Program Details
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Health and Physical Education
Bachelor of ScienceNorfolk 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.
This concentration is designed to prepare students to become teachers of health and physcial education in grades K-12 in public school settings. The major embodies (1) course with an emphasis in health education and physical, (2) an emphasis on physical activity as a means to health (wellness), (3) a focus on a conceptual wellness, physical education, lifetime sports and fitness, and (4) a recognition of an sensitivity to cultural diversity involving health and physcial education.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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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.
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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

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.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

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.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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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.
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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... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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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

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Kinesiology: Administration and Leadership in Sport and Exercise | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Kinesiology: Applied Health Sciences Professions | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Kinesiology: Health and Human Performance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Health & Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Health & Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Health and Wellness | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science Health Fitness Specialist | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
George Mason University | Kinesiology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Exercise Science-BS (HS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Not Specified |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Kinesiology Recreation | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BS in Exercise and Sport Science - Sports Medicine | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Exercise Science Clinical Health (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Exercise Science Fitness and Wellness (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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29-1128.00 | Exercise Physiologists | Assess, 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
