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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Prerequisites

Students must successfully complete Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II with a grade of “C” or higher before beginning major coursework.

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

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Accreditation Statuses

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. . While this program doesn’t require programmatic accreditation, the SACSCOC accreditation ensures Keiser University meets rigorous quality standards, which is crucial for students as it affects access to federal financial aid, the transferability of credits to other accredited schools, and recognition of degrees for graduate programs and employers. This accreditation signifies that the institution adheres to standards that ensure educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

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.

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 18 months and 61 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus, Online, and Hybrid.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

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.

The 61-credit curriculum combines 26 credit hours of major coursework (including fitness assessment, kinesiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, and two externships), 9 credit hours of electives, and 36 credit hours of general education. Representative courses are listed below.

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

How to Apply

1. Submit your online application
2. Speak with an admissions advisor
3. Provide transcripts or transfer credits
4. Enroll and choose your start date

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.