To you, exploring the benefits that come with being physically fit, how to be more thoughtful about nutrition, and understanding the secrets of human performance are essential elements for the career you want to pursue. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science degree can deliver the expertise for this growing field of study.
If this got your attention, well, of course, you’ll want more information. This blog taps into the knowledge of exercise science program directors and degree resources. These insights will give you a head start on how a bachelor of science in exercise science can get you where you want to go in life. Options range from various healthcare/fitness roles to continuing your education to become an exercise physiologist.
Insider’s View #1: Defining the Exercise Science Degree
A bachelor’s degree in exercise science is a comprehensive scientific college degree program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biomechanics of human movement.
As you’ll see, it’s about much more than doing exercise, it’s about looking at exercise, movement, and nutrition as a science. This degree teaches how to apply insights to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation scenarios to benefit communities, organizations, and individuals.
A B.S. in Exercise Science degree coursework would include topics such as:
Insider’s View #2: Exercise Science Investigates Real-world Problems
The number of Americans with chronic conditions is rising. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates as many as six of 10 adults today have at least one chronic condition that can shorten life expectancy or keep them from enjoying life as they would like.
When studying exercise science, students find themselves at the forefront of discoveries and interventions that offer help and hope to those who might be struggling with
Insider’s View #3: It Focuses on Human Issues
One exercise science program director puts it this way:
“If humans are your ‘study animal,’ exercise science is the clear choice for you. So, if you’re thinking, ‘I want to work with people exclusively,’ you’ll be drawn to exercise science. It’s going to teach you exactly how and why the body responds to different stressors and lack of stressors.”
As an example, imagine becoming a healthy living director at a YMCA or a community center. You would have the skills and knowledge to work address fitness issues with people of all ages, even when they have multiple comorbidities – meaning they have more than one disease or condition.
Insider’s View #4: Exercise Science Offers Career Flexibility
Perhaps more than many college degrees, the field of exercise science offers a base of knowledge that positions students for a wide variety of career possibilities. Typical directions an exercise science graduate might include:
“Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant are probably the most popular,” says one exercise science program director, “and I’ve had students go into forensic science, public health roles, and dietetics.”
He also mentioned having one exercise science student who wanted to focus on body mechanics. The faculty arranged an internship with a company making prosthetics, and now he is in that career field.
Insider’s View #5: Exercise Science Careers are Expanding
There’s no doubt the public is recognizing the value of Individualized physical fitness routines, attention to nutrition, and the need for healthy, condition-appropriate exercise habits.
Just three years ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which tracks employment trends, places the number of exercise physiologists at 15,000 and now estimates that exercise scientist/physiologist roles will grow more than 10% over the next 10 years. Overall, the BLS projects that 2.4 million new healthcare jobs will be added from 2019-2029.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university. The CUKC College of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science degree that students can complete in as few as three years. A 9-hour internship tailored to a student’s specific interest area is part of the degree plan.
The depth of our exercise science program provides excellent preparation for students interested in dual credentials in many areas, including
CUKC students receive instruction and gain practical experience through campus lab events, classes, and discussions with experts in the field. Our “electives of distinction” allow great flexibility in what students wish to study.
Connect with a CUKC admissions adviser about our B.S. in Exercise Science degree by clicking here. If you need answers about financial aid opportunities, get this free eBook today: Your Comprehensive Guide to College Financial Aid.
