Exercise & Sport Science (BA/BS) Program Overview

Exercise and sport science (ESS) majors go on to careers in sport management, sport medicine, and physical education. ESS students who love the laboratory might choose to research rehabilitation options for cancer patients. Or they might attend graduate school to become physical or occupational therapists.

The ESS courses build on a foundation in psychology, chemistry, and physiology; as a graduate, you’ll become an expert in health and the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases.

Put an Exercise Science Degree to Work

At Bluefield University, ESS majors work with the faculty to pursue research interests and land valuable practical internships. “Exercise is medicine,” says Dr. Doug Minnix. “It has the potential to prevent chronic disease, reduce depression and anxiety, and boost the immune system, which is especially relevant today.” Applying his own doctoral research, Dr. Minnix mentors sport science majors to develop mental toughness in pursuit of their dreams. “The physiology of growing strong is fascinating. It shows what a wonderful creator we serve.”

Complete the request information to learn how to join this program. We look forward to helping you see exercise as a “God-given tool” in your life.

Available Concentrations


Sport Medicine

ESS majors who choose the sport medicine concentration receive personalized attention in the classroom, the sport medicine lab, and their practicum and internship experiences. The program prepares them for careers as a certified exercise physiologist or sports medicine fitness specialist if they take and pass the national certification exams.


The Academic Catalog is the student’s guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

Tuition: On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years

Learn how to save on your degree

Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS)
General Education (53 Credits)

General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors


  • Intro to Writing Perspective
  • Argumentative & Analytical Writing
  • Literature (3 Credits)
  • Biblical Perspectives
  • World Civilization I or II
  • US History I or II
  • (Choose One)
    • General Biology w/ Lab
    • General Chemistry w/ Lab
    • Intro to Organic & Biochemistry w/ Lab
  • Additional Science (3 Credits)
  • (Choose One)
    • Human Biology w/ Lab
    • Anatomy & Physiology w/ Lab
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • Fundamentals of Speech
  • College Algebra I
  • Additional Math (3 Credits)
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Invitation to Inquiry
  • Personal Wellness
  • Character Formation
  • Civic & Global Response
Concentration(s) (43 Credits)

Choose your Concentration (1 Available)


  • Concentration – Sports Medicine (43 Credits)
    • Exercise Leadership
    • Motor Learning
    • Foundations of Exercise & Sport Science
    • Assessment of Athletic Injuries
    • Exercise Testing & Prescription w/ Lab
    • Exercise Physiology w/ Lab
    • Kinesiology w/ Lab
    • Tests & Measurements for Exercise & Sport Science
    • Sports Medicine Internship
    • Sport Psychology
    • Therapeutic Exercise
    • Foundations of Strength & Conditioning
    • Nutrition & Metabolism
Electives (24 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Nutritionist
Personal Trainer
Sports Therapist
Sports Coach
Exercise Physiologist

Request Information

Visit Our Campus

Apply Today

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Our team is here for you! How can we help?

This form requires credentials in order to request information.