Bachelor of Exercise Science Degree
Students in FGCU's Exercise Science program focus on analyzing movement and maximizing performance levels of high-level athletes, fitness-oriented persons, and special populations such as children and older adults.
Exercise Science graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Graduates of the Exercise Science program will be qualified for graduate programs in the applied sciences and in the health professions such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, sports nutrition, and sports psychology.
The Exercise Science program is 120 credit hours in length. Upper division requirements can be completed in five semesters.
-
Accreditation
Toggle More InfoInstitutional Accreditation
View information on FGCU institutional accreditation
Program Recognition
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) officially recognizes Florida Gulf Coast University's Exercise Science Program in Strength and Conditioning.
The NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP) recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning or personal training curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certifications.
The American College of Sports Medicine, Exercise is Medicine On Campus has recognized Florida Gulf Coast University as an Exercise is Medicine Gold Level Campus. -
Admissions Information
Toggle More InfoAdmissions Information for the 2025-2026 Catalog Year
If you are not yet an FGCU student, visit the Admissions Office Website
If you are a newly-admitted FGCU student please be sure to sign up for an Eagle View Orientation session. As part of this session you will be meeting with an academic advisor who will assist you in registering for classes for your major.
Admission Deadlines
Visit the Admissions Office Web site for information on admission deadlines of the university.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science has general education in years one and two and core specific classes in years three and four. When applying to progress into the upper level courses, applications must be submitted by February 1st of your sophomore year. Please see the Exercise Science Required Materials for more information on progressing to the upper level Exercise Science curriculum.
View Exercise Science Lower Level Degree Map
Please click the link above for the materials required by the Exercise Science Program. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisors to ensure that they are on track to meeting their academic goals. The checklist above should be utilized as a resource only and should not be considered comprehensive.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to analyze movement and maximize performance levels of high-level athletes, fitness-oriented persons, and special populations such as children and older adults. Graduates of the Exercise Science program will also be prepared for graduate programs in the applied sciences, athletic training, physical therapy and occupational therapy. The Exercise Science program is 120 credit hours in length. Upper division requirements are completed in five semesters with a cohort model entering in the fall semester.
For questions regarding entrance to the University, and lower level general education courses and prerequisites please make an appointment with the Marieb College Office of Academic Advising online
For questions about progressing to the upper level Exercise Science courses, please email the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences Office at exercisescience@fgcu.edu -
Program Requirements
Toggle More InfoProgram Requirements for the 2025-2026 Catalog Year
The General Education Program Website is located at https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/undergraduatestudies/generaleducation/
Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements
- Complete an Exercise Science program portfolio, which includes the following:
- Resume
- Responses to Section 2 and Section 3 on the Exercise Science portfolio development guidelines
- Submit the following materials:
- Exercise Science Technical Standards Signature form (signed by physician)
- Physical Exam Form (signed by physician)
- Present/Future Coursework Planning Sheet
- Program Prerequisite Reporting Sheet
- Immunization Form
- Establish an account for submission of required immunizations and health insurance information through the designated tracker
- Complete BSC 1010C with a minimum grade of "B-" (B minus) by the end of Semester 1.
- Complete PSY 2012 and MAC 1105 with a minimum grade of "C" by the end of Semester 1.
- Complete BSC 1085C with a minimum grade of "B-" (B minus) by the end of Semester 2.
- Complete MAC 1147 with a minimum grade of "C" by the end of Semester 2.
- Complete BSC 1086C with a minimum grade of "B-" (B minus) by the end of Semester 3.
- Complete CHM 1045 & CHM 1045L with a minimum grade of “C” by the end of Semester 3.
- Complete PHY 2053/L & HSC 2577 with a minimum grade of "C" by the end of Semester 4.
- Complete all other required lower division requirements (general education, CLWS, INKN, Civic Literacy and earning 60 credits) with a minimum grade of "C" by the end of the summer term immediately following Semester 4.
- Students must have an institutional GPA (or cumulative GPA in Gulfline, includes FGCU credits and grades) of 2.5 or higher by the end of Semester 4.
- Students must follow a pre-approved Program of Study approved by the student's faculty advisor.
- A student must perform at the appropriate level of generic abilities and criteria throughout the Exercise Science Program as outlined in the Professional Behaviors Plan.
- For Experiential Learning I & II, the Exercise Science program will attempt to place students at an approved site. In some situations, students will need to secure their own pre-approved placement which must meet the Exercise Science program's requirements for community site education. Please see the Exercise Science program website for additional criteria on Experiential Learning.
For timely degree completion, students must complete appropriate milestones. Failure to meet milestone requirements may result in required major reselection. Refer to the program website or Student Guidebook for further information on milestones and progression standards.
In addition to the program requirements, students must:
- Complete a minimum of 120 credits.
- Complete a minimum of 48 credits at the upper division (3000-4999 level).
- Satisfy the residency requirement: 30 of the last 60 credits must be completed at FGCU.
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all coursework attempted at FGCU.
- Complete all Required Courses in the Major with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Earn a minimum grade of C for all Exercise Science major courses.
- Satisfy the College-Level Skills and foreign language entrance requirements.
- Satisfy the Service-Learning requirement.
- Satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement.
- Perform at Entry Level in all criteria of the Professional Behaviors Plan.
- Submit an application for graduation by the deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
- Meet all FGCU requirements for graduation.
- Adhere to requirements as stated in the Exercise Science Student Guidebook.
- Complete the summer course enrollment requirement.
Program Requirements
- FGCU General Education Program (https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/undergraduatestudies/generaleducation/)
To prevent or minimize excess hours, select general education courses that satisfy common prerequisite requirements for your intended major. - Common Prerequisites
For this major, common prerequisite courses with an asterisk (*) require prior knowledge and skills demonstrated through degree acceleration programs (e.g., the College Board's Advanced Placement Program [AP], International Baccalaureate Program [IB], College-Level Examination Program [CLEP], Advanced International Certificate of Education Program [AICE]); dual enrollment; placement exam; or college coursework.
FGCU Course: BSC 1010C General Biology with Lab I (4) Minimum grade of B-
Acceptable Substitute: BSCX010C or (BSCX010 and BSCX010L)
FGCU Course: BSC 1085C Hum Anat & Physio w/Lab I (4) Minimum grade of B-
Acceptable Substitute: BSCX085C or (BSCX085 and BSCX085L) or (PETX322 and PETX322L) or APKX100C or (BSCX093 and BSCX093L)
FGCU Course: BSC 1086C Hum Anat & Physio w/Lab II (4) Minimum grade of B-
Acceptable Substitute: (BSCX086 and BSCX086L) or PETX323C or APKX105C or (BSCX094 and BSCX094L)
FGCU Course: *CHM 1045 General Chemistry I (3) and CHM 1045L General Chemistry I Laboratory (1) Minimum grade of C
Acceptable Substitute: CHMX045C or (CHMX045 and CHMX045L)
[Prerequisites of MAT 1033 minimum grade of C then MAC 1105 minimum grade of C; or relevant accelerated credit; or placement exam]
FGCU Course: HSC 2577 Nutri Human Health & Wellness (3) Minimum grade of C
Acceptable Substitute: HUNX201
FGCU Course: *MAC 1147 Precalculus (4) Minimum grade of C
Acceptable Substitute: MACX147 or MACX311 or (MACX140 and MACX114)
[Prerequisites of MAT 1033 minimum grade of C then MAC 1105 minimum grade of C; or relevant accelerated credit; or placement exam]
FGCU Course: PSY 2012 General Psychology (3) Minimum grade of C
Acceptable Substitute: PSYX012
FGCU Course: PHY 2053 College Physics I (3) and PHY 2053L College Physics Laboratory (1) Minumum grade of C
Acceptable Substitute: PHYX053C or (PHYX053 and PHYX053L) or PHYX048C or (PHYX048 and PHYX048L)
[Prerequisites of MAT 1033 minimum grade of C then MAC 1105 minimum grade of C then MAC 1147 minimum grade of C; or relevant accelerated credit; or placement exam] - Required Courses in the Major (57 credits)
APK 3125 Fitness Assess/Ex Prescription (3)
APK 3125L Fitness Assessment Lab (2)
APK 3141C Anat and Biomech Human Mvmt 1 (4)
APK 3142C Anat and Biomech Human Mvmt 2 (4)
APK 3312 Pharm & Ergo Aids Sport & HP (3)
APK 4050 Evidence Based Practice (3)
APK 4112 Sport & Human Exer Psychology (3)
APK 4120 Clinical Exercise Physiology (3)
APK 4123 Human Perf and Energy Supplies (3)
APK 4137 Exercise and Sport Physiology (4)
APK 4137L Exercise and Sport Phys Lab (2)
APK 4138 Methods of RT & Conditioning (3)
APK 4138L Method Resistance Training Lab (2)
APK 4930 PDS II Prep for Entering (2)
APK 4941L Experiential Learning I (5)
APK 4948L Experiential Learning II (5)
APK 4951 Exercise Science (capstone) (3)
PET 3627C Care & Prevent HP Injuries (3) - Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement (3 credits)
Select at least 3 credits in sustainability coursework (SCGR Attribute) - Additional Electives - as needed to reach total credits required for the degree
Total Credits Required: 120
- Complete an Exercise Science program portfolio, which includes the following:
-
Degree Map
Toggle More InfoThe Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science has general education and prerequisites in years one and two and core specific classes in years three and four.
Years 1 and 2
The Coursework Progression Map will help identify the courses needed to meet the state general education requirements while fulfilling the prerequisites for the Exercise Science degree. For the free elective, it is recommended to take DEP 2004 Principles of Development as this will satisfy many graduate school prerequisites.Students following this course sequence will satisfy all necessary prerequisites for upper-level Exercise Science coursework. Courses listed in Year 1 and Year 2 are offered every term.
View Exercise Science Lower Level Degree Map
Years 3 and 4The Exercise Science Program utilizes a cohort model in years 3 and 4. All students start in the fall term and follow the same course progression model. Due to the complexity of the multiple sections each semester, students are registered for their required courses internally.
View Exercise Science Upper Level Degree Map
Download the Exercise Science (ES) Upper Level Curriculum Matrix
Exercise Science Curriculum Matrix -
Course Description
Toggle More InfoOfficial Course Descriptions
Search for official course descriptions by using the Course Description Search utility.
Go to the Course Descriptions Search Web page, then follow these steps:
- Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
- Select a course prefix from one of the SUBJECT dropdowns (required)
- Enter search words in the TEXT field (optional, but will narrow the search results)
- Press Search
-
Course Schedule
Toggle More InfoGetting started with the Course Schedule Search
Search for program courses by using the Course Schedule Search utility.
Go to the Course Schedule Search Web page, then follow these steps:
- Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
- Select one or more of the search options to narrow your results (for example, CAMPUS, COLLEGE, DEPARTMENT, LEVEL, PREFIX*, COURSE ATTRIBUTE**). For virtual or web courses, select VIRTUAL in the CAMPUS field.
- Press Search.
*A course prefix is a three-letter designator for a major division of an academic discipline (for example, ACG for Accounting , BSC for Biological Science, ENC for English Composition). See the Degree Requirements page for a list of courses (with prefix and number) that can be used to fulfill degree requirements.
**A course attribute identifies specific characteristics of courses that can be used in a Degree Evaluation to satisfy a degree requirement. (Course attribute examples are Humanities courses - GEHM and Social Science courses - GESO.)
-
Learning Outcomes
Toggle More InfoAcademic Learning Compact
In alignment with its mission and guiding principles, the University is dedicated to academic excellence and the ongoing pursuit of quality improvement, grounded in a robust teaching and learning process. This process reflects a shared responsibility between students and instructors, fostering a progression from simple to complex, concrete to abstract, and dependent to independent learning.
The Academic Learning Compact (ALC) initiative reinforces this process by clearly defining core student learning outcomes in three key areas: content knowledge and discipline-specific skills, communication skills, and critical thinking abilities. It ensures that curricula are aligned with these expectations and that assessment results are used to inform and enhance continuous improvement.
Exercise Science Students are able to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of exercise risk stratification, fundamental kinesiology principles, and exercise physiology principles underlying performance of physical activities and exercise.
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with physiological and metabolic responses to exercise, and injury prevention in healthy individuals and in individuals with chronic disease.
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of selecting and administering appropriate assessment and training modalities according to the functional capacity of the individual.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of the nutritional and pharmacological aspects of wellness and human performance.
- Display an understanding of the key concepts of Medical Ethics, Standard of Care, Legal Issues, and Professionalism.
These learning outcomes are assessed through essays, exams, practical application, projects, and other assignments within the following courses:
Student Learning Outcome 1: Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of exercise risk stratification, fundamental kinesiology principles, and exercise physiology principles underlying performance of physical activities and exercise.
- Direct Measures from APK 3125, APK 3141C, APK 3142C final course grades.
- Indirect Measures: from APK 4941and APK 4948 Site supervisor Responses to survey, and APK 4930 responses to Student Learning Outcome (SLO) student questionnaire.
Student Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with physiological and metabolic responses to exercise, and injury prevention in healthy individuals and in individuals with chronic disease.
- Direct Measures from APK 4137, APK 4137L, PET 3627, APK 4120 final course grades
- Indirect Measures from APK 4941and APK 4948 Site supervisor Responses to survey, and APK 4930 responses to SLO student questionnaire.
Student Learning Outcome 3: Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of selecting and administering appropriate assessment and training modalities according to the functional capacity of the individual.
- Direct Measures from APK 3125L, APK 4138, APK 4138L, PET 3627C final course grades
- Indirect Measures from APK 4941and APK 4948 Site supervisor Responses to survey, and APK 4930 responses to Student Learning Outcome student questionnaire.
Student Learning Outcome 4: Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of the nutritional and pharmacological aspects of wellness and human performance.
- Direct Measures from APK 3312, APK 4123 final course grades
- Indirect Measures from APK 4930 SLO student questionnaire
Student Learning Outcome 5: Display an understanding of the key concepts of Medical Ethics, Standard of Care, Legal Issues, and Professionalism.
- Direct Measures from APK 3125, PET 3627, APK 4930 final course grades
- Indirect Measures from APK 4930 SLO student questionnaire
-
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Assistance
Toggle More InfoTuition and Fees
Information on Tuition, Fees and estimated total Cost of Attendance is available on the Student Account Services web site.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Visit FGCU's Financial Aid Web site for information about grants, additional scholarships, loans, and student employment.
Additional Expenses
In addition to typical FGCU student costs, the Exercise Science students can anticipate additional costs* related to the following items during their progression through the upper-level Exercise Science curriculum.
*Costs listed are estimates and are subject to change.ITEM ESTIMATED COST Liability Insurance
$15 (annually)
Laboratory and Clinical Uniforms
$0-$50
Immunizations/ Vaccinations
$0-$150
Certifications (CPR/AED and First Aid)
$50
Criminal Record Background Reviews (as required, dependent upon experiential learning site requirements)
Level II Background Review and Fingerprint Screening: $116
Drug Screening: $38
Membership Dues for Professional Organizations
$10-65 (annually)
Professional Certification Exams
$279-$340
Travel to Experiential Learning Sites
Full time Experiential Learning Rotations occur during the upper level curriculum, at several off campus sites.
Distance from FGCU may vary by experiential learning site location.
Scholarship Information
To apply for any of the below scholarships, obtain further information on the below scholarships, or to locate additional opportunities please visit FGCU Foundation/Scholarship.
Theodore Siegel Exercise Science Scholarship Endowed Fund (Exercise Science Students Only):
- Recipients will be full-time, degree seeking students enrolled in the Exercise Science program.
- Recipients will have demonstrated academic merit with a minimum program GPA of 3.0.
- Recipients will be in good standing, as defined by the university.
- Preference will be given to seniors in the Exercise Science program.
- Preference will be given to FGCU student athletes.
- Preference will be given to students receiving limited to no scholarship support.
- This scholarship should be awarded to one student, however, more than one student may be awarded the Theodore Siegel Exercise Science Scholarship in an academic year at the recommendation of the scholarship selection committee.
- Scholarship are to be awarded annually and student who continue to qualify may be awarded in successive years.
-
Events and Activities
Toggle More Info
We’re Here to Answer Your Questions.
Marieb College of Health & Human Services
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Fort Myers, FL 33965
239-745-4265