Exercise and Sport Science

Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Exercise and Sport Science gives students a comprehensive understanding of human movement, physical activity, and health promotion. Coursework explores exercise physiology, structural kinesiology, nutrition, fitness assessment, and program design. Students gain hands-on experience through externships in real-world settings like fitness centers, wellness programs, and sports performance facilities. The program prepares graduates to help diverse populations improve their physical abilities, from elite athletes seeking better sports performance to individuals managing health conditions through exercise plans.

Program Mission

The Exercise and Sport Science Program offers an Associate and Bachelor of Science Degree designed to facilitate the development of each student into an ethical, competent, entry-level Fitness Practitioner or Exercise Specialist. The program emphasizes a general health, fitness, and nutrition knowledge base, in conjunction with professional behaviors and technical skills required for this career path.

Program Goals

• Students will continually develop and improve their orientation, evaluation, and observation skills in all components of health and fitness through appropriate assessment, exercise selection, and exercise programming to help improve performance for athletes, clients, and patients in diverse settings.
• Students will develop a deeper connection to the workings of the body through appropriate biomechanical (psychomotor), cognitive, and affective practices so their subjects will improve their performance through better neurological and physiological movement patterns.
• Students will gain appreciation for the fields of exercise, sport, fitness, wellness, and corrective exercise due to an improved capacity to understand safety protocols, communication skills, professional conduct, legal ramifications, and ethical treatment of athletes, clients, and patients in all settings.

Program Highlights

• Small class sizes for personalized attention
• Hands-on externship experiences in fitness and wellness settings
• Preparation for industry certifications from organizations like NASM and ACE
• Faculty with real-world experience as athletic trainers and fitness professionals
• Flexible scheduling options for working professionals
• Foundation for further education at the bachelor’s degree level

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Career in Exercise Science

• Exercise assessment and fitness testing techniques
• Program design for different populations and goals
• Nutrition principles for health and wellness
• Injury prevention strategies and safety protocols
• Client communication and motivation methods
• Biomechanical analysis of human movement
• Exercise physiology and body system responses
• Professional ethics and industry standards

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

To receive an Associate of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science, students must complete 61 credit hours as described below. The length of this program is approximately 18 months (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
• Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
• Education fee — $550.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Graduates of Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Exercise and Sport Science enter a growing field with many career paths. This degree prepares you for entry level positions in fitness facilities, wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, corporate wellness programs, and sports teams. The program builds a foundation for roles that help people improve their physical fitness, manage chronic diseases, and reach their athletic performance goals.

Career Prospects in Exercise Science

• Private personal trainers
• Personal Trainers at fitness clubs and wellness centers
• Fitness Instructors for group exercise classes
• Wellness Coordinators for corporate wellness programs
• Athletic Training support staff for sports teams
• Recreation and Sports Director assistants

• Fitness center management positions
• Strength and Conditioning Coach assistants
• Exercise Specialists in healthcare settings
• Community fitness program coordinators
• Wellness program specialists in public health settings

Keiser University’s exercise science degree programs prepare students at multiple levels, from associate to bachelor’s to master’s degrees. Whether you’re just starting your career in exercise or looking to advance into leadership roles as a strength and conditioning coach, rehabilitation specialist, or wellness coordinator, Keiser provides the education and support you need. Our flexible formats accommodate working professionals while maintaining the quality instruction that prepares you for real-world challenges in fitness, sports, and health promotion.