Exercise and Sports Science Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
An active, hands-on program for students interested in the intersection of science and fitness.
More than just weightlifting and sports, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science degree program connects you to a growing field with a range of career options, including health fitness specialist, wellness coach, strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer or operator of your own training facility.
At Frostburg State University, you won’t just learn sports science, you’ll do sports science as you put your education into practice in field and internship experiences. As a sports science major, you’ll think critically about what it takes to maintain fitness and wellness for people of all ages. What’s more, our coursework is comprehensive, designed to help you earn fitness and wellness certifications and forge connections that can lead to a fulfilling career.
What Does Engaged Learning Look Like for Sports Science Majors?
Your experience in the exercise and sports science bachelor’s degree program goes beyond the classroom. In addition to coursework, you'll have a variety of ways to build your skill set and résumé, including through a three-credit field experience and a nine-credit internship working in a health, wellness or exercise field that provides real-world experience valued by employers.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Join in extracurricular activities put on by student-led clubs and organizations like the Athletic Training Club.
Exercise and Sports Science Degree Highlights
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Four-year plan
You’ll build knowledge where it counts. The bachelor’s in sports science program follows a straightforward four-year plan consisting of courses in foundational topics as well as advanced and elective courses. You’ll take courses ranging from anatomy and physiology to nutrition to biomechanics to advanced strength training. Learn more about the exercise and sports science courses you’ll take. -
Career preparation
We train you so that you can train others. The Frostburg State exercise and sports science major prepares you to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification exam to become a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). Or, take the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exam to become a certified exercise physiologist. -
Choose your path
Up your game and strengthen your degree in exercise and sports science by pursuing a complementary minor in coaching. This 22-credit minor will have you learning from experienced coaches and working hands-on coaching Frostburg State athletes. Learn more about the coaching minor or explore our other minor offerings. -
Exercise and sports science skills
Major gains, in more ways than one. Through the exercise and sports science major curriculum, you’ll gain the skills you need to achieve a fulfilling career in the health and wellness fields. You’ll do that all while in a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES).
What can I do with an exercise and sports science degree?
Becoming a fitness trainer or instructor is one of several diverse career paths accessible with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, practitioners in the trainer and fitness instructor field can anticipate 19 percent growth in positions between 2021 and 2031.
What You'll Learn
At FSU, you’ll take a broad range of general education coursework to set a solid foundation that you’ll build upon in your major. As a student in the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science degree program, you’ll focus on hands-on, real-world learning opportunities, gaining a well-rounded sports science education. Among other things, you’ll learn to:
- Accurately evaluate the health of people at all ages using scientific measures.
- Develop your knowledge and skills using FSU’s exceptional sports facilities, including the Cordts Physical Education Center that operates the Activities for Life program serving campus and the surrounding community.
- Prepare not only for becoming a certified strength and conditioning specialist or certified exercise physiologist but prepare for optional graduate coursework in health-related fields like human performance, kinesiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and exercise physiology.
$72,740
Median pay for life, physical and social science occupations (BLS 2021)
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Hwy 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
Beyond the Classroom
In addition to coursework, you'll have a variety of ways to build your skill set and resume:
- Complete a three-credit field experience and a nine-credit internship working in a health, wellness or exercise field that provides real-world experience valued by employers.
- Join in extracurricular activities with UpLift, a student organization focusing on health, fitness, working out and eating right.
I wanted to come to Frostburg not just for the exercise program but for the environment. I like the mountains. Frostburg was big enough and small enough for me. I enjoy helping people. I like seeing people advance in their life.
David Cooper ’16, Centerville, Md.Our Alumni
At Frostburg State, our mountainous environment creates a small-college feel, but that doesn’t mean our graduates don’t go on to do big things with their degree. Our Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science alumni have achieved success in a variety of careers.
At Frostburg State, you’ll learn in settings designed for you to excel.
Scheduled to open in spring 2023, the Education and Health Sciences Center will provide technologically based classrooms and state-of-the-art learning environments.
Facilities
FSU’s Cordt's PE Center is a state-of-the art facility featuring a variety of hands-on learning spaces. In addition, our newest academic building, the Education and Health Sciences Center, is scheduled to open in spring 2023. This new building will provide technologically based classrooms and state-of-the-art learning environments.
Career Outlook for Fitness Trainers and Instructors
Becoming a fitness trainer or instructor is one of several diverse career paths accessible with a bachelor degree in exercise and sport science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, practitioners in the trainer and fitness instructor field can anticipate 13 percent growth in positions through 2022. For more information, visit U.S. Government Occupational Outlook Handbook.Help others reach their fitness goals with an exercise and sports science degree.
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science program at Frostburg State University combines general education courses and a comprehensive, hands-on sports science and exercise curriculum to develop well-rounded, career-ready professionals.