Exercise Science is a popular major at GCSU. Students of this major are prepared with skills that will help them excel in a career of their choice, such as strength and conditioning, athletic training, nutrition and physical therapy. In their classes, students will learn an understanding of science and the human body, as well as receive lab experience with state-of-the-art equipment.
Addison LaCotti is a senior exercise science major and has been dedicated to the major for a long time. She believes that GCSU is the best place for her to strive towards her future.
“I’ve known since about my sophomore year of high school that I wanted to do something within the field of sports medicine,” LaCotti said. “I took a sports medicine class in high school and fell in love with the field. When looking for colleges, I specifically looked for those with degrees in exercise science or kinesiology.”
Within the major, GCSU gives LaCotti many experiences and opportunities to grow her career and serve the community. These opportunities include The Georgia College Athletic Training Student Organization (GCATSO), The Public Health Student Organization (PHSO) and The Exercise Science Club.
“I am president of the Exercise Science Club,” LaCotti said. “I really enjoy my role and everything that comes with it, even if it keeps me busy. I am also shadowing some at Putnam County High School.”
Exercise science students learn the basics of resistance training, exercise and sports nutrition and human movement. Students will receive hands-on experience in their classes that will prepare them for the future.
“I love the hands-on aspect of exercise science,” LaCotti said. “A lot of our classes place emphasis on us doing things, not just reading about them and taking tests. Being able to tape ankles, run exercise tests and get experience with medical equipment has helped me understand the content better and I feel like it will help me be a better professional.”
Exercise science offers students two concentration opportunities that pair with their major—fitness and performance and pre-professional and sports medicine. These concentrations localize students’ learning and point them toward a certain career path they want to take after graduation.
Exercise science also allows students to continue their education at graduate school, where they can learn to be physical or occupational therapists.
“Most exercise science majors will go into a graduate school program,” LaCotti said. “My plan is to go to school for athletic training and that is something I am very excited about.”
Faculty is an important part of any major at GCSU. They provide students with connections and insight into future career opportunities and want their students to succeed.
“Our faculty is outstanding,” LaCotti said. “I have made so many personal connections with my professors and advisors, as they have guided me through my education here at Georgia College, and I am immensely grateful for them pouring into me and answering my millions of questions.”
Exercise science is a difficult major, but LaCotti doesn’t want underclassmen to shy away from completing the major, despite its difficulty.
“I would tell underclassmen that this major is hard and it is a lot of work,” LaCotti said. “It is so rewarding and sets you up to succeed in graduate school and the workforce.”
GCSU has provided LaCotti with immense opportunities to further her career in the exercise major. She has gained life-long experiences and connections, as well as been involved in leadership roles. All attributes of the exercise science major will set her apart from others in a job setting when she graduates and goes to graduate school.
