Exercise Science Degree (Meaning, Duration, Benefits, Schools, Careers)

Exercise Science Degree

Anyone who loves sports medicine, health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition can opt for an Exercise Science Degree, which might be a better choice for them.

Moreover, deciding on a degree can be difficult due to the multitude of options and possible career paths.

Also, getting a degree can be very expensive, so choosing the right one to ensure a successful career and stable future is important.

What is an exercise science degree?

Exercise science is an academic discipline that teaches how the human body, movement, fitness, longevity, and holistic wellness are interrelated.

Instead of visiting a traditional doctor for body-related ailments, exercise scientists can be of great assistance here. 

Despite the numerous advancements in medicine, curing sick people does not address the root cause of their illness or improve their overall quality of life.

This is where having an exercise science degree can be of help.

With this degree, anyone can get the necessary skills and experience to discover and study all about the systemic and practical changes that happen in different physiological and biological stages. 

At the same time giving them tips to solve their problems.

How long does it take to get an Exercise Science Degree?

It takes four years to complete an exercise science degree from any university. Even though a few programs are designed so that the degree is completed in three years.

Benefits of the degree:

There are many entry-level and mid-level jobs in the fitness, health, and wellness industries, like a leadership position that an exercise science degree can set students up for.

Strong academic base:

This degree offers a strong academic base to students that opt for professional degrees in different health care professions like exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medicine, and sports training.  

Understanding body techniques:

Graduates of exercise science tend to understand better physiological changes, that is, how the body will respond to exercise.

They will also recognize behaviors, decisions, and environments that can affect a person’s health and training performance.

Moreso, they are exposed to various adjustment techniques that the body will need to maintain balance during exercise. 

Examples of such adjustments are changes in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, diet review, muscle soreness, and fatigue, including the efficacy and hazard of performance amplifying drugs. 

Knowledge of exercise science:

With the knowledge gained from a degree in exercise science, many students can enrol in medical school or pursue an advanced degree.

This degree can make them work as occupational or physical therapists or as doctor’s assistants.

Without even furthering to get an advanced degree, a bachelor’s degree in exercise science is enough to give one open for a vast array of thrilling job opportunities in the fitness and wellness industry such as personal trainer, athletic director, sports coach, etc. 

They can also get into the health care industry as entry-level clinical exercise specialists or exercise physiologists.

Physical health development:

It provides benefits such as physical health development to individuals in the society; bringing people together through sports and amusement; coaching and guiding the youths in the community in sporting programs

It also creates learning opportunities; getting to learn how the diet, exercise, and anatomy improves the body.

Top schools to get an Exercise Science Degree:

The following schools offer a degree in Exercise Science:

  • The University of Texas in Austin
  • Arizona State University
  • University of Maryland, College Park
  • The University of Delaware in Newark
  • The University of South Carolina in Columbia, Ohio State University in Columbus, Washington State University Pullman.

These schools provide programs that allow students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate in exercise science.

What are the degree choices in Exercise Science?

Individuals that are focused on completing a degree in exercise science ought to be aware of the variety of available degrees, which are:

AS Degree in Exercise Science:

AS Degree in Exercise Science is a two-year degree that provides the fundamentals required for a course in exercise science.

The degree can also provide job opportunities in fitness and other entry-level positions in the sporting industry.

An associate degree in exercise science can be further broken down into:

  • Associate of Science Degree in Exercise Science
  • Associate of Applied Sciences in Exercise Science.

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science:

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science is a four-year degree that offers more courses in humanities and science than with an associate.

Students would also possibly do more direct courses.

A bachelor’s degree here is more valuable because employers seek them more than candidates with an associate degree.

Following this path would lead one to such career opportunities where they can be open to work in, for instance, human performance, fitness training, and corporate wellness.

Graduate Degree in Exercise Science: 

Students interested in furthering their education can get a graduate degree in exercise science.

This is usually suitable for those who wish to gain a particular knowledge in a particular aspect of exercise science.

It is also suitable for them if they want to become lecturers or instructors in healthcare and fitness.

An example of such a position is a chief administrator who works in a health wellness department.

Other degree options are Master of Science in Health and Exercise Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science.

What are the opportunities for having an Exercise Science Degree?

Choosing to study Exercise Science Degree will provide changeability in any career option, be it in the fitness, health, and wellness fields.

A few of the most popular jobs available for people with an exercise science degree are personal trainer, health coach, athletic director, and physical education teacher.

It is also possible to further one’s education after obtaining an exercise science degree.

What is the career path for Exercise Science Degree?

Understanding the career prospects of a degree is the first thing to know when choosing a degree.

Studying for an exercise science degree would provide many prospects, although, it is not a professional degree that can take someone straight through a career journey.

In general, students may need to advance their education by either writing an authorization exam to permit them to get employed.

Career fields and available jobs for Exercise Science Graduates?

It is very necessary for individuals thinking of earning a degree in this field to know the career options and viable job options available for people holding an Exercise Science Degree to make the right choice. 

The careers that generally involve holding a degree in exercise science are fitness, nutrition, wellness, therapy, medicine, and nursing.

Jobs in fitness:

  • Personal Trainer
  • Fitness Center Manager
  • Health Coach

Job Opportunities in Education:

  • Physical Education Teacher
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Athletic Director

Jobs Options Incorporated:

  • Wellness Program Manager
  • Wellness Director
  • Healthcare Consultant.

Jobs in the community and nonprofit organizations:

  • Camp Director
  • Nonprofit Program Director
  • Recreation Director

The available jobs in healthcare are Occupational Therapist, Exercise Physiologist, Physical Therapist Assistant. 

Having it in mind with an exercise science degree, countless available job options can lead to a fulfilling career path. The list of possible careers is enormous.

Although with an advanced degree, there is potential for many more options.

Additionally, since the exercise science degree is vast, professionals usually use this to switch between related careers. 

More available jobs opportunities are Activity Specialist, Aerobics Instructor, Athletic Therapist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist, Community Program Director, Gym Manager, Healthcare Aide, Kinesiologist, Massage Therapist, Orthopedic Technician, Osteopathic Physician, Personal Trainer, Physiologist, Physiotherapist, Recreation and Sports Director, Recreation Therapist, Spa Manager, Sports Facility Manager, Sports Nutritionist and lastly a University Professor or lecturer.

Conclusion

Deciding to earn an exercise science degree is a perfect choice because of the many opportunities.

Moreso, several job options can take one on an exciting career path.

Awesome one; I hope this article answered your question.

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