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Exercise Science

Major Information

The study of physiological and functional adaptations to movement. The major is broad based and includes general study in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and fitness programming. The major in Exercise Science will prepare students for employment in fitness centers, research laboratories, or as exercise technicians in cardiac rehabilitation centers. The curriculum provides an excellent foundation for those interested in pursuing graduate degrees in movement based fields, as well as for those wishing to pursue a professional degree in medicine or in the rehabilitation sciences such as Physical or Occupational Therapy.

Department Website

Printable Version

General Information

Degree(s) Offered:

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Master of Science in Sports Medicine

Sample Occupations

_{*Requires additional education}

Exercise Physiologists
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Corporate Fitness
Private/Commercial Fitness
Industrial Fitness

Fitness Instructors
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Sport Performance
Personal Trainer

Wellness Coordinator
Research Specialist
Physical/ Occupational Therapist*
Physician Assistant*

Sample Work Settings

Hospitals
Colleges/ Universities
Fitness Facilities
YMCA/Community Centers

Clinics
Nursing Homes/ Retirement Centers
Professional Sports Teams

Resorts/Cruise Lines

Sample Employers

Optim Healthcare
St. Joseph’s/Candler
Benchmark Physical Therapy
Memorial Health
Drayer Physical Therapy Institute

Wellstar Health System
Northside Hospital
Shepherd Center
Emory Healthcare
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

180 Fitness
AdvoCare
Athenahealth
Atlanta Public Schools

Connecting Majors, Skills, and Occupations

View learning outcomes associated with your major in the Georgia Southern Academic Catalog:

Georgia Southern Academic Catalog

Explore the connection between occupations and skills in O*Net:

www.onetonline.org

Use Handshake to upload your résumé and explore internships and jobs. For more information:

www.georgiasouthern.edu/ocpd

Internet Resources

To explore values, interests, and skills:

FOCUS 2bit.ly/focuscareer

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – $15

Self-Directed Search – $15

http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/ocpd

To explore occupational outlooks and salaries:

National Compensation Survey

www.bls.gov/ncs/

National Association of College and Employers (NACE)

http://www.naceweb.org/salary resources/index.aspx

Professional Organizations

Medical Fitness Association

www.medicalfitness.org

National Athletic Trainer’s Association

www.nata.org

Aerobic and Fitness Association of America

www.afaa.com

American Fitness Professionals and Associates

www.afpafitness.com

Georgia Southern Student Organizations

Southern Exercise Science Club

Professional Tips

To get additional experience, you can get a part-time job at the RAC or train to be a personal trainer
Join the Southern Exercise Science Club.
If interested in PT, OT, or PA, you are required to obtain several hundred shadowing hours.

Résumé Tips

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Major: Exercise Science.
Include information about health abilities such as able to conduct blood pressure checks, etc.
Include a class projects section, especially if taken the Exercise Fitness and Prescriptions class.
Include a shadowing experience section, especially if interested in PT, OT, or PA.
Include certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Last updated: 6/26/2013