Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
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Build advanced knowledge of the science behind movement, exercise, health, and human performance with the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program at South College.
Building upon foundational exercise science concepts, the curriculum explores areas including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, health behavior, specialized populations, preventive health, and evidence-based exercise interventions. Laboratory-based courses provide opportunities for hands-on scientific learning, while advanced coursework and capstone experiences help students apply their knowledge to complex situations in exercise science and related health fields.
Students can choose between Healthcare and Applied Exercise Business tracks, allowing them to align their studies more closely with their educational and professional goals.
The program is designed to prepare graduates to apply exercise science principles in areas such as fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, healthcare, strength and conditioning, and human performance. Coursework also supports preparation for nationally recognized professional certification standards and continued study in graduate and professional programs.
The 181.5-quarter-credit-hour program can be completed full-time in 14 consecutive quarters and is designed to be offered in an online or hybrid format, providing flexibility while incorporating applied and laboratory-based learning experiences.
Healthcare Track
The Healthcare Track is designed for students interested in applying exercise science within health, wellness, rehabilitation, and related settings or pursuing further education in allied health fields. Students can build advanced knowledge in human performance and exercise science while preparing for potential graduate study in areas such as physical therapy, athletic training, and exercise physiology.
Applied Exercise Business Track
The Applied Exercise Business Track combines exercise science with concepts relevant to the business and administration of fitness, wellness, and human performance. This option is designed for students interested in applying their exercise science knowledge within fitness, wellness, performance, and related organizations and settings.
Develop Essential Skills In
- Exercise physiology
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Biomechanics and human movement
- Motor learning
- Strength and conditioning
- Health behavior and behavior change
- Exercise assessment and intervention
- Specialized populations
- Human performance
- Preventive health and wellness
- Evidence-based practice
- Client-centered planning
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Community health and physical activity
- Professional and ethical decision-making
- Critical evaluation of exercise science research
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Mission
The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program is to prepare knowledgeable, ethical, and skilled professionals who integrate evidence-based practice and critical thinking to assess human performance. The program is designed to prepare graduates to apply advanced knowledge of exercise science in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, healthcare, and human performance settings.
Program Goals
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program is designed to:
- Implement advanced knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, and health behavior to design, implement, and evaluate safe, effective, evidence-based practice.
- Integrate practical skills, professional dispositions, and evidence-based decision-making to address complex needs in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, and human performance settings.
- Demonstrate professional knowledge and competencies consistent with nationally recognized certification standards, including ACSM and NSCA, and applicable state and professional standards.
- Evaluate emerging evidence, professional standards, and continuing education opportunities to support ongoing professional growth and advancement in exercise science and related health professions.
- Analyze community health needs and develop evidence-based physical activity, wellness, and preventive health initiatives for diverse and underserved populations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:
- Implement foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and behavior change to design and deliver effective exercise interventions across populations.
- Exemplify ethical decision-making, cultural responsiveness, and professional conduct consistent with national standards in exercise science.
- Develop holistic, client-centered care plans by working effectively with healthcare, rehabilitation, nutrition, and wellness professionals.
- Demonstrate readiness for certification, continuing education, and career advancement through reflective practice and lifelong learning.
- Formulate strategies to promote physical activity, reduce chronic disease risk, and improve access to wellness services within communities.
- Develop and implement preventive programs that address population-level health concerns, including early identification of movement-related issues.
Build Your Future in Exercise Science
Exercise science connects an understanding of the human body with the science of movement, performance, physical activity, and wellness. Through advanced coursework and applied experiences, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program can help you develop the knowledge and skills to pursue your professional goals or continue your education in graduate and allied health programs.
You May Enjoy This Line of Study If You…
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Are fascinated by exercise physiology, movement, and human performance -
Want to understand how scientific principles can be used to improve fitness, wellness, and physical performance -
Enjoy combining science with hands-on and applied learning -
Are interested in clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, health promotion, or human performance -
Want to explore careers in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, or tactical performance -
Are considering graduate study in physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, or another allied health field -
Want to prepare academically for nationally recognized exercise science certification standards
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What is the tuition for South College?
Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
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Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
Is South College Accredited?
Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 150 programs and concentrations and campuses in multiple states, the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
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South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
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Does South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
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Online vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 141 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
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As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.
