Overview
By definition, exercise science is the scientific study of human movement and how the human body adapts to changes associated with exercise. For individuals wanting to pursue a career in an exercise science-related field, Florida is a great option due to the many institutions that offer degrees in the area. In the state of Florida, there are thirteen degree programs that focus on exercise science and similar topics. Those enrolled in an exercise science program will take courses focused on anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, and more.
After obtaining their exercise science degree, individuals can get started in their career in an entry-level position such as coaching, strength and conditioning, or personal training, while some may wish to pursue a higher level degree in a more specific topic such as exercise physiology or athletic training. With Florida’s almost year-long tropical climate, the sports and fitness industry is booming and always in search of new professionals.
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What Can I Expect to Learn in an Exercise Science Program?
Degree Timetable
Depending on the degree and degree level an individual chooses for their exercise science degree, completion can take between 4-6 years if one is starting with a bachelor’s degree. Some graduate degrees may be completed in one year in an accelerated program after an individual obtains their bachelor’s degree.
Degree Plan of Study
Most exercise science programs will follow a comparable plan of study with minor differences in the order courses are taken and advanced courses of certain topics in a degree that has a concentration in a specific area. The center of focus for an exercise science degree will be on courses on anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, biomechanics, and other related topics. Multiple or advanced courses that build off previous courses in some topics may be required to solidify one’s foundation. Students in most programs will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clinical experiences or internships to get hands-on experience in the field they plan to start a career in.
Upon completion of the required courses, clinical experience/internship hours, and any other requirements from their institution, students will have become knowledgeable professionals with a solid understanding of the human body, how it works, and how exercise can affect it. They will also be able to create and implement exercise adaptations and programs for a variety of individuals.
Requirements for Acceptance to an Exercise Science Program
Most schools will have very similar requirements for acceptance into their programs, with slight variations in things such as test scores or prerequisite courses. All graduate programs will require a student to have obtained their bachelor’s degree before enrolling, along with maintaining a certain grade point average (GPA). Test scores such as the SAT, ACT, or Graduate Record Examination may be required by some schools. Students may also have to apply to both the school overall and to their individual program. Some schools may require their prospective students to submit references, cover letters, or interviews with faculty members within the program. It is good to note that some school’s applications may include a non-refundable application fee.
Florida Bachelors Degrees in Exercise Science
There are nine bachelor’s degree programs in the state of Florida that focus on the area of exercise science. Continue down the page to read about each one:
University of West Florida
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Endorsed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the University of West Florida’s program provides its students with a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise testing, and exercise prescription to prepare them for pursuing a career in fitness, clinical healthcare, or continuing to graduate studies in a similar field. Students in the program will be able to utilize the program’s state-of-the-art labs as well as complete a 360-hour internship during their senior year to get hands-on experience in the field.
Accreditation
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
By focusing on providing their students with the knowledge and skills needed in the exercise science profession, this program allows students to take courses in topics related to biology, social sciences, and psychological science to enable them to cater to a diverse population once in their professional careers. Graduates from the University of South Florida’s program will be prepared to start a career related to exercise science or move on to graduate studies in a related field.
Accreditation
Florida Southern University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Florida Southern’s program strives to centralize its program around preparing students to be well-versed in anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Students will gain confidence throughout the program in their ability to create and alter exercises for individuals who have limitations. Students also have the opportunity to use the program’s labs with state-of-the-art equipment like the BODPOD, force plates, analyzers, and more. Students will be required to complete an internship towards the end of the program to put their skills to the test in real-life situations.
Accreditation
Florida Gulf Coast University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Students enrolled in this 120-credit program will center their studies around analyzing movement and maximizing an individual’s performance levels in a variety of populations. Students will take general education courses in their first 2 years and exercise science-related classes in years 3 and 4. Students will be able to enter careers related to fitness and exercise or pursue graduate degrees in related topics.
Accreditations
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
This program will focus on teaching students the ins and outs of kinesiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and other related topics. Students will have the opportunity to work with professionals already in the field as well as state-of-the-art equipment. At the end of Nova Southeastern’s program, students can pursue their Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification (CSCS), enter a career related to exercise science, or pursue a graduate degree.
Accreditation
Barry University
Bachelor of Science in Applied Sports and Exercise Science
Barry University offers a 120-credit program that introduces students to movement sciences to help them develop a solid foundation that will enable them to pursue a career in the fields of sports, exercise, fitness, or wellness. The program offers three concentrations for students to choose from: coaching, fitness specialist, or sport, exercise, and performance psychology. Each student will participate in a 6-credit internship within their concentration to get hands-on experience.
Accreditation
Palm Beach Atlantic
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
This program will provide students with the most up-to-date instruction using their state-of-the-art facilities to enable hands-on learning. Through their internships, students will get to work with a variety of individuals, ranging from high-level athletes to individuals with health limitations. Those who graduate from the program can choose to immediately enter their career or continue in a graduate program.
Accreditation
Jacksonville University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The program at Jacksonville University has a goal to produce graduates who are competent and dedicated to advancing the field of exercise science. The program focuses on 2 primary agendas: Study Human Movement and Study Physical Activity. Through the Study Human Movement agenda, students will learn anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, applied neuroscience, and other related topics to prepare them for a career in the health and fitness fields. The Study Physical Activity agenda maintains a focus on examining and assessing fitness levels to give students a better understanding of how it impacts an individual’s quality of life, health, and society.
Accreditation
Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers students an array of options when it comes to completing their degree in exercise science. They offer traditional and 100% online learning options with concentrations in exercise physiology, pre-physical therapy/occupational therapy. FAU also offers a combined bachelor’s and master’s program in each concentration, so students can obtain both degrees in a shorter amount of time than it would traditionally take. Students can feel confident in knowing they will graduate with a solid understanding and knowledge of exercise science through innovative learning, research opportunities, and hands-on experience in any of the degree paths.
Accreditation
ADVERTISEMENT
Featured Kinesiology and Exercise Science Programs
- 100% Online Courses
- Top-Ranked Program
- 1.5 Year Program
Liberty University
M.S. in Exercise Science and Wellness
Impact the world of sports, fitness, and wellness with Liberty University’s Exercise Science & Wellness Master’s Degree.
- Four Unique Concentrations
- Complete in 1.5 Years
- Transfer Credits
Liberty University
M.S. in Human Performance
Learn how to develop health and wellness programs and improve physical education and community nutrition.
Florida Masters Degrees in Exercise Science
While there are numerous bachelor’s degrees in exercise science in the state of Florida, there are only four master’s programs, which are described below:
University of South Florida
Master of Science in Exercise Science
While the University of South Florida offers a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, they also offer a graduate degree that is aimed at individuals who wish to complete advanced schooling in the topic. Students in the program get to choose from three concentrations to individualize their studies: Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning, or Health and Wellness. All three concentrations will prepare students to pursue a career in a variety of fields, such as strength and conditioning, sports performance, or clinical rehabilitation.
Accreditation
Florida International University
Master of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science
This program is intended for those who wish to start a career in exercise science, strength and conditioning, motor behavior, or other related fields. It is a 30-credit hour, STEM-designated program catered towards students who have previously completed a bachelor’s in sports science, social sciences, or a related field of study. Students will use a scientific approach to apply kinesiology and exercise science to all stages of life through the combination of physiological and psychosocial research with real-life application.
Accreditation
Jacksonville University
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Students who complete their bachelor’s of exercise science at Jacksonville University or another institution can further their knowledge and skills in biomechanics, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and other topics in this program. Students have the opportunity to work with expert faculty in state-of-the-art labs to perfect their skills. The program also offers 4 different options for students to choose from to complete their degree. The standard option allows students to finish their program traditionally in 2 years. The accelerated option allows students to complete their degree in one year, this option is only offered once per year. The grad2grad option allows undergraduate students who are accepted to the graduate program in their junior year to take 12 credits of graduate courses during their last undergraduate year, allowing them to finish both degrees in 5 years. The last option is the thesis option, which allows students to complete a thesis project with an exercise science faculty advisor. Students who choose this option will take six credits of a thesis class over two semesters and submit their final thesis to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Accreditation
University of Tampa
Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science
As a program that has been recognized by the International Society of Sports Nutrition as the first graduate program in Florida to offer approved coursework to prepare students for the Certified Sports Nutritionist exam from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN), UT produces highly regarded professionals in the field. The program’s main goal is to investigate how exercise and nutrition science work hand in hand to optimize athletic performance. Students will use a combination of concepts from strength and conditioning and exercise physiology to determine how nutrition can impact each area. Students will have the opportunity to learn through rigorous classroom study and hands-on experiences through collaborations with local athletic teams and companies involved in exercise and/or nutrition.
Accreditation
What to Expect with a Career in Exercise Science
Obtaining an exercise science degree is a great starting point if an individual dreams of working in the exercise or fitness industry in Florida or has goals of obtaining a higher degree in a related field. Florida offers an immense collection of possible career choices for someone just starting in the field, whether it is working as a strength and conditioning coach or as a personal trainer. With the multiple institutions in the state that offer an exercise science degree, individuals can also obtain their bachelor’s or master’s in the topic and pursue a higher degree in something like athletic training, physical therapy, or exercise physiology if they wish.
The salary range for someone with a degree in exercise science can vary depending on multiple factors. The area of expertise they have chosen for their career path, the level of degree and degree type they have obtained, and experience in the field can all play a factor in how much an individual will make in their career. As of 2023, individuals with an exercise science degree working in Florida can expect to make anywhere between $31,000 and $38,000.
https://www.talent.com/salary?job=exercise+science&location=florida
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of exercise science in the state of Florida is expected to grow 10% between 2022 and 2032, this is much faster than the average rate of growth in the field, which is an exciting outlook for those wishing to pursue a career in exercise science in the Sunshine State.