Program Overview
The mission of the Exercise Science Program is to prepare entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains by integrating Christian faith and practice with academic excellence.
The Program will provide students with the didactic and experiential foundation in the study of human physiology and movement necessary to succeed whether pursuing a career, a professional field of study or engaging in advanced academic work. This mission is achieved through classroom lectures and hands-on laboratory instruction, scholarship, and service-learning opportunities designed to promote and develop critical thinking and effective communication skills.
The Exercise Science Program at Lipscomb University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org)
9355 113th St N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
- Meet academic and professional standards and guidelines of CAAHEP (The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) and CoAES (Committee on Accreditation for Exercise Sciences).
- Prepare graduates as exercise professionals for their distinct roles in medical, allied health, fitness and sports performance fields.
- Prepare students to sit for NCCA approved professional certification examinations which align with their professional goals.
- Prepare students for post-graduation placement into a graduate/professional program, or entry-level employment within six months of degree completion.
Students in the Exercise Science Program should be able to successfully pass oral, written and/or practical examinations and demonstrate competency in the following areas:
- Closely analyze an individual’s medical history to assess any potential risks that exercise may pose
- Appropriately measure and monitor an individual’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythms, etc.
- Successfully educate an individual about their injuries and health conditions, such as lung disease and diabetes, and provide information about how to stay healthy
- Be able to teach individuals how to perform exercises safely and effectively
- Perform appropriate fitness assessment tests and prescribe exercise for a healthy population
- Administer submaximal exercise tests using various laboratory ergometers
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of electrocardiography and its application in the exercise science arena
- Perform various body composition analysis tests and appropriately interpret test results
- Apply Exercise Physiology knowledge and principles in the health and exercise setting
- Demonstrate a knowledge of effective behavioral strategies and motivational techniques in the fitness setting
- Successfully pass an NCCA accredited certification exam (ie: ACSM or NSCA)
- Successfully complete the required 200 hour externship experience
Students interested in pursuing a B.S. degree in Exercise Science must be admitted to the Exercise Science Program. There are no limits to the number of students admitted to the Program each year. Admission into the Program can occur in the Fall, Spring or Summer. Admission requirements include:
- A declared major in Exercise Science (usually in the spring of the students sophomore year but no later than earning 57 credit hours)
- A grade of ‘B' or better in 2 of the following courses: BY1134; BY1144; or CM1113 (lab CM1211)
- A 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A grade of ‘C' or better in all Kinesiology Department courses
Students admitted to the Exercise Science Program (admitted by the spring, 2022 or later) are encouraged to take an NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accredited certification exam (ACSM, NSCA) prior to graduation. Students should schedule the exam during their senior year.
Exercise Science Student Retention (5-year retention)
| Academic Year | Enrolled | Returned | Retention |
| 2022-2023 # | 58 | 55 | 95% |
| 2021-2022** | 100 | 100 | 100% |
| 2020-2021** | 100 | 95 | 95% |
| 2019-2020** | 95 | 95 | 100% |
| 2018-2019** | 75 | 70 | 93% |
| 2017-2018** | 70 | 69 | 98% |
**=prior to Program Accreditation and admission requirements. Includes Freshmen- Seniors.
# = includes only those students admitted to the Program (Juniors and Seniors)
Exercise Science National Credentialing Exam (ACSM Published Exam Pass Rates
https://www.acsm.org/certification/about)
| Academic Year | Certification | Number of Students Taking | Percent Students Passing |
| 2022-2024 | ACSM EP-C | 13 | 12/13 for 92% |
| 2022-2023 | ACSM CPT | 1 | 1/1 for 100% |
Exercise Science Culminating Experience (Externship)
| Academic Year | Total # Students | Total # of Students Who Passed | Pass Rate (%) |
| 2023-2024 | 23 | 23 | 100% |
| 2022-2023 | 16 | 16 | 100% |
| 2021-2022** | 24 | 24 | 100% |
| 2020-2021** | 27 | 27 | 100% |
** = prior to Program Accreditation
Exercise Science Major - Pre-PT Track Required Courses
Related Courses Credit Semester
BY 1134 Principles of Biology: Cell and Genetics 4 F, SP
BY 1144 Principles of Biology: Diversity and Ecology 4 F, SP
BY 3514 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 F
BY 3524 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4 SP
CM 1113/1211 General Chemistry I/Lab 4 F, SP, SU
MG/MK 3503 Leading & Managing People/Principles of Marketing 3 F, SP, SU
NUTR 2613 Principles of Nutrition 3 F, SP
Kinesiology
KIN 1213 Foundations in Kinesiology 3 F, SP
KIN 1303 Healthful Living 3 F, SP
KIN 2023 Sport & Exercise Psychology 3 F, SP
KIN 2533 Anatomical Kinesiology 3 F
KIN 3003 Biomechanics 3 SP
KIN 3303 First Aid and Injury Care 3 F, SP
KIN 3363 Biostatistics 3 SP
KIN 4003 Administration of Exercise Related Programs 3 F
KIN 4113 Exercise Physiology 3 F, SP
KIN 4123 Exercise Physiology Lab 3 SP
KIN 4133 Exercise Evaluation and Prescription 3 F
KIN 4153 Strength and Conditioning Program Design 3 SP
KIN 4163 Applied Exercise Physiology 3 SP
KIN 4224 Externship in Kinesiology 4 F, SP, SU
KIN 4503 Seminar in Kinesiology 3 SP
Total: 72
Pre-PT Track
CM 1123/1221 General Chemistry II/Lab 4 SP, SU
MA 1123 Trigonometry 3 F, SP
PH 1214 Elementary College Physics I & Lab 4 F
PH 1224 Elementary College Physics II & Lab 4 SP
PS 1113 Introduction to Psychology 3 F, SP, SU
PS 2423 Lifespan Development 3 F, SP
Total: 21
2025-26 Academic Year
All students majoring in Exercise Science must achieve a “C” or above in all department courses required for the Exercise Science major.
Requirements for admission to the Exercise Science program: at the completion of 57 hours of college coursework, must have (1) minimum 3.0 overall GPA, and (2) at least a B in 2 out of 3 of the first science courses—BY1134, BY1144, and CM 1113/1211.
Exercise Science Major - Pre-OT Track Required Courses
Related Courses Credit Semester
BY 1134 Principles of Biology: Cell and Genetics 4 F, SP
BY 1144 Principles of Biology: Diversity and Ecology 4 F, SP
BY 3514 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 F
BY 3524 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4 SP
CM 1113/1211 General Chemistry I/Lab 4 F, SP, SU
MG/MK 3503 Leading & Managing People/Principles of Marketing 3 F, SP, SU
NUTR 2613 Principles of Nutrition 3 F, SP
Kinesiology
KIN 1213 Foundations in Kinesiology 3 F, SP
KIN 1303 Healthful Living 3 F, SP
KIN 2023 Sport & Exercise Psychology 3 F, SP
KIN 2533 Anatomical Kinesiology 3 F
KIN 3003 Biomechanics 3 SP
KIN 3303 First Aid and Injury Care 3 F, SP
KIN 3363 Biostatistics 3 SP
KIN 4003 Administration of Exercise Related Programs 3 F
KIN 4113 Exercise Physiology 3 F, SP
KIN 4123 Exercise Physiology Lab 3 SP
KIN 4133 Exercise Evaluation and Prescription 3 F
KIN 4153 Strength and Conditioning Program Design 3 SP
KIN 4163 Applied Exercise Physiology 3 SP
KIN 4224 Externship in Kinesiology 4 F, SP, SU
KIN 4503 Seminar in Kinesiology 3 SP
Total: 72
Pre-OT Track
BY 2321 Medical Terminology 1 F, SP
MA 1123 Trigonometry 3 F, SP
PH 1214 Elementary College Physics I & Lab 4 F
PS 1113 Introduction to Psychology 3 F, SP, SU
PS 2423 Lifespan Development 3 F, SP
PS 4423 Abnormal Psychology 3 F, SP
SO 1123 Introduction to Sociology 3 F, SP
Total: 20
2025-26 Academic Year
All students majoring in Exercise Science must achieve a “C” or above in all department courses required for the Exercise Science major.
Requirements for admission to the Exercise Science program: at the completion of 57 hours of college coursework, must have (1) minimum 3.0 overall GPA, and (2) at least a B in 2 out of 3 of the first science courses—BY1134, BY1144, and CM 1113/1211.
