Key Takeaways:
• Versatile Degree Programs: Exercise science degrees range from associate to doctoral levels, focusing on anatomy, biomechanics, and other relevant topics.
• Career Opportunities: Exercise science graduates can pursue a range of careers in health and fitness. They can become personal trainers, exercise physiologists, wellness consultants, and more.
• Practical Experience: The best programs emphasize real-world application through internships and lab work, preparing students for professional settings.
• Continual Learning: This field requires ongoing professional development. There are many advancement opportunities through further education and certifications.
Are you passionate about health and fitness? Would you love to turn your interests into a career? Pursuing a degree in exercise science might be ideal for you. This article will explore the world of exercise science degrees. We’ll talk about everything from associate degrees to PhDs in the field. You’ll learn about what you’ll study, how much you could earn, and where you might work. Consider this article your go-to guide for planning a future in exercise science. Let’s get started.
What is Exercise Science?
Exercise science—also called sports science—studies how physical activity affects the human body. It examines how our muscles, heart, and lungs work when we move. And it explores how these activities promote health and enhance performance. The field uses concepts from anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and other areas. Essentially, it helps us understand everything from how we recover from sports injuries to how we use energy during exercise.
Sports science professionals help others get fit, stay healthy, or heal from injuries. They work in settings like gyms, clinics, schools, sports teams, and organizations. This degree can be a great first step to more advanced roles in areas such as physical therapy or sports medicine.
What Is an Exercise Science Degree?
Exercise science degrees teach students how the human body works during physical activity. You can pursue exercise science from the associate to doctoral levels. The degree covers a wide variety of topics. That includes how our muscles and organs function during exercise, the importance of good nutrition, how to measure fitness levels, and much more.
Students pursuing an exercise science degree can also focus on specializations in the field. This is an excellent perk to choosing an exercise science major. For example, you might be interested in coaching sports teams or helping people recover from injuries. With an exercise science degree, you can specialize in such areas and help others live healthier lives.
Exercise science programs typically include both classroom lessons and real-world experience. Students participate in internships and labs, which allow them to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting. After graduating (depending on your degree), you can find work in gyms, fitness centers, schools, and other facilities.
Is Exercise Science for Me?
Are you a good fit for an exercise science degree? People interested in sports science usually have a few things in common:
• They Love Fitness and Health: If you’re into staying fit and living a healthy life, you’ll probably find this study area enjoyable.
• They’re Interested in Science: An exercise science degree involves learning about the human body. So, an interest in biology and other sciences is essential.
• They Want to Help Others: Most jobs in exercise science are about helping people. Whether you are assisting them in reaching their fitness goals or getting better at sports, this is a helping profession.
• They are Good at Communicating: It is important to be able to talk clearly and motivate others. This is especially true when teaching someone about exercises or working with other health professionals.
• They Pay Attention to Details: This role requires you to be detail oriented. You must track progress carefully and ensure exercises are done correctly and safely.
• They Work Well with Others: Exercise science professionals often work with other experts or teams. So, being good at teamwork is essential.
Benefits of Pursuing an Exercise Science Degree
What are the benefits of studying exercise science? Let’s look at a few of them:
You’ll Gain In-Depth Knowledge
Exercise science degrees give you deep knowledge covering a variety of topics. You’ll learn about physiology, biomechanics, anatomy, and more. This knowledge will let you create safe and effective workouts for people.
You Can Choose Diverse Career Pathways
This degree opens many career paths in health and fitness. You could become a personal trainer, strength coach, exercise physiologist, or wellness consultant. There are many exciting roles to choose from. We’ll talk about a few of them in a moment.
You’ll Make an Impact on Health and Wellness
Getting this degree lets you improve people’s lives. You’ll use science-based exercise plans to boost fitness, manage chronic diseases, and optimize health. It’s a rewarding career because you get to empower others to live healthier.
You’ll Learn Practical Skills and Gain Experience
While studying, you’ll get real-world experience. You’ll do internships, work placements, and lab work. These will help you apply what you’ve learned. You’ll improve your skills in creating exercise plans, testing fitness, and designing programs. At the same time, you’ll get healthier too!
Choosing the Right Exercise Science Program
Finding the best exercise science program is the key to your overall success. There are many options out there. So you should look at all of them and choose wisely. Do you want to attend a top-rated school? Are you interested in studying online? This next section can help you decide what programs will be best for you. Think about these factors when looking for the best exercise science programs:
Accreditation: First things first, accreditation is key. That’s because it ensures that the curriculum meets certain quality standards. You’ll want to be sure the school you plan to attend is regionally accredited. But programmatic accreditation is also important. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the largest accreditor of exercise science programs in the US. So, keep an eye out for their seal of approval.
Curriculum: Make sure the courses offered match your interests. Good programs cover all the basics. But if you are interested in a specific niche in the exercise science field, you might need to shop around even more.
Faculty: Let’s talk teachers. Your professors’ know-how and experience can make or break your education. It’s easy to pick programs where all the instructors have fancy degrees. However, it’s more important to choose a school where the faculty has diverse experiences. For example, what hands-on experience do they have in exercise science? Do they hold industry certifications? Are they known for providing mentorship and career guidance? Sites like Rate My Professors can help you gain insight into a school’s instructors before choosing a program.
Internship and Practical Experience: Practical experience is crucial in choosing the right exercise science program. Check to see if the degree features internships or hands-on labs. Even online exercise science programs generally feature practical experiences in your area. These are incredibly important in helping you improve your skills.
Exercise Science Programs Are Available at All College Levels
Exercise science programs are available no matter where you are in your learning journey. You can pursue knowledge in this field at the Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. Plus, there are plenty of certificates that can help you advance in your career.
Associates in Exercise Science
An associate degree in exercise science focuses on fundamental knowledge of exercise and health. This degree can prepare you for an entry-level role in the fitness and wellness industry. However, it is also a steppingstone for more advanced training.
Program Length
An associate’s in exercise science can usually be completed in two years if you attend full-time. Part-timers will need longer.
Bachelors in Exercise Science
With a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, you’ll dive deeper into the field. A bachelor’s in exercise sciences covers human physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, and other core subjects. You will also learn about nutrition, psychology, and how to create exercise plans.
Your program will typically include more than just theory. You’ll get to try out what you’ve learned in real situations. For example, you will probably do some hands-on practical work with patients in your area.
Program Length
A bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science usually takes four years to finish. However, some schools offer part-time and online exercise science programs. These may take longer than four years, but they will also allow you to work your studies around your busy schedule.
Accelerated programs are also available. With these, you can graduate quickly and start your career as soon as possible.
Some colleges offer 4+1 exercise science programs. These allow you to earn a BS and a master’s degree in exercise science at the same time. Are you planning to pursue a graduate degree after earning your bachelor’s? A 4+1 program can shave off a year of studies and lower your overall tuition by thousands!
Masters in Exercise Science
A master’s degree in exercise science brings you closer to being an expert. This degree paves the way for better careers, which usually means higher salaries. With a master’s degree, you will dive deeper into research opportunities and specialized knowledge. For example, students pursuing an exercise science graduate degree will learn advanced ways to prescribe exercise, prevent injuries, and boost performance.
With this degree, you can also advance in your exercise science career. These credentials may allow you to become an exercise physiologist, researcher, or teacher. Such positions can allow you to lead and shape the future of the exercise science industry.
Program Length
If you want a master’s degree in sport science, it usually takes about one to two years. That’s the norm if you’re studying full-time. But if you are taking classes part-time, it will be longer.
Some schools have accelerated programs that let you finish in less than two years. Every college is different, so be sure to search around for a program that works for you.
PhD in Exercise Science
A PhD in Exercise Science is an intensive program involving rigorous coursework. It is the highest level of academic achievement you can earn. Programs cover a wide range of topics at a deep, research-oriented level. You’ll work on teaching and professional development, and you will typically spend a lot of time in a clinical setting. It’s a big commitment, but it will allow you to add to the body of knowledge in the field.
Program Length
Full-time students in a doctoral exercise science program usually spend three to five years in the program. Part-time enrollment extends the duration. So, for some candidates, a PhD program could last five to seven years.
Online Exercise Science Degrees
Online exercise science degrees are perfect for those who need flexibility. Do you need to fit your studies around family duties and a busy schedule? Online degrees are super convenient. Many colleges feature online programs with no campus visits required. And often, they offer asynchronous coursework. So, whether you are an early bird or a night owl, you choose when to work on your assignments.
Furthermore, you can access these programs from anywhere. You get the same excellent education and earn the same diploma you would on campus. Plus, you’ll connect with students worldwide, broadening your learning and networking opportunities.
Online programs in exercise science offer unmatched flexibility and convenience. They’re perfect for anyone looking to learn while juggling life’s other demands.
Continued Professional Development
Getting your degree is just the start. Exercise science is constantly changing, so you must keep learning to stay sharp. For example, you can pursue certifications like these to advance your professional career:
- Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
- Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES)
- Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP)
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
Exploring Career Paths in Exercise Science
Exercise science can lead to a booming career that perfectly matches your passions. Here’s a look at some jobs for exercise science graduates, along with average salaries.
Sports Performance Specialist: $71,063
If you love helping athletes excel, the role of sports performance specialist might fit you perfectly. You will help athletes improve their skills through custom training and injury prevention.
Rehabilitation Specialist $123,850
A rehabilitation specialist is just what it sounds like. These folks help people recover from injuries. You’ll make exercise plans to help people heal, avoid new injuries, and move better.
Fitness Director $54,473
If you’re a born leader, consider becoming a fitness director. You’ll run fitness centers, manage staff, create exercise programs, and give members top-notch services.
Employees Wellness Consultant: $88,500
Employee wellness consultants work in organizations to improve people’s health and happiness. They set health goals, plan workouts, and diets, and support clients.
Exercise Physiologist: $58,974
An exercise physiologist studies how exercise affects the body. They use their knowledge to help people improve their athletic performance. Exercise physiologists also work with those who have chronic illnesses or injuries, helping them regain strength and flexibility.
Job Security in the Exercise and Sport Science Field
The health and fitness world are growing fast, and all roles in sports science are primed for advancement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth in this field will increase 10 to 15 percent over the next several years. For reference, this is much faster than the average for most other occupations.
Closing Thoughts on the Exercise Science Industry
If wellness and fitness excite you, an exercise science degree prepares you for a bright future. Earning this degree means you can choose a career that genuinely helps others and aligns with your purpose. No matter which program you choose, the knowledge you gain will go way beyond the classroom.