Exercise Science Degree: Your Next Step to a Next-level Career

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science can lead to exciting outcomes – increased knowledge about physical health, more employment options, and the ability to lead others to better health.

A survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine found that exercise science was among the top 10 most popular majors for those working in the health and fitness industry. Still, considering a major in exercise science may have you asking many questions.

Here are 5 great answers to the important questions you may have about the exercise science degree.

Q1. What are the top advantages of a B.S. in Exercise Science?

The three main benefits of this degree:

Increased Employability
A B.S. in Exercise Science can lead to career opportunities in fitness, healthcare, and education. Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13% from 2021 to 2031. Another growing jobs sector is sports medicine, focusing on preventing and treating sports-related injuries and performance.

Opportunities for additional education
A B.S. in Exercise Science can serve as a foundation for further education in physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic (D.C.), osteopathy (D.O.), and medicine (M.D.).

Improved Physical Health
With a B.S. in Exercise Science, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how the body works and how physical activity affects it. This knowledge can help you make better decisions about your physical health and can also help you to develop effective exercise programs for others.

Overall, think of the exercise science degree as building a firm foundation for various career paths focusing on healthcare support, fitness, and sports performance.

Q2. Why is majoring in exercise science in college a good decision?

Majoring in exercise science, in addition to increasing the potential for career growth, offers students the ability to have a short-term and long-term impact on the lives of others.

Here are some facts to help solidify your decision-making about exercise science.

Job Growth and High Demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of exercise physiologists, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, is projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

Contributing to the high demand for professionals in the field is the increasing recognition of the importance of exercise and physical activity in maintaining health and preventing disease.

Positive Impact on Others
Exercise science majors have the potential to be a positive influence in the lives of others by helping them improve their physical health and overall well-being.

Continued Education and Career Advancement
Majoring in exercise science can provide a comprehensive background for success in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and medicine. It can also lead to career advancement opportunities within the health and fitness industry, such as becoming a director of fitness or wellness programs for a company or overseeing a rehabilitation facility.

Q3. What subjects and topics do most exercise science degrees cover?

Exercise science programs usually cover a range of subjects and topics related to human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise prescription, and nutrition. Here’s a quick review of what these topics include:

• Human anatomy and physiology provide a foundational understanding of the body’s structure and functions.
• Kinesiology, the study of human movement, is a crucial component of exercise science programs. Courses in kinesiology cover biomechanics, motor learning, and exercise physiology.
• Exercise prescription refers to the process of designing and implementing exercise programs for individuals based on their goals, fitness level, and other factors. Elements of this area include exercise testing and assessment, program design, and behavior change.
• Nutrition, an essential aspect of overall health and fitness, is also part of the curriculum. Courses in nutrition may explore topics such as macronutrients, micronutrients, and the role of nutrition in exercise performance and recovery.
• Knowing how to perform research is important for understanding the scientific basis of exercise science. Coursework focuses on research methods and covers topics such as experimental design, statistical analysis, and literature review.

Q4. Do exercise science programs qualify me for fitness or sports certifications?

Exercise science programs can provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a variety of sports and fitness certifications. Specific certifications available may depend on factors such as the program you attend, your coursework and experience, and the requirements of the certifying organization.

Here are some examples of certifications that may be available:

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) offers the CSCS certification for individuals who work with athletes or other populations to improve athletic performance. Some programs present the opportunity to become certified through ACSM as a CPT (Certified Personal Trainer).
• Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
  The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) issues a CEP certification designed for individuals who provide clinical exercise programming to individuals with chronic diseases or other health conditions.
• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  The ACSM also has a certification to become a Certified Personal Trainer.
• Certified Group Fitness Instructor
  Offered by several organizations, including the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), the Group Fitness Instructor certification is designed for individuals who lead group fitness classes.

Q5. What is the salary expectation for exercise science graduates?

After earning the exercise science degree, salaries will depend on factors such as job title, experience, and geographic location. However, here are some examples of potential salaries:

Exercise Physiologist
According to Salary.com, the national average wage for exercise physiologists was $50,443 to $64,539.

Physical Therapist
Exercise science graduates may pursue advanced degrees in fields such as physical therapy, which can lead to careers in settings such as hospitals, clinics, or rehabilitation centers. National average pay is $89,401 to $104,501.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
These specialists often are on staff at hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. National average pay is $46,467 and $62,437.

The B.S. in Exercise Science at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, within the Kansas City metro. The B.S. in Exercise Science degree at CUKC is 124 total credit hours, with at least 36 credit hours completed at CUKC.

Our students receive hands-on instruction and gain practical experience through classes, campus lab experiences, and internships.

Features of our exercise science program include:

• Small class sizes
• Curriculum aligned with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Certified Personal Trainer certification.
• High-quality science/life science coursework
• Dedicated exercise science lab
• Access to the CUKC on-campus fitness center
• Internship component

Request more information to learn about our B.S. in Exercise Science degree. If you also need the latest information about paying for college, make sure you get this free eBook: Your Guide to Navigating College Financial Aid.