Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Health and Physical Education - Health Fitness Instructor

Bachelor of Science
Norfolk State University

Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.

The Health Fitness Instructor program is designed to prepare students to work in corporate fitness environments and other agencies that focus on exercise, fitness and wellness. The four-year program includes general education core, professional education courses and a required clinical intership in an approved fitness facility.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The Clinical programs in our department are science intensive. Students must be prepared to study and work in study groups to remain on top of their studies and ensure that they understand their required materials. Tutoring is available to students as needed.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

There is a General Education Core requirement for all students matriculating at NSU. Students must pass these courses with a C or higher. In each of our majors, ALL major courses must be passed with a C or higher. Any major classes with a lower score must be repeated.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Norfolk State University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses BS.EXE.KIN: The Kinesiotherapy Program is One of ONLY TWO programs in the U.S. with students being able to sit for their Certification Exam upon successful completion of this clinical major. Passing the Exam renders the student a "Registered Kinesiotherapist". This program is science intensive. Students begin taking Anatomy and Physiology their first semester. Science courses are threaded throughout the first three years, and during the last two semesters students complete their Internship in a clinical setting. The total number of credit hours for this major is 128 credit hours. If students take the additional three science/lab courses, they will have the prerequisite credits to apply to Graduate School for Physical Therapy. BS.EXE.HPE: The Health and Physical Education Teacher Licensure Program is a four-year program (120 credit hours). Students must pass the VCLA Exam and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or above to be accepted into the School of Education Teacher Licensure Program. This program also has add-on certifications in First Aid/CPR/AED, Driver Education Certification, Water Safety Instruction. and Lifeguard Training. BS/EXE.HWR: This program track in Health, Wellness and Rehabilitation, is a 120 credit-hour program. It is a Clinical track as well as Science focused. Students completing this degree complete their Internships in varied clinical settings such as rehabilitation centers and physical therapy offices. If students take the additional three science/lab courses, they will have the prerequisite credits to apply to Graduate School for Physical Therapy. BS.HPE.HFI: This program track is Health Fitness Instructor. Students completing this track will be trained to be Personal Trainers, Fitness Leaders, Health and Wellness Coaches, etc. This training will prepare the graduate to work in a variety of wellness settings including Parks and Recreation facilities, fitness gyms, YMCA's, etc. It also has options for students to become certified under the National Strength and Conditioning Organization or the American College of Sports Medicine Programs.
Doing More With Your Degree Completion of any of our four program areas provides our graduates with leadership skills and competitive training skills to successfully move into the workforce or continue on to work on an advanced degree.
Program Successes & Highlights Our BS.EXE.KIN Kinesiotherapy graduates have experienced a 100 % placement rate, and two of our recent graduates have completed their Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees and are working in their professional field. Our BS.EXS.HPE Teacher Licensure students have a 100% hiring rate as most are hired in the schools where they complete their Student Teaching experiences. Our BS.EXE.HFI Health Fitness Instructor graduates have a strong hiring rate in a variety of Fitness and Wellness settings. 78% to 85% of our graduates complete their degrees within the six year matriculation period.
Program Credit Requirements
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
  • Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
  • View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Norfolk State University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the NSU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for guaranteed admission programs and must complete 3 college-specific general education courses. All courses are evaluated and trasnferred as applicable to your degree.
Credit for Prior Learning We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Norfolk State University
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Norfolk State University enrolls approximately 400 transfer students each fall. The average class size is 23 students . The student to teacher ratio is 18:1. On campus housing is available. Our top five academic programs for transfer students is Pre-Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Business, and Interdisciplinary Studies
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Students may confirm intent to enroll via the Transfer VA Portal using College Connect.
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in Sports MedicineBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Science in Sports MedicineBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Kinesiology: Administration and Leadership in Sport and ExerciseBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Kinesiology: Applied Health Sciences ProfessionsBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Kinesiology: Health and Human PerformanceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Health & Exercise ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Science in Health & Exercise ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Exercise ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Health and WellnessBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Arts in Exercise Science Health Fitness SpecialistBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Science in Exercise ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
George Mason UniversityKinesiology, BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityExercise Science-BS (HS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearNot Specified
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Science Kinesiology RecreationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBS in Exercise and Sport Science - Sports MedicineBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityExercise Science Clinical Health (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityExercise Science Fitness and Wellness (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
29-1128.00Exercise PhysiologistsAssess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Norfolk State University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $463 Per Credit $55,560 $0 $55,560 Caps at 12-18 credits for $3038.00
Fees
Mandatory Fees $2,052 Per Semester $16,416 0 $16,416 All Full time Students
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Miscellaneous fees include parking fee, graduation fee , and program-specific fees, such as Fine Arts, Music, and Nursing. Dorm/Meals cost depend on the dorm and meal plan chosen.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.