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If you're passionate about fitness, health, and how the human body moves, an Exercise Science degree might be a great fit for you. But before you start studying it, you're probably wondering: What can I actually do with this degree?
The Exercise and Sport Science or Kinesiology degree is much more than just learning how to lift weights or run faster. It's a deep dive into the science behind physical activity, health, and well-being. It combines science with helping people live healthier and have more active lives. Because of this, the degree can open a surprising number of doors across health, fitness, sports, and medical fields. In this page, we'll break down what the degree covers, the kinds of jobs you can get, and where it can take you after graduation.
In today's world, the need for professionals who understand human movement, health, and well-being is growing rapidly. With rising rates of chronic diseases, an aging population, and a greater emphasis on preventive care, exercise science graduates are at the forefront of helping individuals and communities live healthier, more active lives.
Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
You'll be equipped to make a tangible difference—whether it's optimizing athletic performance, rehabilitating injuries, or promoting long-term wellness.
Exercise Science is the study of how physical activity, exercise, and sport impact the human body. It's a broad field that pulls knowledge from various scientific areas like anatomy, biology, biomechanics, nutrition and physiology to give you a complete picture. Some programs even include psychology, especially when focusing on sports motivation and mental performance.
You can think of this degree as a toolbox filled with different scientific instruments, all designed to understand the amazing machine that is the human body.
Here are some common subjects you might study:
Anatomy and Physiology
You'll learn about the structure of the human body—muscles, bones, body systems, and organs—and how they all work together. You'll explore how muscles, lungs, and the heart respond during exercise, and how the digestive system breaks down food to fuel the body.
Exercise Physiology
You'll learn what happens inside your body when you work out, and how it changes at a systemic and cellular level over time with regular exercise. This includes understanding muscle adaptation, cardiovascular responses to exercise, energy systems, and how different types of training impact the body.
On top of that, you'll learn how to measure fitness, interpret data, and use that information to create smart and effective exercise programs.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the science of movement. You'll analyze how forces, angles, and levers affect motion—helping athletes improve performance and prevent injuries.
Sports Nutrition
You'll study macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), and hydration. You'll learn why staying hydrated matters and how to create balanced eating plans for different goals, whether it's general wellness or athletic performance.
Health and Wellness
You'll learn about common health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, and how regular exercise can help prevent or manage them. You'll also explore ways to encourage healthy habits, both one-on-one and in larger communities, to help more people live active, balanced lives.
Motor Control and Development
You'll learn about how we learn new skills, refine existing ones, and how conditions can affect movement patterns. This knowledge is especially useful when working in rehab or helping people of different ages and abilities. Most programs also include hands-on experiences like lab work or internships where students apply what they've learned in real-life settings.
The great thing about an Exercise Science degree is its versatility. The knowledge and skills you gain are useful in a wide range of fields, not just sports. Here are some common career paths:
1. Personal Trainer or Fitness Coach
One of the most popular routes is becoming a certified personal trainer. You'll work one-on-one or in group settings, guiding clients through workouts, helping them set and achieve fitness goals, and providing motivation and education on exercise and healthy living. Many graduates work at gyms, health clubs, or start their own business training clients.
2. Exercise Physiologist
These professionals work with people who have chronic diseases or disabilities. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers and they develop fitness and rehabilitation programs to help patients recover from chronic diseases or improve cardiovascular health.
3. Strength and Conditioning Coach
If you love sports, this might be the perfect job. Strength and conditioning coaches work with athletes to improve their performance, prevent injuries, and recover faster. They work with sports teams (from high school to professional levels), universities, or in private sports performance facilities.
4. Rehabilitation Specialist or Physical Therapy Assistant
Many Exercise Science grads work alongside physical therapists, helping patients recover from injuries. Some go on to become licensed physical therapy assistants (which requires additional training). Others use their degree as a stepping stone to apply for graduate school in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or chiropractic care. See point 7.
5. Health Coach/Educator
Health coaches work with individuals to help them adopt healthier habits, not just exercise but also nutrition, sleep, and stress management. These professionals help clients make long-term lifestyle changes.
6. Corporate Wellness Coordinator
Many companies, community centers, and even retirement communities are investing in wellness programs for their staff or residents. Wellness coordinators design and manage these programs, which might include fitness classes, health screenings, nutrition workshops, and stress management techniques, all aimed at fostering overall well-being.
7. Further Study - Medical or Graduate School
Many Exercise Science graduates choose to pursue master's or doctoral degrees in related fields, such as:
8. Beyond the Obvious: Other Paths and the Job Outlook
While the roles listed above are common, an Exercise Science degree can also lead to exciting opportunities in less conventional areas, such as:
Not everyone follows the same path after graduation. Some jump straight into jobs, while others continue their education. According to surveys from several universities, here's how graduates tend to break down:
An Exercise Science degree doesn't just give you knowledge about muscles and bones. You'll also build valuable skills that apply to a wide range of jobs:
Like any degree, this one has its ups and downs. Here's a balanced look:
✅ Pros:
❌ Cons:
If you're thinking about pursuing this degree, here are a few tips:
This degree is a great choice if you:
However, if you're only looking for a high-paying job straight out of college, you might need to pair this degree with further education or business skills.
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