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 human physiology, biomechanics, and performance training, you’ll be prepared for roles in coaching, fitness training, or sport performance — helping individuals and teams reach their full potential in safe, effective, and sustainable ways.

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.

Courses in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and psychology help you build real-world skills in fitness assessment, exercise programming, performance nutrition, and ethical leadership.

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 offers a broad and flexible foundation in the science of human movement, health, and performance. Ideal for students interested in a wide range of careers or future graduate study, this concentration explores how the body functions, how to promote healthy behaviors, and how to support overall wellness across diverse populations.

Students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in areas such as exercise science, motor behavior, movement analysis, and wellness programming. This track is especially suited for those considering roles in community health, physical education, fitness and wellness coaching, or graduate programs in allied health fields like occupational therapy, kinesiology, or public health.

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.

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

Course Information

Major Map

For more information, contact Professor Ann Davis at anndavis@pointloma.edu.

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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.

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

Job outlook for Sport Science careers

Job opportunities with a degree in sport science are wide-ranging and available in many fields. For physical therapists, athletic trainers, and occupational therapists (some of the careers pursued by graduates of the PLNU’s sport science program), overall employment is projected to grow 18% 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 equipped to thrive in the dynamic field of sport science, where collaboration between fitness and healthcare professionals is key to improving individual and team performance, injury prevention, and overall wellness. Students graduate with a strong scientific foundation, practical training, and the qualifications to pursue professional fitness certifications.

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 athletic training, kinesiology, occupational therapy, and related allied health fields. Graduates often build on their undergraduate experience by pursuing master’s programs that allow them to specialize further and expand their impact in performance, rehabilitation, or clinical settings.

Some of the positions our graduates currently hold include:

Athletic Coach or Scout

2025 Median annual salary: $45,920

Coaches teach amateur and professional athletes the skills needed to find success in their sport, whereas scouts look for and recruit new players based on their skills or likelihood for success at a variety of levels (college, amateur, or professional). Many coaches are also involved in scouting potential athletes.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Highly organized to plan and conduct practice sessions
• Well-versed and experienced in the sport being coached
• Knowledge of how to plan strategies and lineups based on the strengths and weaknesses of individual athletes and opposing teams
• Strong communicator and leader to provide direction, encouragement, and motivation to athletes
• Physically able and fit to plan and direct physical conditioning programs

Physical Therapist

2025 Median annual salary: $101,000

Physical therapists help clients who are injured, ill, or elderly improve mobility and manage pain. They often play an important role in preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. They must be able-bodied and strong to help patients with limited mobility.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Physically strong to help lift patients or guide them in strengthening workouts
• Knowledge of conditions and injuries to diagnose a patient’s functions and movements by observing them and by listening to their concerns
• Developing individualized plans of care for patients, outlining patient goals and the expected outcomes of the plans
• Knowledge of exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain
• Strong writing to evaluate and record a patient’s progress
• Communication to educate patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

2025 Median annual salary: $50,031

Fitness trainers and group fitness instructors lead, instruct, and encourage people in exercise activities and classes. They work in buildings such as recreation centers, gyms, and yoga studios. A significant part of their job is motivating their clients in workouts that are both engaging and strenuous to help them achieve fitness goals. They work with a wide range of equipment from weights to exercise machines such as treadmills and stationary bicycles.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Thorough understanding of safety and regulations on sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment
• Planning and demonstration of various exercises and routines meant to improve fitness
• High energy and fitness-oriented
• Trained in emergency first aid

Exercise Physiologist

2025 Median annual salary: $67,366

Exercise physiologists create specialized fitness and exercise programs to help patients recover from chronic diseases (often relating to cardiovascular or pulmonary problems). These programs help patients improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. Additionally, through treatment, they provide health education to patients and their families.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Knowledge of exercises and treatment to prescribe based on an analysis of a patient’s medical history
• Thorough understanding of how to perform fitness and stress tests with medical equipment
• Ability to measure and record blood pressure, oxygen usage, heart rhythm, and other key patient health indicators
• Strong writing to evaluate and record a patient’s progress
• Communication to educate patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process

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!