Learn About Careers for Exercise Science Majors
Christopher Bonilla has always had a passion for fitness, health and wellness.
“I’ve gone from competitive weightlifting, to teaching CrossFit boot-camp style classes, to competing in Ironman and Tough Mudder competitions,” says Bonilla, who recently served in the Nevada National Guard. “Being fit is such a big part of the military life and is something that I just have always been compelled to do. It is also important to be able to pass on my knowledge to others so they can better their own personal fitness.”
That’s why Bonilla enrolled in the United States Sports Academy’s Master of Sports Science degree program in sports exercise science. For Bonilla and countless USSA graduate students, pursuing an exercise science degree is an ideal way to advance their job prospects in this ever-growing field.
If you’re thinking about available careers for exercise science majors, here are seven questions to think about before jumping into this rewarding profession.
What is exercise science, and how does it differ from exercise physiology and kinesiology?
If you’re looking at careers for exercise science majors, you’re bound to discover related fields such as exercise physiology and kinesiology. How is exercise science different?
Exercise science works to understand and promote physical well-being through applying proven methods to problems related to physical inactivity and health. Kinesiology studies human movement, while exercise physiology takes kinesiology a step further and investigates the body’s response — and how your body adapts — to physical activity over time.
Simply put, exercise science helps ensure the safety of others — of all ages and skill levels. If you’re passionate about helping others achieve their best through health and movement, you’ll thrive in careers in exercise science.
What will I learn in an exercise science program?
No matter if you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in exercise science, your coursework will broadly cover similar topics. At the undergraduate level, you’ll gain more of an overview, while at the graduate level, you will be more immersed in the specifics surrounding:
- Anatomy — Within exercise science, it’s important to understand how the human body works, as well as its structure.
- Kinesiology — While somewhat similar to your anatomy coursework, kinesiology classes will teach you more about the muscular and skeletal systems within the human body.
- Nutrition — It’s equally important to understand how proper nutrition impacts our bodies.
- Physiology — This area covers more of the mechanisms that keep the body alive and functioning. Throughout your physiology coursework, you’ll learn how organs and systems interact with one another to keep the body moving and working.
What educational requirements do careers for exercise science majors have?
A bachelor’s degree in exercise science gives you a firm foundation in the field, but an advanced degree may be required for many careers in exercise science — especially in medical fields. Careers for exercise science majors who complete a bachelor’s degree include working as a fitness instructor, personal trainer or physical therapy assistant.
A master’s degree in exercise science will open even more doors. For more on employment opportunities with a master’s degree, read on.
What qualities and skills help ensure success in careers for exercise science majors?
When we talk to graduates of the United States Sports Academy exercise science program, they tell us that it’s important to have:
- A passion and love for sports, as well as health, fitness and wellness
- Strong communication skills
- A collaborative nature as you will be working with athletes, coaches, doctors and other health care professionals
What are the top industries for careers in exercise science?
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in exercise science can open many doors for your career, and that’s because several industries employ exercise science professionals. With a degree in exercise science, you might work in:
- Education and training
- Entertainment and sports
- Fitness and wellness
- Health care
What jobs can I get with a master’s degree in exercise science?
Careers in exercise science continue to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can expect to pursue such jobs as:
- Athletic directors
- Exercise physiologists
- Fitness center managers and directors
- Health care consultants
- Occupational therapists
- Physical education teachers
- Physical therapist assistants
- Wellness directors or managers
How much can I earn with a master’s degree in exercise science?
Because there are countless opportunities for those who pursue careers for exercise science majors, your salary will vary depending on your education, location and overall career path. According to salary.com, you can expect to make the following average salary for these positions within exercise science:
- Physical education teacher: $47,909
- Physical therapist assistant: $61,605
- Health care consultant: $85,429
- Occupational therapist: $92,588
- Wellness director: $95,600
These exercise science salaries are just a few of the many options available, and if you’re considering a career in exercise science, the good news is that job opportunities continue to be on the rise, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“The self-paced format of the Academy’s master’s degree program was beneficial to me while I was deployed overseas. The flexibility was great because my schedule was often unpredictable.” — Christopher Bonilla
Get fit for careers in exercise science
Through the United States Sports Academy’s Master of Sports Science degree in sports exercise science, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to find success in careers throughout health and fitness.
At the Academy, you’ll benefit from:
- Online course options. Whether you want to take coursework during the day or night, you can do so on a schedule that fits your busy life.
- Health and fitness experts who will guide you in your studies. United States Sports Academy faculty members are leaders in the field of exercise science, and they’ll bring their knowledge and skills from the field to your lectures and learning.
- A master’s degree that can get you in the field faster than most. Our FastTrack option gets you career-ready in as little as 15 months. We also offer flexible options so that you can build a degree that works for you.
Are you ready to pursue careers in exercise science? Learn more about how you can help others with their fitness, health and wellness through a master’s degree from the United States Sports Academy.
