Why the Exercise Science Major? What You’ll Learn Delivers Big Benefits

When you’re thinking about becoming an exercise science major, don’t just think about the big benefits your knowledge will have for the well-being of communities, organizations, and individuals. Remember what it’ll do for you.

 You’ll Like What This Degree Can Do for You

Congrats on being familiar with exercise science in general. Perhaps you already knew that by choosing to become an exercise science major, you’re multiplying your career choices. Exercise science programs intentionally provide multidimensional, foundational knowledge that gives you a head start toward many different careers. 

The reason this is so? Because the B.S. in Exercise Science provides students with wide-ranging knowledge in areas that are otherwise taught separately. 

Exercise science majors learn about:

• Biomechanics of human movement  
• Biological and biochemical processes 
• Motor behavior in human body systems 
• Nutritional factors connected to exercise 
• Physiological, psychological, and societal considerations in exercise design and execution.
  

In fact, the knowledge exercise science majors get is excellent preparation for those aiming for jobs in cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation. Do you desire to improve health outcomes on a larger scale? Majoring in exercise science can lead to roles as a wellness coordinator for a company or designing programs at rehabilitation centers or physical therapy facilities.

In addition, many students find exercise science is a great launching point into physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, or physician assistant careers.

 5 Big Benefits of the B.S. in Exercise Science

• You’ll gain the foundational knowledge necessary for jobs in the exercise science field. 
• You’ll be able to assess human physiology and motion-related characteristics in various populations. 
• You’ll know how to design exercise programs for healthy people and those with chronic conditions. 
• You’ll be skilled in addressing behavioral and cultural influences that affect maintaining an active lifestyle. 
• You’ll achieve training in cognitive, psychomotor, and skills-based areas.
  

How Exercise Science Majors Contribute to Better Health, Well-being, and Performance 

When you choose an exercise science program, you’ll be one of those who know how to make a big difference in the real world.

• Imagine helping document the link between nutrition and optimal body biomechanics.  
• Think about the value of contributing new approaches involving diet and appetite regulation. 
• Picture yourself providing rehabilitative therapists with better ways to help patients recover from injuries. 
• Envision being part of a staff that helps elite-level athletes reach new levels of personal performance. 

Salary Expectations for Exercise Science Graduates

Choosing to major in exercise science opens up a wide variety of occupations. Depending on the emphasis of a specific B.S. in Exercise Science program and certifications achieved, a graduate can go directly into a healthcare or rehabilitative field. 

That’s good news because employment in the category of health education specialists and health workers is projected to grow 17% from 2020 to 2030 – nearly triple the average for all occupations. Exercise science-savvy specialists are in demand by hospitals, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and in corporate environments, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

B.S. in Exercise Science graduates can continue their education by earning the M.S. in Exercise Physiology degree, which typically takes less than two years to earn.

The average annual salary for exercise physiologists is $50,280. However, an October 2021 Indeed.com report showed a Houston-based exercise physiologist responsible for all aspects of a cardiac rehabilitation program with a salary above $65,000.  

Earn Your Exercise Science Degree at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, chiropractic and health sciences university. Through our College of Health Sciences, CUKC offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science degree that many students can complete in three years.

Students gain practical experience through campus lab experiences, in class, and field training through a nine-credit-hour internship based on a student’s area of interest.

Major in exercise science at CUKC and you’ll receive excellent preparation in dual credentials in many areas:

• Exercise physiology 
• Physical therapy 
• Occupational therapy 
• Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) 
• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation 
• Fitness/Nutrition research 
• Physician Assistant (P.A.) 
• Community/corporate health and fitness-related professions. 

To get started, connect with a CUKC admissions adviser here. Plus, when you want answers about financial aid opportunities, this free eBook has them: Your Comprehensive Guide to College Financial Aid.