About this Program

The Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science is designed to prepare students for careers in developing exercise and wellness programs in settings such as hospitals, wellness and rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, sports performance centers, collegiate sport facilities, government agencies, health and fitness centers, and corporations. Academic preparation focuses on the scientific aspects of exercise related to a variety of populations, including athletes, first responders, and individuals with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, pulmonary and/or metabolic disease. The curriculum follows the standards of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and is an accredited Exercise Science Program by The Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (COAES) under . Upon completion of this program students are able to and commonly obtain the following certifications:

  • ACSM Exercise Physiology (ACSM EP-C)
  • ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiology (ACSM CEP) (*with additional clinical hours)
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association's (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS) 

The program also contains pre-requisite coursework and serves to prepare students for graduate studies in exercise science, physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy and other allied health fields including ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿'s Exercise Science master's degree.


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Physical education image of two people conducting a stress test. One on a bike with a mask, the other observing.

Program Highlights

  • Faculty: expert teacher-researchers who take pride in both endeavors

  • Laboratories: high-quality facilities with state-of-the-art research equipment

  • Service Learning: All students will get opportunities to practice their skills in the community through service learning projects in the coursework 

  • Internships: Partial and full semester internships available in areas related to the program. Many established local and non-local partnerships provided for students. Exercise Science Interns in 2024-2025 had a successful pass rate of 100%.

  • Graduate school preparation: Many students go on to physical therapy, athletic training, exercise science, occupational therapy graduate programs 

  • Research: students are encouraged to assist with faculty research projects and to present their own research at regional and national professional associations

  • Academics: in addition to Exercise Science course requirements students will choose from one of two tracks- Scientific Foundations of Exercise and Preventive/Rehabilitative Exercise

  • Program Satisfaction: 97% of 2024-2025 graduates were satisfied or very satisfied with their quality of instruction in the program. 95% of the over 500 graduates over the past 5 years were satisfied or very satisfied with program instruction.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Exercise Science at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Exercise Science should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.

Transfer

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Careers

Check out these ideas from ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿'s Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

$88,240 Median Salary

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$51,350 Median Salary

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

$45,380 annual Median Salary

Alumni Careers

Sentara Healthcare System
Chesapeake General
Harbor’s Edge
Jim White Fitness
City of Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center
CHKD Sports Medicine
Student sitting at fountain

Cost

Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ tuition and fees page

Active Duty Military Rate
$250 / Cost Per-Credit
Virginia Resident
$281 / Cost Per-Credit
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
$453 / Cost Per-Credit
Non-Resident
$972 / Cost Per-Credit

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Scholarships

Students have the opportunity to apply for the Melvin H. Williams Endowed Scholarship during their Junior Year

Contact

Senior Lecturer

1005 STUDENT RECREATION CTR
NORFOLK, VA 23529