Study the Science Behind Human Performance
Whether your goal is medical school, physical therapy, sports performance, clinical rehabilitation or research, an Exercise Physiology degree provides one of the strongest scientific foundations available.
Florida State University's Exercise Physiology program combines biology, chemistry and physics with hands-on study of the human body to prepare students for graduate school, professional certifications and careers that improve health and performance.
Unlike broader exercise science or kinesiology programs, Florida State focuses specifically on the science of how the human body functions, adapts and performs under a variety of conditions—from elite athletic performance to chronic disease management.
Explore pathways to:
- Medical School
- Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Physician Assistant Programs
- Occupational Therapy
- Dentistry
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Strength & Conditioning
- Sports Science
- Sports Nutrition
- Human Performance Research
Why Study Exercise Physiology at Florida State?
A STEM-Based Curriculum Built for Healthcare Careers
Students complete rigorous coursework in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Human Physiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Metabolism
- Exercise Testing & Prescription
This curriculum satisfies many prerequisite requirements for professional healthcare programs while providing knowledge that traditional biology majors often don't receive—how the human body functions in real-world movement and clinical environments.
Learn by Working with Real People
Exercise Physiology at Florida State extends beyond classroom instruction.
Students gain experience through:
- Exercise testing
- Blood pressure assessment
- VO₂ testing
- Electrocardiography (EKG)
- Exercise prescription
- Performance diagnostics
- Clinical internships
- Applied research
Graduates leave with practical skills that employers and graduate programs value.
Three Components of Career Readiness
Florida State prepares students through three equally important experiences:
Academic Preparation
Develop advanced scientific knowledge in physiology, metabolism and human performance.
Professional Certification Preparation
Prepare for certifications including:
- ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Strength & Conditioning certifications
- Sports nutrition credentials
Real-World Experience
Complete internships, research projects and clinical experiences that strengthen graduate school applications and employment opportunities.
Career Pathways
Students enter Exercise Physiology with many different goals.
Healthcare
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Dentist
Clinical Practice
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Wellness Coordinator
- Preventive Health Specialist
Sports Performance
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Sports Scientist
- Performance Analyst
- Professional Sports Performance Staff
Research
- Exercise Physiology Research
- Human Performance
- Clinical Research
- University Faculty
Undergraduate, Master's and PhD Opportunities
Bachelor's Degree
Students build a strong scientific foundation while preparing for graduate education or immediate employment.
Common outcomes
- Medical school preparation
- ACSM Exercise Physiologist certification
- Research experience
- Clinical internships
Master's Degree
Students specialize in one of several areas.
Specializations include:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Sciences
- Sports Nutrition
Students complete advanced coursework, internships and certification preparation that increase competitiveness for healthcare professions and industry careers.
Doctoral Degree
The PhD prepares graduates for leadership in:
- Academic research
- Human performance research
- Clinical science
- Sports science
- Industry innovation
Faculty research spans:
- Athletic performance
- Aging
- Alzheimer's disease
- Nutrition
- Food science
- Clinical physiology
- Performance technology
What Makes Florida State Different?
Many universities offer Exercise Science or Kinesiology.
Florida State offers a dedicated Exercise Physiology curriculum emphasizing:
- Human physiology
- Clinical application
- STEM preparation
- Medical school readiness
- Research integration
- Performance science
Students benefit from learning alongside faculty conducting research that directly impacts healthcare, athletic performance and disease prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exercise Physiology a good pre-med major?
Yes. Florida State's curriculum includes many of the science prerequisites required for medical school while also providing extensive education in human physiology, exercise science and clinical application.
What can I do with an Exercise Physiology degree?
Graduates pursue careers in healthcare, cardiac rehabilitation, sports performance, research, wellness, fitness leadership and graduate education including medical school, physical therapy and physician assistant programs.
What's the difference between Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology?
Exercise Physiology focuses on how the body's systems function during exercise, health and disease. Kinesiology is a broader discipline that may include biomechanics, motor learning, sport psychology and physical education.
Do students complete internships?
Yes. Students have opportunities to complete internships, clinical experiences and research projects that build professional experience before graduation.
Can Exercise Physiology lead to professional certifications?
Yes. Students prepare for nationally recognized certifications that support careers in healthcare, exercise physiology and sports performance.
Begin Your Journey
Whether you aspire to become a physician, improve athletic performance, advance healthcare or conduct groundbreaking research, Florida State's Exercise Physiology program provides the scientific foundation, hands-on experience and mentorship to help you reach your goals.
Explore undergraduate, master's and doctoral opportunities and discover where Exercise Physiology can take you.
