Sport Science, B.S.

Sport Science, B.S.

Program Overview

If you're passionate about understanding the science behind athletic performance, preventing injury, and promoting long-term athlete health, PLNU’s Bachelor of Science in Sport Science equips you with the knowledge and hands-on experience to make a meaningful impact. Through coursework grounded in anatomy & physiology, biomechanics, strength & conditioning, and long-term athlete development, you’ll be prepared for roles in sport science, sport performance, coaching, strength and conditioning, or fitness training, helping individuals and teams reach their full potential through cutting-edge, evidence-based practice.

PLNU’s Bachelor of Science in Sport Science isn't only about the science behind athletics and improving performance in sports — it’s also about helping others move with purpose, prevent injuries, and live healthier lives. You’ll develop the knowledge and tools to guide people toward lasting wellness through fitness, performance, and lifestyle change.

As a Sport Science major, you’ll be able to choose whichever of the two concentrations fits your interests and future goals.

Concentrations to Fit Your Interests:

General Sport Science

The General Sport Science concentration prepares students to become Sports Scientists, Biomechanists, Exercise Physiologists, Physical Education Teachers, and Coaches. This concentration in conjunction with our EMT program, is also a great route for students interested in Fire, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Medical services.

Students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in areas such as exercise science, motor behavior, resistance training methodology, movement analysis, long-term athlete development, and wellness programming. 

This track is especially suited for those considering roles in sport performance, strength and conditioning, physical education, community health, fitness and wellness coaching, and sport science

Strength and Conditioning

If you’re passionate about maximizing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and using science-based training strategies to help others succeed, the Strength and Conditioning concentration offers focused preparation in one of the sport science field’s most in-demand areas.

This concentration equips you with practical knowledge and technical skills rooted in biomechanics, physiology, and evidence-based exercise programming. You’ll learn how to design effective strength, power, and agility training plans; apply periodization strategies; and assess athletic performance through testing and monitoring protocols.

Whether you’re interested in coaching, athletic development, or preparing for advanced certifications like the NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), this track sets you up for meaningful work in high school, collegiate, private, or tactical performance settings. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate programs in kinesiology, athletic training, or strength and conditioning.

At PLNU, our Sport Science program focuses on two goals:

  • Teaching you to gain important skills in fitness assessment, exercise prescription, proper nutrition for fueling performance, and ethical and faithful leadership.
  • Supporting you as you learn to identify and prevent injuries, help patients avoid preventable disease, and work with people to achieve their health goals

Stories of Strength

Cultivated for Care: Lauren Quinn Treats Women’s Tennis Athletes
From Injured to Recovered: Isaiah Yoder Pursues His Calling as an Athletic Trainer

Finding your Health Pathway

Education in Motion

"Profession with Purpose "
"Padres + PLNU Biomechanics Lab "

Where Health Careers Begin

Discover More
Videos (2)
Articles (11)
Quotes (2)
Pictures (3)
Cultivated for Care: Lauren Quinn Treats Women’s Tennis Athletes Alumna Lauren Quinn shares about her career as a healthcare provider for the athletes at the Women’s Tennis Association. Discover
From Injured to Recovered: Isaiah Yoder Pursues His Calling as an Athletic Trainer Having to deal with a number of crushing injuries growing up, Isaiah Yoder’s struggle set the path for his vocation as the Head Athletic Trainer at Point Loma High School. Discover
PLNU’s Athletic Training: Hands-on Experience for a Hands-on Career The PLNU Athletic Training Clinic is a state-of-the-art facility where students receive the clinical experience they need to become successful athletic trainers. Discover
Never Stop: How Landis Sims’ Athletic Journey Guided Him to the Point Landis Sims is a limb deficient baseball player who continues to defy the odds. Discover
Trish Hughes: Finding Significant Work at USA Swimming PLNU alum Trish Hughes gets to make an impact through her work with USA Swim. Discover
Grand Opening: PLNU and the San Diego Padres Unveil New Biomechanics Lab Joined by Padres executives, PLNU and community members celebrate the grand opening of a cutting-edge biomechanics lab, promising enhanced player development and educational opportunities for students. Discover
What Degree Should I Get to Become a Health Coach Discover how PLNU’s Master of Science in Kinesiology, Integrative Wellness can help you gain the work experience and skills necessary for a career in health coaching. Discover
Mending the Gap: How Sydney Dreves is pioneering in injury prevention as a female biomechanist Sydney Dreves is determined to help athletes through her work and inspire other female researchers. Discover
8 Steps to Becoming an Athletic Trainer in California Discover the essential eight steps to kickstart your career and become a certified Athletic Trainer in California. Discover
What is Occupational Therapy? If you’re looking for a career involving active movement, out-of-the-box thinking, and helping others, a career in occupational therapy (OT) might be for you! Learn more about this career rising in popularity. Discover
What’s the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy? Whether you’re pursuing a career in OT or PT, here’s a basic guide to help you in your career exploration. Discover
Profession with Purpose
"In lots of my classes in my major, a lot of the direction was around service. We worked in the training room helping the athletes. The mission of PLNU was a perfect support for my professional decision. "
Colin Bowles Athletic Training B.S.
Padres + PLNU Biomechanics Lab
"This Padres + PLNU Biomechanics Lab is a dream come true. We have two incredible partners who came together a year ago to make it happen. The real magic of this lab is that it is a world-class space to meet the Padres’ player performance needs while also being a learning lab to train our 750+ students in the College of Health Sciences. All of our students will train in this lab, and our goal is to send them out to impact the well-being of this community."
Jeff Sullivan PLNU College of Health Sciences

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Sport Science B.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

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Current PLNU Student Information

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support


For more information on becoming a Physical Education Teacher, contact Professor Ann Davis at andavis@pointloma.edu.

Read information on the Physical Education CSET.

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Career Opportunities

The health and fitness industry is poised for huge growth as demand for healthier lifestyle options has propelled exercise and sport science into some of the top career opportunities available. Increased public understanding and awareness continues to grow the need for alignment between fitness, nutrition, stress management, and treatment of preventable disease. A Bachelor of Science in Sports Science prepares you to help others find the right course of action to achieve health and wellness.

Job outlook for Sport Science careers

For Sports Scientists, Biomechanists, Exercise Physiologists, Physical Education Teachers, and Coaches, overall employment is projected to grow by ~10% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What can you do with a Sport Science degree?

PLNU graduates are prepared to excel in sport science by combining a strong scientific foundation with hands-on training, ready to collaborate with health and fitness professionals to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and promote wellness.

Because many careers in sport science benefit from or require advanced education, this program is designed to prepare students for graduate-level study in areas like exercise physiology, sport science, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, physical education, athletic administration, kinesiology, and health and wellness. Graduates often build on their undergraduate experience by pursuing master’s programs that allow them to specialize further and expand their impact in their field.

Some of the positions our graduates currently hold include:

Coach or Scout 

2025 Median annual salary: $49,470

Sports coaches and scouts work together to develop and identify athletic talent, with coaches focusing on improving performance, strategy, and teamwork, while scouts evaluate potential players based on skill, growth, and team fit. Both roles are vital in competitive sports settings—from schools and clubs to college and professional teams—where they collaborate to build successful, high-performing rosters.

Necessary attributes and skills: 

  • A strong understanding of game mechanics, strategies, and performance metrics
  • Sharp observation and decision making skills to evaluate athlete and team development 
  • Possess strong and clear communication skills to provide valuable feedback 
  • Mentorship and leadership are essential tools to in guiding positive results for teams and athletes 
  • Success in these roles demands flexibility, time management, and internal drive

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors 

2025 Median annual salary: $47,940

Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors design and lead customized workouts and group classes to improve clients’ strength, endurance, and overall well-being. They work in gyms, studios, corporate wellness programs, or run independent businesses—collaborating with clients, medical professionals, and fellow coaches to deliver safe, engaging, results-driven sessions.

Necessary attributes and skills:

  • Expertise in exercise physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, and nutritional basics
  • Building strong, trust-based relationships encourages client consistency, motivation, and long-term progress
  • Coordinating sessions and certifications to support trust and professionalism
  • Clear instruction (verbal, visual, tactile), active listening, and genuine empathy
  • Instructors stay flexible and solution-focused for their clients health needs 

Sports Nutritionist 

2025 Median annual salary: $73,850 

A Sports Nutritionist develops personalized nutrition strategies to help athletes and active individuals enhance performance, speed recovery, and maintain overall health. They may work with sports teams, fitness centers, healthcare facilities, or as independent consultants, often collaborating with coaches, trainers, and medical professionals to deliver integrated support.

Necessary attributes and skills: 

  • Knowledge in human nutrition, metabolism, and exercise physiology
  • Must be able to analyze lab work, body composition, and performance metrics
  • Translating complex nutrition concepts into clear, motivational advice
  • Understanding of anti-doping regulations, food safety, and ethical considerations
  • Staying on top of latest research and maintaining certifications for credibility 

Physical Therapist 

2025 Median annual salary: $101,290 

A Physical Therapist (PT) helps patients restore movement, reduce pain, and improve physical function following injury, illness, or surgery. PTs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practice—collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver individualized, evidence-based care.

Necessary attributes and skills: 

  • Expertise in anatomy and movement to treat neuromuscular and musculoskeletal issues
  • Apply evaluations and critical thinking to tailor treatment plans to patient progress and goals
  • Skills in hands-on therapy, exercise prescription, and the use of therapeutic modalities
  • Maintaining licensure, pursuing continuing education, and staying current with evidence-based practice and new techniques
  • Strong empathy and emotional intelligence to foster motivation and resilience with clients

Exercise Physiologist 

2025 Median annual salary: $63,930

An Exercise Physiologist uses evidence-based exercise testing and prescription to help individuals improve cardiovascular health, strength, endurance, and overall physical function. They work in clinical, rehabilitative, athletic, or research settings—often collaborating with physicians and healthcare teams to prevent and manage chronic conditions or enhance athletic performance.

Necessary attributes and skills: 

  • Perform tests and screenings to inform personalized interventions
  • Understand how the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems respond to physical activity
  • Communicate results clearly, motivate clients, and educate on proper technique, safety, and long-term wellness
  • Track vitals and adjust programs in real-time to ensure effective outcomes
  • Use data to create exercise plans aligned with individual health and rehabilitation goals

Make a lasting impact on clients, families, athletes, and the overall wellness of your community

Upon completion of PLNU’s Sport Science B.S., you’ll be equipped with knowledge of how to provide quality care and support in the medical field, health and wellness programs, and fitness settings. This program prepares you with a versatile set of skills to flourish in a variety of settings. Within healthcare, athletic, or recreational positions, you can make a difference preventing and treating many types of conditions and diseases — one client or athlete at a time.

If you’re ready to make an impact and begin your journey at PLNU, connect with one of our counselors or apply today! 

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Pre-Allied Health + M.S. in Athletic Training

The Pre-Allied Health + M.S. in Athletic Training dual degree is a 3+2 program for incoming first-year PLNU students.

MSOT student holds onto a hoop while working on a therapy

Pre-Occupational Therapy Program

Are you interested in becoming an Occupational Therapist in the future? To become an Occupational Therapist you will need to graduate with your bachelor’s degree first then apply to a graduate program in Occupational Therapy studies.

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Pre-Physician Assistant Program

Physician Assistant programs are among the most competitive graduate programs in the nation. That is why it is vitally important to choose a university with a robust Pre-Physician Assistant program like PLNU.