One student takes the blood pressure of another student that is on an exercise bike

Exercise Science

Program Overview

Program Overview

Examine how the human body functions, moves, and grows stronger. Equip yourself to help others become better versions of themselves. Our interdisciplinary program teaches you how to empower your community through wellness, health and fitness. 

At Lipscomb you will receive the highest quality didactic instruction in our state-of-the-art facilities with passionate, qualified professors. You’ll also benefit from their relationships with local practices and organizations, getting plenty of hands-on experience in Nashville.

Earn a degree that will pave your path to a career as a physical or occupational therapist, physician assistant, chiropractor, nurse, or any other professional health care field you could imagine. When you graduate, you’ll join the rest of your peers who landed careers in the field or were admitted to the allied health graduate schools of their choice.

Courses

Courses

Specific courses required:

  • AT 3002 - Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
  • BY 1134 - Principles of Biology: Cell and Genetics
  • BY 1144 - Principles of Biology: Diversity and Ecology
  • BY 3514 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BY 3524 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  • CM 1113 - General Chemistry I
  • CM 1211 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
  • EX 2533 - Kinesiology
  • EX 3002 - Mechanics of Movement
  • EX 3363 - Biostatistics
  • EX 4113 - Exercise Physiology
  • EX 4123 - Exercise Physiology Lab
  • EX 4133 - Exercise Evaluation and Prescription
  • EX 4143 - Special Topics in Exercise Science
  • EX 4153 - Strength and Conditioning Program Design
  • EX 4163 - Applied Exercise Physiology
  • EX 4224 - Externship in Kinesiology
  • HL 1303 - Healthful Living
  • HL 3302 - First Aid and Emergency Care
  • NUTR 2613 - Principles of Nutrition
  • MG 3503 - Leading and Managing People or MK 3503 - Principles of Marketing
  • PE 2203 - Foundations in Kinesiology
  • PE 2402 - Concepts of Motor Learning
  • PE 4323 - Administration of Exercise Related Programs
  • PE 4502 - Seminar in Kinesiology


Note:

All students majoring in exercise science must achieve a ""C"" or above in all department courses required for the exercise science major.

20:1

Student to faculty ratio

Internship

Become more competitive in the job market with an internship related to your interests. You’ll gain experience and boost your exposure. An internship will also help you learn whether you’ve chosen a career you’ll enjoy.

Job placement

With a top-tier university education on your resume, you’ll be in high demand, whether you choose to launch your career or begin graduate school. Most of our programs have a placement rate of at least 90 percent within six months of graduation.

Expert faculty, small class sizes

Learn from award-winning, experienced faculty who actually care about you. Our small class sizes allow us to get to know you personally. We lead an approachable community within our respective programs. Our faculty connections are the experts on their subject matter, too.

Our Faculty

  • Jeremy Townsend

    Jeremy Townsend

    Assistant Professor of Kinesiology

    Jeremy Townsend is currently an Assistant Professor in Exercise and Nutrition Science at Lipscomb University. He received his Bachelor's degree from Harding University where he was a captain of the...

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  • Laurel Littlefield

    Laurel Littlefield

    Assistant Professor of Kinesiology

    Laurel Littlefield joined the Kinesiology department in 2018 as an associate professor. Prior to working at Lipscomb, Laurel was a faculty member at Lubbock Christian University from 2013 - 2018....

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  • Ruth Henry

    Ruth Henry

    Vice Chair, Kinesiology and Nutrition

    Long-tenured Lipscomb faculty member in exercise science, she teaches the statistics and research courses.

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  • Kent Johnson

    Kent Johnson

    Professor

    Cofounder of EXNS program Long-tenured Lipscomb faculty member in exercise physiology, leads the cardiovascular laboratory, and is a fellow in the ACSM.

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  • Lynn Griffith

    Lynn Griffith

    Professor

    Griffith began working at Lipscomb in the fall of 1980. During his time at Lipscomb, Griffith has served as department chair of the former Health and Physical Education Department, men's...

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  • Matthew Ruiz

    Matthew Ruiz

    Professor of Kinesiology

    Professional expertise in sport, exercise and performance psychology.

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Career Paths

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

Athletic Trainers

Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

Related Programs

One student takes the blood pressure of another student

Fitness and Sport Studies

Pre-Physician Assistant

Pre-Physician Assistant

Nursing students reading a chart near a simulation mannequin.

Nursing