may be attempted only once. A WF counts as an attempt. Transfer students who transfer these course(s) into Georgia State University, may use the grades in the last attempted transferred course or they may attempt them (once) at Georgia State University.

A grade of “C” or higher is required for KH 2130 and KH 2520.

Students can petition to use BIOL 2110K and BIOL 2120K in place of KH 2220K and KH 2230K; however, a student must still receive a “C” or higher in each course.

Area G. Major Courses (54)

A grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses in Area G.

To enroll in the upper-level courses listed below, students must be declared B.S. Exercise Science students. Students must complete the prerequisites for these courses with a grade of “C” or higher.

KH 3500 Integrative Aspects of Human Movement in Health and Performance (3)
KH 3550 Statistics and Evaluation in Exercise Science (3)
KH 3600 Biomechanics (3)
KH 3650 Physiology of Exercise-CTW (4)
KH 4280 Psychology of Physical Activity (3)
KH 4290 Cardiopulmonary Physiology (3)
KH 4300 Neuromuscular Physiology and Plasticity (3)
KH 4350 Fitness Program Management-CTW (3)
KH 4360 Clinical Exercise Physiology (4)
KH 4600 Advanced Biomechanics for Exercise Science (3)
KH 4630 Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription (4)
Electives (18):
Select six or more:
A minimum of 9 credits must be KH electives.

BIOL 2240 Introduction to Human Physiology (3) and BIOL 2250 Human Physiology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 2300 Microbiology and Public Health (3) and BIOL 2310 Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory (1)
CNHP 2010 Medical Terminology for Healthcare (3)
GERO 4200 Health and the Older Adult (3) (same as SNHP 4200)
GERO 4610 Psychology of Aging (3) (same as PSYC 4610)
KH 3680 International Experience in Sport and Exercise Science (3)
KH 3760 Special Topics in Kinesiology and Health (3)
KH 3820 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
KH 4380 Obesity and Related Complications (3)
KH 4400 Environmental Exercise Physiology (3)
KH 4430 Advanced Concepts in Strength Training and Performance (4)
KH 4440 Exercise Biochemistry (3)
KH 4620 Advanced Clinical Exercise Physiology (3)
KH 4640 Principles and Practice of Program Design (3)
MATH 1111 College Algebra (3)
PSYC 3450 Health Psychology (3)
NUTR 2100 Principles of Nutrition (3)
NUTR 3100 Nutrition and Health (3)
NUTR 3500 Macronutrient Nutrition (3)
NUTR 4960 Nutrition and Physical Fitness (3)
RT 3005 Clinical Cardiopulmonary Physiology (3)
SOCI 4230 Sociology of Health and Illness (3)
Other courses may be selected with consent of adviser.
Area H. Practicum (6 semester hours)

Students must successfully complete all courses in Area G to be authorized to enroll in Area H courses. Students cannot enroll in other courses while completing Area H requirements without the consent of the program advisor. A grade of “S” is required in all courses in Area H. This experience is established with the assistance of the Program advisor and the Internship Coordinator.

Required (1):

KH 4750 Practicum in Exercise Science (1)*
Select One (5):

KH 4760 Internship in Exercise Science (5)
KH 4800 Research Fellowship in Exercise Science (5)**
*Students are required to complete an Exit Exam. This exam is given in KH 4750 Practicum in Exercise Science and must be passed in order to successfully complete KH 4750 and graduate. Students are also required to take a national certification exam from a list of department-approved certification exams and report their results in order to successfully complete KH 4750 Practicum in Exercise Science.

**Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of 5 credit hours that may extend beyond one semester but no more than three semesters.

Total Program: minimum of 120 semester hours

Program Financial Information

Lab fees are associated with several courses within the Exercise Science program. In addition, B.S. majors must pay all tuition and fees charged by the university and the college.

The exercise science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES).

Internships give students practical experience in planning, organizing, assessing and implementing programs in exercise science, including but not limited to, industrial fitness, health clubs, rehabilitation clinics, wellness centers and athletic clubs.

The Department of Kinesiology and Health in accord with the College of Education and the other colleges and departments of the university seeks an ever-increasing degree of excellence in a wide variety of programs. The Department’s mission includes:

Recognizing that physical activity is vital for all people, the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State seeks to:

  • discover new knowledge and advance the understanding of the role of physical activity in attaining optimal health and well-being,
  • educate members of society and prepare future professionals, and
  • promote healthy lifestyles through life-long activity and learning.

The Department provides professional preparation and continuing education in each of these fields, generates and communicates knowledge, and serves the community with emphasis on the urban setting of which it is a part. The Department recognizes the necessity of cross cultural competence and actively supports international development activities in research, teaching and service. Although the Department is diverse in the disciplines it embraces, the members of the faculty are united in their interdisciplinary commitment to the highest quality in all of these pursuits.

Student Learning Outcome Goals and Competencies for the BS Exercise Science Program:

1: Content Knowledge

Students should have an understanding of content, principles, and research related to anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, movement performance and psychology of physical activity courses

2: Practical Skills

Students should be able to develop, conduct, and communicate safe and effective assessments and programs associated with physical activity, wellness and exercise in clinical and non-clinical populations.

3: Professional Development

Students should be able to demonstrate evidence-based critical thinking and problem solving, as well as the professional attributes related to a successful career in exercise science.

Student Resources

Career Outcomes

Employers Value Exercise Science Majors

Our alumni find a wide variety of careers open to them in exercise science. Our most recent graduates have landed the following positions:

  • Assistant coach for beach volleyball at Georgia State University
  • Certified athletic trainer at Alliance Spine and Pain Center
  • Exercise Physiology Lab Research Technician at Georgia Tech
  • Minor League Athletic Trainer for the Texas Rangers
  • Clinical Instructor for Georgia State in the Department of Kinesiology and Health
  • Studying the Medical Device Sales Industry at Medical Sales College – Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Reconstruction and Trauma
  • Ergonomic Specialist for Progressive Health

Many of our alumni also continue their education in the Kinesiology, Ph.D. program.

Trainer helping someone stretch

Contacts

Program Coordinator
Courtney Strosnider
[email protected]
404-413-8109

Kinesiology and Health
[email protected]
404-413-8050

Mailing Address & Office Location
Georgia State Sports Arena
125 Decatur Street SE, Suite 137
Atlanta, GA 30303

College of Education Logo30 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303