4 students holding the meal they prepped in BS NEP Program

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (BS NEP) provides an in-depth understanding of the roles of nutrition and exercise in health and disease. The BS NEP program is unique in that it seeks to provide a strong grounding in both nutrition and exercise science.

Students in the program learn to use nutrition and exercise as a form of medicine and as a wellness practice when working with patients and clients.

Who You Are

Students are eligible to take the Exercise Physiologist (EP) certification exam offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). ACSM EPs are qualified to pursue careers in university, corporate, commercial, hospital, and community settings. They are exercise specialists with the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting fitness assessments and interpreting results to prescribe appropriate, personalized exercise programs.

Because of the unique inclusion of both nutrition and exercise-focused curriculum, graduates can also competently conduct nutritional analyses and provide nutrition education to clients.

What You’ll Do

Career Paths

Get the tools you need to launch into a variety of successful careers. Many NEP graduates find related jobs promptly upon graduation. Employers include:

  • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinics
  • Specialty Gyms, including those catering to Athletes
  • YMCAs
  • Strength and Conditioning Centers
  • Public Health Agencies
  • Health Care Facilities
  • Occupational Therapy Offices
  • Physical Therapy Offices
  • Medical Centers

Graduate School

The degree also provides foundational coursework for application to graduate school in areas such as dietetics through programs such as our MS Coordinated Program in Dietetics. The degree also fully prepares students for non-clinical graduate studies in the nutritional and exercise sciences.

fitness equipment

Our Curriculum

Students establish a strong science-based foundation in their junior year with courses such as Exercise Physiology, Macronutrient Metabolism, and Pathophysiology. They learn practical applications of content in courses like Strength Training & Conditioning and Food Preparation for Health Sciences. Application continues with Exercise Testing & Prescription and Nutritional Assessment.

Courses diversify in the senior year, including Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Population Health, and Management & Facilities. Practical experience in the BS NEP is integral to preparing students for a successful career. In their senior year, students run the campus NEP Health and Fitness Clinic in which they practice their skills with community members. The final requirement for the degree is a 400-hour internship at a related site of the student’s choice.

Program Outcomes

Over the past five years.

89% of students who attempted the ACSM Exercise Physiology exam passed
86% of graduates promptly got jobs in the field and/or were accepted into graduate school
100% of employers surveyed are satisfied with BS NEP alumni as employees
100% of BS NEP alumni report being satisfied with their education

BS NEP Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences.

CAAHEP Contact Information:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350