Physical inactivity is a grave modifiable health risk, however, we are just beginning to discover it’s prevalence in specific segments of the population. The purpose of this study was to examine personal, behavioral, and environmental characteristics associated with physical activity behavior among African American undergraduate students at Tennessee State University using the Stages of Change Model. The main objectives of the study were to (a) assess the prevalence of self-reported physical activity levels among African American undergraduate students; (b) determine the proportion of students in each of the five exercise stages of change; and, (c) test the efficacy of the Stages of Change characteristics (i.e. personal, behavioral, environmental) in predicting exercise stages of change. A valid and reliable written questionnaire was given to students in classes at Tennessee State University during the fall semester of 2003. The sample included 65% females, 34% males, with a mean age of 19.54 years. Only 1% of the sample was sedentary (precontemplation), while 54% either exercised irregularly or was considering exercise (contemplation or preparation stage). Forty percent were categorized into the action stage and 5% were placed into the maintenance stage (regular exercise within the last six months and sustaining exercise habits more than six months). Univariate analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to identify Transtheoretical Model constructs that were significantly different as a function of stage of exercise behavior change. Correlation, Regression and Unpaired t Tests were used to identify significant relationships across the stages of exercise behavior change. The Transtheoretical Model was successful in determining physical activity patterns among African American college students. Furthermore, it was found that exercise efficacy expectations increase significantly across the stages of exercise behavior change particularly in the action stage. The study also indicated that pros and cons showed a high correlation ranging from precontemplation to the maintenance stage. Lastly, the cognitive and behavioral processes were significant when comparing the precontemplation stage to the action stage.