Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Exercise Science – Sports Performance
What Is a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science With an Emphasis in Sports Performance Degree?
This bachelor’s degree in exercise science is designed to prepare undergraduate students for direct entry into the field of sport performance and strength and conditioning at various levels of athletics including high school, college, club, professional sports, and private practice, among others. In addition, undergraduates can expect to receive foundational knowledge designed to prepare sports science degree students to sit for a variety of nationally recognized professional certifications in the field.
Graduates may choose to pursue graduate education at the master’s or doctoral level to further specialize in an area of sports performance or a related field. This bachelor’s degree in exercise science includes an expansive pool of electives that enables students to align their learning path with their career plans, which may include nutrition, entrepreneurial studies, business, sport management, communication, or behavioral health, among others.
We are proud to be recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as one of their Education Recognition Program (ERP) universities. This recognition reflects our program’s ability to offer preparation for certification through the NSCA.
What You Will Learn in GCU’s Sports and Exercise Science Degree Program
Enjoy an active learning environment while you earn your bachelor’s degree in exercise science on GCU’s vibrant, friendly campus. Acquire a solid academic foundation in science as you examine the many connections that contribute to overall health and wellness. Learn the essentials of anatomy and physiology, proper exercise technique, the positive effects of exercise, behavior change, kinesiology, exercise physiology, motor learning, corrective exercise, and understand how to effectively communicate these principles to your future athletes and clients. Some of the core sports science program courses include the following:
- Nutrition and wellness
- Research methods
- Resistance training and cardiovascular fitness
- Sports performance science and coaching
- Kinesiology
- Exercise physiology
- Sports performance capstone
- Advanced principles of sports performance
Take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime to gain hands-on experience with a variety of populations. Through our research program and outreach activities, students currently have the opportunity to work with elite firefighters, law enforcement, the military, and a variety of athletic teams on and off campus including professional sports teams!
GCU has a state-of-the-art exercise science teaching laboratory that will allow students to experience what it is truly like to be a sports scientist, conducting tests that would be like those offered by the US Olympic team and professional sports teams. Students will learn and use high-tech laboratory devices throughout their education in the required exercise science laboratory courses.
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Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science
Sports and exercise science is a versatile field that is applicable to a range of industries. Individuals with this specialized knowledge are in-demand as strength and conditioning coaches, sports performance coaches, wellness coaches, personal trainers, and fitness professionals. The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Sports Performance prepares graduates to pursue advanced certifications in the strength and conditioning industry, which can enhance their career qualifications.
Some graduates with a sports science degree may choose to pursue advanced academic training by earning a master’s or doctoral degree. Additional academic education may enable graduates to pursue graduate degrees to prepare for the following occupations:
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Chiropractor
- Physician assistant
- Public health specialist
- Athletic trainer
- Registered dietician
- Kinesiology or exercise physiology research professional
Another possible career path lies in education. Graduates with a bachelor’s in exercise science may choose to pursue work as instructors in exercise and sports science, or as physical education teachers within a public or private school system.
Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science – Sports Science FAQs
A sports science degree is sometimes prejudged as an easy degree choice, with outsiders thinking classes only consist of learning new exercises and techniques. This cannot be further from the truth. The science behind how the body works; the kinesiology, is more complex. The majority of kinesiology courses are heavy into the sciences with challenging courses such as human anatomy and human physiology. You can expect GCU’s degree in exercise science to challenge students with practical sessions, lab work and theory to apply to sport and exercise.
Sports scientists combine various branches of science like psychology, biology, biomechanics, kinesiology, anatomy, nutrition, etc., and typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They utilize their expertise to help people train their body for maximum performance in sports and in life. Along with a degree in exercise science, you will need strong problem-solving skills, excellent research and analysis skills and the ability to keep exploring and improvising your knowledge and skills.
A degree in exercise science studies the workings of a human body to help people accentuate their physical health and sporting or physical abilities. Knowledge and experience gained from GCU’s sports performance degree programs may lead to careers listed below:
- Biological science teachers (postsecondary)
- Medical scientist
- Exercise physiologists
- Recreation and fitness study teachers (postsecondary)
With the sports science field representing a wealth of career opportunities, earning additional certifications can make you a better qualified job candidate. Certifications are specialty courses that provide greater knowledge in particular areas of interest. A few certifications you could pursue with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science are:
- Certified personal trainer
- Certified exercise physiologist
- Certified group exercise instructor
- Sports management
- Sports coaching
If you have the drive to further your health and wellness education and strengthen your career potential, a degree in exercise science is worth it. Many students who enjoy GCU’s bachelor’s in exercise science program also choose to pursue higher education after completion of an undergraduate sports science degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2,400 new jobs are estimated to open for exercise physiologists from 2020 to 2030.1
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise physiologists have a median annual wage of $50,280 as of May 2020.2 Sports science graduates tend to get jobs in sport and fitness, coaching and teaching. Additionally, a sports science degree provides students with a great stepping stone to other professions, such as management and medical testing.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on September 2021, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Exercise Physiologists, retrieved on 3/25/2022.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Exercise Physiologists as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as exercise physiologists. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This is an introductory course in general nutrition and wellness, including the definitions of fitness and health, and review of fundamental nutritional principles. This course provides for a basic understanding of nutritional science and applications to food selection and overall health and wellness.
Course Description
This course provides students with basic instruction in research methods needed to read and critique published research in physical activity, health, nutrition, and sports performance. The course will also provide you with the skills needed to design studies and develop a research proposal. Statistical terminology and calculations will be introduced in the context of evaluating research. Students will be required to use statistical software throughout the course.
Course Description
This course introduces the principles and techniques of strength and cardiovascular training. Musculoskeletal, cardiac, and respiratory anatomy are discussed, as well as how these systems adapt and manage the stress of regular exercise. Effective exercise programming is also discussed and applied to various physical abilities to develop a well-rounded program. Knowledge gained in this course prepares students for professional certification in the field of Resistance Training and Cardiovascular Fitness.
Course Description
This field and laboratory experience course introduces exercises that target specific muscle groups and systems of the body to show students how to design an effective exercise program. Students are introduced to effective coaching strategies, including progression, regression, coaching cues, and proper evaluation; these skills can then be applied to the professional development and delivery of an exercise session. Co-Requisite: EXS-250.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is designed to provide the foundation of healthy behavior change in relation to influential factors. Content includes motivation for physical activity and healthy choices, as well as an introduction to the psychology of sports.
Course Description
This course is the first of a two-course sequence examining the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. This portion includes the study of cells; tissues; genetics; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Co-requisite: BIO-201L.
Course Description
This course is a systematic study of human gross anatomy and function. Topics include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Co-Requisite: BIO-201.
Course Description
This course provides the knowledge necessary to enter the field of sports performance. The topics of movement preparation, plyometrics, acceleration, absolute speed, and multidirectional speed are introduced. Students are also introduced to testing, movement skills, nutrition, mindset, motivation science, exercise techniques, and regeneration, as well as program planning for energy system development designed to improve strength, power, sprint, and speed. The course includes a focus on the science of coaching and training tactical populations such as fire, police, and military.
Course Description
This course provides the skills necessary to enter the field of sports performance, with a focus on field and laboratory experiences designed to reinforce the practical application of the skills introduced in lecture.
Course Description
This course introduces analysis of special populations to assist in designing health education and physical fitness programs.
Course Description
This course is the second of a two-course sequence examining the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. This portion includes the study of immunity; metabolism; energetics; fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance; and the endocrine, hematologic, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Prerequisites: BIO-201 and BIO-201L. Co-requisite: BIO-202L.
Course Description
This course is a systematic study of human gross anatomy and function. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems. Prerequisites: BIO-201 and BIO-201L. Co-Requisite: BIO-202.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a study of the effects of exercise on the body. Topics include nutrition as the basis for physical activity; how energy is produced and utilized during physical activity; the energy delivery and vital functions of the respiratory, cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems during exercise; how these systems can be enhanced through training; the impact of ergogenic aids and environmental stress on performance; and the effect of exercise on body composition, weight control, aging, and disease prevention. The body’s responses and adaptations to exercise at the systemic, as well as the subcellular level, are also discussed. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-340L.
Course Description
This is a course of field and laboratory experiences designed to reinforce the basic principles learned in the lecture course. Skills of measurement and evaluation, including computerized methods employed to facilitate testing, are applied to physiological and systemic principles of exercise. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-340.
Course Description
This course provides the knowledge necessary to teach motor skills throughout the lifespan and apply current principles and theories of motor control and motor learning to exercise and rehabilitation populations. Content includes foundational neuroscience and connections with the musculoskeletal system, developmental motor milestones, motor control and motor learning principles, practice and feedback variables, teaching skill acquisition, and achieving maximum performance and retention.
Course Description
This course is an analysis of human movement, integrating knowledge of the skeletal, muscular, and neurological systems with the effects that gravity, friction, internal and external forces, and the laws of motion have on their functions. Topics presented include biomechanics of human bone, joint, and skeletal muscle; structure and function of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine; concepts of linear and angular kinematics and kinetics as applied to human motion; equilibrium and stability on land; and motion through a fluid medium of air or water. Included is the application of these factors to various types of physical skills. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-335L.
Course Description
This laboratory course is designed to apply the anatomical, kinesiological, and biomechanical principles learned in the lecture course to human body movement. Movement of all of the major joints of the body is analyzed by relative and absolute joint position and muscle action, and biomechanical terms - such as linear and angular kinematics, friction, work, power, energy, and torque - are applied to human motion. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-335.
Course Description
This capstone course acts as a culmination of the learning experiences during the exercise science program. A focus will be on career preparation including resume building, portfolio creation, and networking. Prerequisite: EXS-250 or EXS-318 or EXS-430 or EXS-485.
Course Description
This course expands the principles and techniques of strength training including sport- and activity-specific program design and implementation. Knowledge gained in this course will contribute to student preparation for professional certification in the field. Prerequisites: EXS-340 and EXS-340L. Co-Requisite: EXS-455L.
Course Description
This course applies the principles and techniques of strength training including sport- and activity-specific program design and implementation. Prerequisites: EXS-340 and EXS-340L. Co-Requisite: EXS-455.
Course Description
This course incorporates evidence-based concepts and application of corrective exercises to improve muscle imbalance and movement efficiency to decrease injury risk and promote recovery. Techniques include myofascial release, static and neuromuscular stretching, strength training, isometrics, and integrated dynamic movements. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L.
Course Description
In this course, students learn how sports performance professionals engage with athletes to promote health and human performance and apply content knowledge to a sports performance experience. Knowledge gained in this course prepares students for certification exams and careers in the field of sports performance. Prerequisite: EXS-250 or EXS-318 or EXS-430 or EXS-485.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.