Exercise Science

Overview

Future career opportunities exist in the following settings or positions: corporate fitness programs, commercial fitness centers, cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation programs, strength and conditioning coordinator, personal training services and ergonomics.

Students must be first aid/CPR certified and are required to complete service learning projects within their discipline. The curriculum consists of courses from a variety of disciplines including public health, health sciences and behavioral sciences. Central to the program of study is applied service learning opportunities offered through a range of course projects and internships. Georgia College offers an undergraduate curriculum that emphasizes liberal arts and includes professional degree programs that provide students with a breadth and depth of preparation for their intended careers.

Students pursuing the Exercise Science program of Georgia College will choose from one of three concentration tracks: 

• BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Performance and Fitness (students wishing to be personal trainers, strength, conditioning, and/or fitness professionals);

• BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Pre-Professional (students wishing to continue their education in a professional school such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, etc.); or

• BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine (students interested in the area of athletic training who may want to pursue that degree at the graduate level). 

Exercise Science is a natural fit for students looking to go into medicine and physical therapy/rehabilitation because our program focuses on primary prevention. Graduates in Exercise Science are qualified for entry level and managerial positions in corporate, hospital, government, school and private health and fitness programs. Graduates will also be qualified to take several American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association certification examinations. Students will also be qualified to pursue graduate degrees in human performance (both research and clinically based). Program graduates will also have a sufficient knowledge base to be strong applicants for physical therapy, physician assistant and medical school.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities identified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Health Fitness Specialist (HFS). 

• Students will integrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in a hands-on manner in a professional Allied Health setting. 

• Students will demonstrate skills in risk factor and health status identification, fitness assessment and exercise prescription. 

• Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively educate and/or counsel individuals regarding lifestyle modification. 

• Students will design and organize health and fitness programs for a wide range of apparently healthy individuals (low risk), athletic populations and/or various special populations (diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, etc.).