Gain a Competitive Advantage for Your Fitness-Focused Career
Turn your passion for health and fitness into a rewarding career. Nova Southeastern University’s B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science gives you the knowledge and real-world experiences you need to understand the movement sciences—kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology and more. You’ll gain a competitive advantage through working with experts in the field and using state-of-the-art equipment.
At NSU, you’ll have a number of opportunities to work directly with physically active populations. You’ll learn how to understand your body as well as the bodies of everyone you work with. NSU prepares you for any workplace setting, and because many of your professors are currently working in the field, they are able to share real world stories and encounters to help you prepare. At the end of the program, you’ll be more than ready to land an exciting job, pursue a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification (or related certifications) or advance even further by entering a professional graduate program in exercise sciences and other fields.
Pursuing a degree in Exercise and Sport Science has opened many doors for me and given me the knowledge and confidence to pursue my career in the fitness industry.
Allison S., Class of 2016
Why Should You Major in Exercise and Sport Science at NSU?
Become an Exercise Specialist, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator or Sport Performance Researcher
With your degree in exercise and sport science, you can pursue research-related careers, like laboratory technician, research assistant, and research scientist, or become a leader in a variety of professional positions, including clinical exercise scientist, fitness manager, and exercise physiologist.
If you’re interested in sports training, NSU can help prepare you for a career as a strength and conditioning coach, speed-agility-quickness coach, personal trainer for high-level athletes and more. There are also a variety of opportunities open to you within fitness and wellness programs with clients of all ages and fitness levels.
If you’re interested in training athletes, NSU’s B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science degree program offers an Advanced Strength and Conditioning course that’s geared towards preparing you to pass the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam. The CSCS is the premier certification in the field of strength and conditioning.
According to a 2020 report from PayScale.com, graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science make an average of $59,605 per year.
NSU exercise and sport science alumni start their careers at organizations like CrossFit Downtown Miami, Boca West Country Club, Fit Speed, Youfit Health Clubs, Svetness, Stretch Zone Bloomfield, Special Olympics Florida and CHG Healthcare. Many choose to continue their studies to obtain an advanced degree from NSU. A few popular master’s degree programs include M.S. in Sport Science and M.S. in Nutrition.
I have decided to stay at NSU for a reason, and that is because of the elite professors that are passionate about what they do, outstanding facilities that allow me to enhance my degree of learning, and of course, because I think it’s fun and I genuinely enjoy what we do!
Denvyr T.
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll have a number of hands-on opportunities to gain real world experience. In previous years, Exercise and Sport Science students have been invited to assist with veteran players of the Florida Panthers hockey team, performing fitness assessments and identifying injury risk and areas of improvement. Students have opportunities to put theory into practice, as was the case with a group who assisted with pre-season screenings at the St. Louis Cardinals’ training camp.
Independent Study
Select and independently carry out library and/or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Independent study opportunities are available every fall and winter, with prerequisites to be determined by the faculty and the division director. Complete the independent study form to participate.
Internship/Practicum
Exercise and sport science majors are required to complete a work experience internship/practicum for 16 weeks in their area of study or career interest. Some companies where students have gotten internships include the Exceptional Fitness Foundation, BARWIS Performance Centers, People's First PT, Bommarito Performance Systems, the Florida Panthers and UFC Gym.
Internship
The Exercise and Sport Science internship is a work experience for 16 weeks in the student's major area of study or area of career interest. Consult your academic division for specific details and requirements.
Prerequisites: Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, major GPA of 3.0 or higher, completion of ~200+ hours, supervision of instructor, and permission of academic director
Complete the internship request form to participate.
Practicum
This core course places students in the workplace with the expectation that the experience will allow them the opportunity to apply and integrate content from all the courses in the program. Workplace site selection is based upon individual student goals and include, but are not limited to, rehabilitation facilities, professional fitness centers, sport performance centers, senior centers, and wellness centers (corporate and community). The Practicum Director and site supervisors will evaluate students’ performances throughout the semester. Additionally, registration for a national certification in the exercise science field (i.e. NSCA-CSCS) is required prior to the completion of the course.
Successful completion of this course at NSU satisfies 1 ExEL unit.
Prerequisites: EXSC 3740, EXSC 4400 (EXSC 4400 may be taken concurrently)
The Clinic Exploration Program
Additionally, the Clinic Exploration Program (CEP) offers students the opportunity to shadow medical professionals on the job in many of NSU’s medical and health clinics. Program participants gain a broad perspective that shows how various medical fields work together and a practical, up-close review of several medical career options.
All undergraduate students may take part in CEP, no matter what major they pursue. Each rotation lasts two hours per week, for three weeks. Because this is a volunteer program, member commitments are flexible and voluntary.
Who Can Participate
Any NSU undergraduate student in good standing who wants to participate in CEP must:
- have a 2.5 GPA or higher
- be registered for classes
- complete OSHA and HIPAA trainings
- be curious about various health professions
- conform to scheduled assignments, dress codes, and other professional responsibilities
How to Enroll
- complete the Clinic Exploration Program Application
- schedule and complete OSHA blood-borne pathogen safety training
- take HIPAA Privacy and Security training
- turn in completed application to program coordinator in Parker building, suite 367
- students are offered the opportunity to participate in CEP each semester. Registration for the program is open during the previous semester.
Participating Clinics
- Athletic Training
- Audiology
- Dentistry
- Internal Medicine • Optometry
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
- Pediatrics
Reserve your seat in one of NSU’s graduate or professional schools while you earn your bachelor’s degree. With NSU’s Dual Admission program, you don’t have to worry about competing with thousands of other students for a spot in a highly selective graduate program. This Premier Program gives you an opportunity to get a head start on your career, so you can start earning sooner.
Your NSU professors are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great academic experience. They regularly review the curriculum to make updates that give you an edge in today’s ever-changing world. As an NSU Exercise and Sport Science major, some courses that you could take include Sports Nutrition, Kinesiology, Biomechanics of Human Movement, Adapted Physical Education and Advanced Strength and Conditioning.
NSU’s B.S. in Sports Science program is endorsed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in the areas of strength and conditioning. The NSCA’s Education Recognition Program (ERP) recognizes regionally accredited academic institutions for their educational programs that have met, and continue to meet, educational guidelines recommended by the NSCA. ERP recognitions are good for three years and schools are eligible for renewal following this three-year period.
