Why Earn Your Exercise and Sport Science Degree at Saint Leo University?
The 120 credit, campus-based program in BS Exercise and Sport Science focuses on knowledge of science, application of exercise and sport science skills, human performance principles, and the development of interpersonal and professional skills to use when working with diverse and at-risk populations.
The program aligns with national and regional trends focusing on preventive healthcare, human performance, and lifestyle support and interventions. Contemporary content on related technology and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance practice and health is included. Innovative courses include Exercise Prescription and Assessment, Strength Conditioning, and Exercise Physiology.
A field experience prepares students for future employment or continued education in health professions.
This program is offered:
Campus
The BS in Exercise and Sport Science degree incorporates knowledge and skills related to health, fitness, rehabilitation, and sport performance. Content from health care and the sciences, contemporary practices, and experiential learning is part of the curriculum, and all students complete an internship.
Est. Time to Complete:
4 Years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
Undergraduate Exercise and Sport Science Program Details
The BS in Exercise and Sport Science is a 120 credit program that combines science coursework with exercise prescription and assessment, strength conditioning, exercise physiology, and a required internship.
Plan of Study
See the semester-by-semester plan for this program.
View the Plan of Study
Program grade and progression
Students are required to follow the policies in the most recent BS Exercise and Sport Science Student Handbook related to satisfactory course completion, program progression, and internship requirements.
Immersive Campus Experience, A Community That Feels Like Home
Saint Leo University's campus in Saint Leo, Florida, offers a transformative educational experience amidst scenic landscapes, including Lake Jovita and rolling green spaces. Home to over 2,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, the university fosters a tight-knit, inclusive community.
Campus students benefit from comfortable residence and dining halls, advanced learning facilities, and a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations. The proximity to Tampa Bay provides additional cultural and recreational opportunities, enriching the overall student experience.
What Will You Learn in the Undergraduate Exercise and Sport Science Program?
Students who complete the BS Exercise and Sport Science will be able to demonstrate the following Student Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition in the context of physical activity.
- Apply exercise science principles in designing and implementing safe, effective, and individualized exercise programs based on diverse client needs and fitness assessments.
- Conduct physiological and functional assessments such as strength, movement, flexibility, and other screens.
- Analyze human movement using biomechanical principles to improve performance and prevent injury.
- Educate individuals and groups on physical activity, nutrition, behavior change, and lifestyle interventions to improve health.
- Apply evidence-based findings in exercise and sport science practice.
- Communicate effectively in oral and written formats with clients, professionals, and the public.
- Demonstrate professionalism and ethics aligned with Saint Leo University Core Values in academic, clinical, and community settings.
The program incorporates content on personal wellness and the promotion of wellness with individuals and groups. Contemporary courses address digital applications, current best practices, exercise prescription and assessment, weight training, and more.
Exercise and Sport Science Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 123 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 123L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHE 124 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 124L | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| EXS 301 | Foundations of Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
| EXS 302 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXS 304 | Exercise Prescription and Assessment |
|
| EXS 305 | Strength Conditioning | 3 |
| EXS 401 | Essentials of Personal Training | 3 |
| EXS 402 | Exercise Science and Diverse Populations | 3 |
| EXS 403 | Evidence-based Practices in Health Professions | 3 |
| EXS 406 | Internship in Exercise and Sport Science | 6 |
| EXS 407 | Senior Seminar in Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
| MAT 201 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| NUR 303 | Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| PED 340 | Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| PED 315 | Health Education: Weight Training for Personal Fitness | 3 |
| SLU 125 | Choosing Wellness | 3 |
| SPB 330 | Social & Ethical Issues in Sport | 3 |
BS Exercise and Sport Science Plan of Study
This plan shows one way to complete the 120 credits in four years. University Explorations courses are included. Students should work with their advisor to confirm their individual plan.
Total credits: 120. Plan of study is subject to change.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| SLU 101 First Year Experience | 1 |
| ENG 121 Academic Writing I | 3 |
| MAT 151 College Algebra | 3 |
| PSY 161 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| University Explorations course: Human Mosaic | 3 |
| Elective | 1 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ENG 122 Academic Writing II | 3 |
| PHI 210 Thinking and Doing Ethics | 3 |
| University Explorations course: Creative Life | 3 |
| BIO 140 Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO 140L Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| IDS 120 AI Unlocked or IDS 125 AI, Ethics, and Society | 3 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| REL 115 Reflective and Spiritual Life (University Explorations) | 3 |
| BIO 150 Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| BIO 150L Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| SLU 125 Choosing Wellness | 3 |
| University Explorations course: Creative Life | 3 |
| EDU 226 Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| MAT 201 Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| University Explorations course: Human Mosaic | 3 |
| REL 125 Searching for Light | 3 |
| CHE 123 General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 123L General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| EXS 301 Foundations of Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
| EXS 302 Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| PED 315 Health Education: Weight Training for Personal Fitness | 3 |
| CHE 124 General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 124L General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| SPB 330 Social and Ethical Issues in Sport | 3 |
| EXS 304 Exercise Prescription and Assessment |
|
| EXS 305 Strength Conditioning | 3 |
| PED 340 Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| Elective |
|
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| EXS 401 Essentials of Personal Training | 3 |
| EXS 402 Exercise Science and Diverse Populations | 3 |
| EXS 403 Evidence-based Practices in Health Professions | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| NUR 303 Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Elective | 3 |
| EXS 406 Internship in Exercise and Sport Science | 6 |
| EXS 407 Senior Seminar in Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
Career Outlook
Exercise and Sport Science students gain professional development opportunities, knowledge from experienced faculty, and required internship experience, along with support from the Saint Leo community, to prepare for employment or continued study after graduation.
What skills will you learn?
- exercise prescription and assessment;
- strength conditioning and exercise physiology;
- physiological and functional assessments such as strength, movement, and flexibility screens;
- biomechanical analysis of human movement to improve performance and prevent injury;
- nutrition and health, and educating clients on behavior change and lifestyle interventions;
- evidence-based practice in health professions;
- digital applications and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance practice and health;
- working with diverse and at-risk populations
How will you gain real experience?
Internship
All students complete an internship through EXS 406, Internship in Exercise and Sport Science (6 credits). A field experience prepares students for future employment or continued education in health professions.
What can you do with a BS in Exercise and Sport Science?
Program graduates are prepared for a variety of roles across clinical, fitness, sports, and rehabilitative settings. Examples of career paths include:
- Fitness and wellness coach
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Preparation for graduate degree programs such as athletic training, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, physician assistant, and others
Graduate programs set their own admission requirements, so students interested in advanced degrees should talk with their advisor early.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BS in Exercise and Sport Science is offered on campus in Saint Leo, Florida.
The estimated time to complete the program is 4 years. The degree requires 120 credit hours.
Yes. All students complete an internship, which is part of the major through EXS 406, Internship in Exercise and Sport Science (6 credits).
Graduates of the BS in Exercise and Sport Science are prepared for roles across clinical, fitness, sports, and rehabilitative settings. Examples include fitness and wellness coach and strength and conditioning coach, as well as preparation for graduate degree programs.
Graduates may be positioned to pursue advanced degrees in health professions such as athletic training, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, and physician assistant. Each graduate program sets its own admission requirements, so talk with an advisor about your goals.
Flexible learning options, Catholic roots, over 40 majors and minors to choose from, and ranked in the top 5 for best value education in the South.