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Exercise Physiology

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An Exercise Physiology Degree for Champions of Health

Are you passionate about exercise as medicine? Troy University's B.S. in exercise physiology degree with a pre-health professions concentration prepares you to help others achieve better health, mobility, confidence and overall well-being. As a pre-health major at TROY, you'll explore how movement impacts the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems to prevent disease and support recovery. Blending courses in exercise science and human physiology, the program builds a strong academic foundation. Through TROY's pre-health track, you'll be equipped to pursue graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies or athletic training — as well as careers in clinical and fitness settings.

“The Exercise Physiology–Pre-Health program at TROY equipped me with the academic foundation, professional experiences, and research opportunities needed to be accepted into a nationally ranked graduate program. The faculty members in this department bring diverse expertise and deliver it with both professionalism and personal attention, ensuring students receive the guidance and opportunities necessary to achieve their goals. I'm so grateful for my time at TROY!”

Ashlyn Shaver | Doctor of Physical Therapy student, The University of Alabama at Birmingham | 2025 graduate, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology - Pre-Health Professions

A Pre-Health Program Focused on Active Learning

As a pre-health major at TROY, you won't just absorb knowledge — you'll put it into action. Through courses like Sport and Exercise Nutrition and Biomechanics, you'll conduct hands-on lab work, study rehabilitative lifting techniques and apply exercise interventions. In courses like Pathophysiology, you'll dive into all the ways diseases affect the body, while labs in Organismal Biology and Anatomy will strengthen your foundations for pre-health professions. You'll even have the opportunity to complete your senior project in cardiac rehabilitation, gaining direct experience in real-world patient care settings. Additionally, you can expand your global perspective through our study abroad program at Coventry University in the United Kingdom, where you'll engage with international leaders in exercise science.

A Training Ground for Pre-Health Professions

Want to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses or guide professional athletes toward peak performance? TROY's exercise physiology degree with a pre-health professions concentration equips you with the specialized knowledge and skills you'll need. You'll graduate with a strong grasp of sciences like pathophysiology and microbiology, along with practical laboratory experience and a deep understanding of both conditioning and rehabilitative exercise. Whether you're pursuing a role in a clinical or fitness setting, planning for graduate study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies or athletic training — or simply asking, “What can I do with a pre-health degree?” — TROY's pre-health track will prepare you for your next move.

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Exercise Physiology Degree Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, your coursework may include:

Academic Catalog Degree Map

Exercise Physiology Degree Locations

You'll study on TROY's main campus, where pre-health majors get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.

Troy Campus

Best Majors for Medical School? The Truth

Is TROY's exercise physiology degree with a pre-health professions concentration one of the best majors for medical school? Not quite. While this program isn't designed as a pre-med path, it is an excellent choice for students preparing to apply to graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies and athletic training. The concentration blends rigorous science coursework with hands-on clinical experience and research opportunities, ensuring you're fully prepared for the next step. You'll also be ready to pursue respected industry certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), boosting your expertise and strengthening your graduate school and job applications.

Careers with Your Exercise Physiology Degree

TROY's degree in exercise physiology with a pre-health concentration prepares you for a wide range of pre-health professions, from clinical roles such as physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician assistant and athletic trainer to fitness-focused positions like personal trainer or strength and conditioning coach.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Teresa Johnson

Dr. Johnson is a registered dietitian with over 30 years of clinical practice and teaching experience. She teaches several courses in the exercise science bachelor's program, including Human Nutrition, Nutrition Assessment, Nutrition for the Life Cycle, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Introduction to Food Science, Community Nutrition, and Sports Nutrition and Metabolism. Her research interests include pediatric nutrition, anthropometry, complementary and alternative medical therapies and blended tube feeding.

Learn more about our faculty 334-312-3209 tjohnson@troy.edu

Michael S. Green, Ph.D.

Dr. Michael Green, a Great Britain native, earned his undergraduate and master's degrees in sport and fitness management from TROY and his doctorate in sport science from Georgia State University. He has worked in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion since 2008. Dr. Green was an accomplished student-athlete and marathon runner, earning nine conference titles, setting the TROY record for 3,000 meters and becoming the first member of the TROY cross country team to receive the Academic All-American honor (1998).

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-5732 mgreen@troy.edu

James Grant Mouser, Ph.D.

Dr. J. Grant Mouser, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Exercise Physiology in the School of Allied Health at TROY, holds a Ph.D. in kinesiology and health promotion with a concentration in exercise physiology from the University of Mississippi. He earned both his undergraduate and master's degrees in exercise physiology from the University of Oklahoma. He has been a member of the faculty since 2018 and previously served as chair of the Institutional Review Board at TROY. His research focuses on blood flow and vascular adaptation to resistance exercise.

Learn more about our faculty 334-808-6717 jmouser@troy.edu

Lesley Parrish, PT, DPT, SCS, FAAOMPT

Lesley Parrish is an Assistant Professor and the Interprofessional Health Science program coordinator in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. Lesley also serves as the College of Health Sciences coordinator for the Troy University Global Scholars Honors program. She is a licensed physical therapist that has dedicated 20+ years of clinical practice to the art of caring for individuals with orthopedic and sports medicine injuries. Her focus has been in sports medicine with specialization in movement assessment, injury prevention, and rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries. Most of her practice has consisted of working with both professional and collegiate athletes, working with teams such as the Tennessee Titans, the Lipscomb University Bisons; and has since continued working with the Troy University Trojans, the New York Giants, the Montreal Alouettes, and the New York Jets. She has worked alongside physicians from the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center and Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine. Dr. Parrish's research interest focuses on movement assessment and injury prevention with the most recent study analyzing wearable Inertial Measurement Units to assess movement strategy for injury prevention and the return to high level functional activity. She received her Ph.D. in Health Science from Faulkner University, her DPT from Belmont University and her Bachelors degree from The University of Alabama. She is certified in trigger point dry needling, IASTM, concussion, and sports medicine rehabilitation. She has had the honor of representing her profession on venues such as ESPN and Sports Illustrated. She is actively involved in her church, tennis, and wellness, and enjoys spending time with her family.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3443 lparrish@troy.edu

Rebecca Whetstone, M.S., CIC

Becky Whetstone earned her Master's Degrees in Counseling & Psychology (2013) and Kinesiology – Sports Psychology (expected 2025) at Troy University as well as a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Brock University, Ontario, Canada. Prior to joining the KHP department, Mrs. Whetstone was an Assistant Director of Athletics for Academics in the Troy University Athletics department, and was responsible for the academic advisement of student athletes. Her responsibilities in the KHP department include the advisement of all exercise physiology undergraduate students and teaching exercise physiology and general kinesiology courses.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-5955 whetstone@troy.edu

LaGary Carter, DA, DNP, NP-C, ACSM-CEP

Dr. Carter serves as Dean of the College of Health Science and teaches in the Exercise Physiology Program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. Dr. Carter is a Certified and Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine and is credentialed as an Exercise is Medicine® Level III professional. He received a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama, a Doctor of Arts in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Bachelor of Science in Wellness & Fitness from David Lipscomb University. Dr. Carter also obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University. A southern Georgia native, Dr. Carter is a first-generation college graduate and an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He and his wife of 34 years, Tanya, have two adult sons.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3712 blcarter@troy.edu

Lauren Luginsland, Ph.D.

Dr. Luginsland teaches as an adjunct instructor for the Exercise Physiology program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. She is currently serving in her full time role as a post doctorate fellow at the University of South Florida. Dr. Luginsland holds a Ph.D. in Biomechanics from Old Dominion University. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton and her Masters of Science from the University of Mississippi studying Exercise Science with a focus in Biomechanics. Prior to starting her PhD, Dr. Luginsland was a Biomechanist in the Movement Science Lab at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, TX and was a prior NIOSH/CDC research fellow awarded through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) program. Research interests - clinical gait analysis with a primary focus in pediatric populations with an orthopedic impairment and/or disability.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3443 lluginsland@troy.edu

Robin Oakes, DPT

Dr. Oakes received her BS in Pre-Professional Health Science (2008) and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT – 2010) from The University of South Alabama. Dr. Oakes serves as an adjunct instructor for the Exercise Physiology Program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. In her clinical role, Dr. Oakes serves as a Physical Therapist in both home health and the Troy Regional Medical Center. Her service their includes managing patient care, patient and family education, and ensuring safe transition to the home environment.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3443 rrouse@troy.edu

Exercise Physiology Degree Concentrations

Choose the concentration that lines up with your future goals, whether you want to go straight into exercise science careers or pursue further study.

B.S. in Exercise Physiology: Pre-Health Professions

This concentration prepares you for graduate study in exercise science, which can lead to professional health roles such as occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician assistant. With courses in rehabilitative exercise, microbiology and health concepts, this emphasis equips you with the coursework you need to apply to and excel in further study.

DEGREE MAP

B.S. in Exercise Physiology: Wellness and Fitness

With courses in physiology, wellness psychology and exercise performance, this concentration prepares you for exercise science jobs in strength and conditioning, coaching, commercial fitness and more.

DEGREE MAP

Exercise Physiology Degree Scholarships

A Pre-Health Degree That Won't Break the Bank

You can offset the cost of your degree with TROY's wide range of scholarships, including the Barry Baker Endowed Scholarship and the Element Health Scholarship.

Related Programs

Bachelor's in Physical Education (P–12)Master's in Kinesiology - Applied Physiology Bachelor's in Interprofessional Health Sciences Bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences Master's in Athletic Training

FAQ About the Exercise Physiology Degree Program

Learn more about the field of exercise science and our program.

What is exercise science?

Exercise science studies how exercise and physical activity affect health, well-being, disease prevention and performance. It covers topics such as biology, nutrition, anatomy, psychology, physiology and other sciences related to human health.

What can you do with an exercise physiology degree?

An exercise physiology degree prepares you for numerous jobs and further study in exercise science. Graduates of the exercise physiology bachelor's program at TROY have become personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, dietitians, fitness and wellness coordinators, community health workers and many other roles.

What certifications can I get with my exercise science degree?

After earning your B.S. in exercise physiology from TROY, you'll be prepared to earn certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. These certifications include credentials for becoming a personal trainer, exercise instructor, physiologist, strength and conditioning instructor and more.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certifications:

National Strength and Conditioning Association (SCA) Certifications:

How many hours are in TROY's exercise Physiology degree program?

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology is a 123-credit-hour program. View the course catalog.

What exercise science classes are offered online?

TROY's exercise science classes are offered in person only at this time.

How large are class sizes in the exercise physiology degree program?

Average class sizes for the exercise physiology degree are 30 students for lecture courses and 15 for labs.

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News

New Health Sciences Building Planned for TROY Campus

A new health sciences building planned for Troy University's flagship campus in Troy, Ala., will include labs for exercise science, biomechanics and movement education; simulation spaces; and increased classroom spaces, including a 150-seat lecture theater.

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