Exercise Physiology

B.S. in Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology is ideal for students interested in the science of exercise and nutrition, and its impact on the body. The program includes extensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, exercise physiology, and metabolism.

FSU was the first university in the nation to offer an innovative curriculum that combined nutrition and exercise physiology. The degree prepares students for graduate studies in exercise physiology and post-graduate training programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, chiropractic, physician assistant, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Students are also prepared for positions as personal trainers and health fitness instructors with hospital-based and corporate fitness programs. Upon graduating, students may be eligible for certification in programs offered through the American College of Sports Medicine.

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. As a prerequisite for entry into each undergraduate major in the department, students must achieve a grade of B-minus or higher in HUN 1201.

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. (See section on “Grades and Continuation Requirements.”)

Course # Hours Name
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 (“B minus” or higher required)
CHM X045, X045L 4 (3+1) General Chemistry I (and lab)
CHM X046, X046L 4 (3+1) General Chemistry II (and lab)
BSC X010, X010L 4 (3+1) Biological Science I (and lab)
PSY X012 3 General Psychology

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.

In order to graduate and/or continue with a major in Exercise Physiology, students must earn these required final grades in the following courses:

Grades and Continuation Requirements
Students are only allowed a single repeat in just one of the following courses.
(any attempt, at any institution)
“B minus” (or higher) HUN 1201
“C minus” (or higher) MAC 1105
MAC 1114
MAC 1140
BSC 2010
BSC 2010L
BSC 2011
CHM 1045
CHM 1045L
CHM 1046
CHM 1046L
Either CHM 2210 or CHM 2220
PSY 2012
STA 2122
“S” (Satisfactory) PET 3102

A grade of “C minus“ (or higher) is required in all other coursework required for the major.

82 Total Hours
College of Human Sciences Core (6 hours)
FAD 2230 3 Family Relationships
XXX XXXX 3 Additional Course
(any course offered by the College of Human Sciences that is not required for this major)
Department/Major Requirements (25 hours)
HUN 1201 3 Science of Nutrition (B minus or higher required)
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)
PET 3322, 3322L 4 (3,1) Functional Anatomy and Physiology I (C+ or higher required in each)
PET 3323C 4 Functional Anatomy and Physiology II
APK 3110C 4 Applied Exercise Physiology
PET 4551C 3 Exercise Testing and Prescription
Required Electives (Select 3 of the following, 9 hours minimum)
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
PET 3932 3 Physical Activity and Health
ATR 3102 3 Athletic Training (for non-majors)
PET 3932r 3 Special Topics – Exercise and Disease
APK 3113 3 Strength and Conditioning
PET 4076 4 Physical Dimensions of Aging
Required Coursework Outside of Department/College (42 hours)
MAC 1114 2 MAC 1114 (2) Analytic Trigonometry
MAC 1140 3 Pre-calculus Algebra
STA 2122 3 Introduction to Applied Statistics
or STA 2023
PSY 2012 3 General Psychology
CHM 1045, 1045L 4 (3,1) General Chemistry I and Lab
CHM 1046, 1046L 4 (3,1) General Chemistry II and Lab
PET 3932r 3 Special Topics – Exercise and Disease
APK 3113 3 Strength and Conditioning
PET 4076 4 Physical Dimensions of Aging
CHM 3217 4 (3,1) One semester organic chemistry
or all of: CHM 2210 (3) and CHM 2211, CHM 2211L (3,1) – Organic I, II + Lab
BCH 3023, 3023L 4 (3,1) Survey of Biochemistry and Lab
or BCH 4624 (3) – Human Biochemistry
BSC 2010, 2010L 4 (3,1) Biological Sciences I and Lab
BSC 2011, 2011L 4 (3,1) BSC 2011, 2011L (3, 2) Biological Sciences II and Lab
PHY 2053C 4 College Physics A w/ Lab
PHY 2054C 4 College Physics B w/ Lab
Minimum Program Requirements (Summary)
Min. Hours Required 120
General Education 36*
Prerequisites 0 (beyond general ed. & major coursework)
Major Coursework 82*
Minor Coursework 0
Computer Skills 0 (beyond the major)
CGS 2060 (3) or BSC 2010L (1)
Oral Competency 0 – 3
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met through with an approved college-level course; SPC 1017 suggested.
Electives to bring total hours to 120 (min. of 9 hours)
Electives to meet the graduation requirement of 120 hours; at least ten hours must be at the 3000-4000 level.

*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

Combined Bachelor's / Master's Pathway in Exercise Physiology

Current undergraduate majors in exercise physiology at FSU may apply to the combined pathway. Earn your M.S. in only one additional year beyond the time it takes to finish your bachelor’s degree.