Best Schools for a Exercise and Sport Science Degree (2023)

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March 24, 2014April 24, 2020By Schools.com Editors

With the worsening obesity crisis in America — more than a third of U.S. adults are obese, and that number rises each year — there is strong demand for educated athletic and personal trainers and other fitness professionals.

Students interested in careers in sports and exercise science can use the ranking on this page to learn more about 10 of the best sports and exercise science degree programs from U.S. postsecondary institutions. The programs listed here all culminate in a bachelor's degree, although many colleges also offer graduate-level study in sports and exercise science. Both degree options can help students gain the skills necessary for employment in many different sports and exercise-related career fields.

Continue reading to learn about the 10 best institutions, several of which offer online sports and exercise degree programs. Also are on this page is helpful information about potential scholarships, career outlooks and professional organizations for graduates of sports and exercise science degree programs.

Best Colleges for Sports And Exercise Science Degree Programs

Best Schools for a Exercise and Sport Science Degree (1)

Students should use the list below to gain insight into 10 of the best colleges for sports and exercise programs from U.S. colleges and universities. We used data from the National Center for Education Statistics and a unique methodology to rank these institutions. Click the button below to learn more about how this list was created, or read on to learn more about the 10 best sports and exercise degree programs.

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Methodology

1Brigham Young University-Provo+

Admission Rate

64%

Graduation Rate

86.44%

Number of Degrees Offered

N/A

Number of Degrees Conferred

N/A

At least 1 program offered

N/A

Our top institution for sports and exercise science degree programs is located in Provo, Utah. BYU is founded and supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It boast the largest undergraduate enrollment - more than 30,000 students - of any private university in the U.S.

Students interested in careers in sports, recreation or exercise science have a few degree options from BYU's department of exercise sciences, including:

  • B.S. in exercise science
  • B.S. in athletic training
  • B.S. in exercise wellness
  • M.S. in exercise sciences
  • Ph.D. in exercise sciences

The master's program offers specialties in exercise sciences, health promotion, exercise physiology and athletic training. The doctoral program offers specialties in exercise physiology, health promotion or physical medicine and rehabilitation.

BYU heads our list of the best colleges for sports and exercise degree programs based on a number of factors. At $5,150, the university had the lowest cost of in-state tuition among our 10 featured institutions. It also had the highest graduation rate at 80 percent.

Additional Info

2Lock Haven University+

Admission Rate

94%

Graduation Rate

54.12%

Number of Degrees Offered

N/A

Number of Degrees Conferred

N/A

At least 1 program offered

N/A

This small university is located on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven, Penn. The university also has a satellite campus at Clearfield.

Lock Haven University offers a Bachelor of Science in exercise science. It also has a graduate program in athletic training and a completely online Master of Science in sport science pathway. The B.S. degree requires students to complete some field experience to satisfy degree requirements. Students in the athletic training master's program also complete four clinical rotations - two at a college or high school, one at a rehabilitation facility, and one semester-long off-campus internship. The online M.S. degree requires a three-credit capstone project and six credits of approved field experience.

At 91 percent, Lock Haven University had one of the best admissions rates of any institution in these rankings.

Additional Info

3SUNY College at Cortland+

Admission Rate

44%

Graduation Rate

71.4%

Number of Degrees Offered

1

Number of Degrees Conferred

4

At least 1 program offered

Yes

(Video) Here's My Opinion On Exercise Science Degrees

Located in New York's Southern Tier Region, State University of New York at Cortland places third in our rankings for its high graduation rate - 73 percent, second-best among these 10 featured colleges. The college also has a favorable 16:1 student to faculty ratio.

SUNY Cortland's kinesiology department offers five majors, including a B.S. in exercise science. The department has the highest enrollment of any department at the college. The B.S. degree requires 124 credits to complete.

The college also offers a Master of Science program in exercise science. Prospective students must have at least a 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate coursework and a combined score of 300 or higher on the verbal and quantitative reason sections of the GRE general test.

Additional Info

4University of Iowa+

Admission Rate

83%

Graduation Rate

73.21%

Number of Degrees Offered

1

Number of Degrees Conferred

15

At least 1 program offered

Yes

Founded in 1847, the University of Iowa at Iowa City is the oldest postsecondary institution in the state of Iowa. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in sports studies, as well as an online Bachelor of Science pathway in sport and recreation management, which is also offered through the university's campus in Des Moines.

UI's sports studies program is for students interested in careers in coaching or sports management, broadcasting, journalism and information. The coaching pathway includes coursework in anatomy, athletic training, human growth and motor development, and ethics in coaching.

University of Iowa also offers a master's degree program in sport and recreation management and a master of health and human physiology with a focus in clinical exercise physiology. The university makes our rankings based on its strong 72 percent graduation rate, and it also admits 80 percent of applicants. More than one-third of all students at IU are enrolled in distance education programs.

Additional Info

5Truman State University+

Admission Rate

65%

Graduation Rate

71.88%

Number of Degrees Offered

N/A

Number of Degrees Conferred

N/A

At least 1 program offered

N/A

This public liberal arts and sciences institution located in Kirksville, Mo. makes our rankings in the fifth spot with the second-lowest cost of in-state tuition at $7,456. It also features a solid 73 percent graduation rate and 79 percent admission rate. Class size is a low 16:1 student to faculty ratio.

Truman State University's Bachelor of Science in exercise science degree offers four separate concentrations:

  • Pre-medical sciences
  • Applied and pre-athletic training
  • Sport and recreation management
  • Physical education and health

The university also offers a Bachelor of Science in health science, as well as a Master of Athletic Training program. A unique aspect of curriculum at TSU includes study in human anatomy at a cadaver lab located nearby at the A.T. Still University medical lab.

Additional Info

6Colorado Mesa University+

Admission Rate

81%

(Video) Best Exercise Science Careers

Graduation Rate

35.73%

Number of Degrees Offered

N/A

Number of Degrees Conferred

N/A

At least 1 program offered

N/A

Our sixth university is a four-year institution located in Grand Junction, Colo. Annual enrollment is more than 11,000 students, and more than 15 percent of students live outside the state of Colorado.

Colorado Mesa University offers a Bachelor of Science in exercise science degree that requires 120 total credits to complete, including 40 credits of upper-division coursework. The university also offers a B.S. degree in sport management and a B.A. degree in liberal arts with a sport management emphasis. In all degree paths, a minimum of 30 of the last 60 credit hours must be completed at CMU.

In-state tuition at Colorado Mesa University is $7,474, third-lowest among these 10 featured institutions. CMU admits 83 percent of applicants, and students can take advantage of the university's career placement services and alternative tuition payment plans.

Additional Info

7Castleton University+

Admission Rate

85%

Graduation Rate

55.01%

Number of Degrees Offered

N/A

Number of Degrees Conferred

N/A

At least 1 program offered

N/A

This small public liberal arts university is an anchor institution in the small town of Castleton, Vt. The college was founded in 1787 and is one of the oldest postsecondary institutions in the U.S.

Castleton University offers undergraduate degree programs in exercise science and sport and recreation management. The university's kinesiology department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology with a pre-athletic training concentration, as well as a Master of Science in athletic training pathway.

The exercise science program features three concentrations in clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, or research. Students must complete the university's general education requirements and a total of 65 credits in the program major to satisfy degree requirements.

Castleton University had the highest admissions rate of any university in these rankings at 94 percent, and the lowest student to faculty ratio at 12:1. In-state tuition costs, however, were second highest at $11,282.

Additional Info

8Carroll University+

Admission Rate

69%

Graduation Rate

61.6%

Number of Degrees Offered

N/A

Number of Degrees Conferred

N/A

At least 1 program offered

N/A

Founded in 1846, Carroll University at Waukesha is the first four-year college in the state of Wisconsin. The private independent liberal arts university was home to just under 3,500 students in fall of 2017.

Carroll University offers undergraduate degrees in exercise science and sport and recreation management. Students in the exercise science program must complete a senior internship, and many oversee campus fitness centers or do strength and conditioning work with the university's athletic teams. The university features an accelerated graduate program option for students interested in earning a M.S. in exercise physiology. Three years are spent at the undergraduate level, and the final two are spent completing graduate-level coursework.

The university admits 94 percent of all applicants, and it had the third-highest number of exercise science and related degrees conferred to students. In-state tuition, however, was just under $30,000 - more than twice the next-costliest college.

Additional Info

9East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania+

Admission Rate

82%

Graduation Rate

(Video) Top Jobs for Kinesiology Majors (5 HIGH PAYING JOBS)

49.8%

Number of Degrees Offered

N/A

Number of Degrees Conferred

N/A

At least 1 program offered

N/A

Our ninth institution is a public university located in East Stroudsburg, Penn. The university is one of 14 state universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

The university's college of health sciences offers bachelor's degree programs in athletic training and exercise science. Students in the exercise science program can choose from concentrations in exercise physiology, sport exercise and conditioning or therapeutic sciences. The first two programs also are offered in an accelerated format where students can complete a B.S. degree in three calendar years.

Graduate programs include M.S. degrees in clinical exercise physiology or exercise science. The university has a strong 84 percent admissions rate, and students can take advantage of alternative tuition payment plans.

Additional Info

10California University of Pennsylvania+

Admission Rate

97%

Graduation Rate

53.08%

Number of Degrees Offered

N/A

Number of Degrees Conferred

N/A

At least 1 program offered

N/A

Rounding out our list of 10 top schools for sports and exercise science degrees is this public university located in California, Penn. The university was founded in 1852.

California University of Pennsylvania's exercise science and sport management department offers a bachelor's degree in sport management, and a completely online bachelor's in wellness and fitness that was modeled after the university's popular online master's in exercise science-health and promotion. Classes begin each fall, spring and summer term for new students.

The university offers 17 fully online master's degree programs related to sports and exercise science, such as wellness coaching, sport psychology, health science and exercise leadership and more. On-campus options also include an M.S. in athletic training.

More than a quarter of all students at CUP were enrolled in distance education programs, the highest number of any institution in these rankings.

Additional Info

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Sports And Exercise Science Degree Programs and Common Career Paths

A college degree is not required for some sports and fitness positions, but employers are increasingly seeking candidates who have completed sports and exercise science degrees at the baccalaureate level. Programs provide instruction in proper exercise techniques, as well as nutrition, anatomy and other key areas that can help athletic and personal trainers better perform their tasks. Most sports and exercise science degree programs culminate in bachelor's degrees, but many colleges offers master's and doctoral degrees as well. Below are some of the most common career paths for program graduates.

Bachelor's degree programs in sports and exercise science

Sports and exercise degree programs provide a well-rounded curriculum of education in athletic training, human health and wellness, fundamentals of injury evaluation and management, sports medicine, therapeutic exercise and other related topics. People in these careers work directly with athletes and others, so they also need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Many programs include study in written and verbal communications to help develop these skills in students.

Athletic trainer

Helps athletes prevent injury through taping and bandaging. Works on rehabilitation with injured athletes, provides aid and emergency care during sporting events.

Personal trainer

Demonstrates and coaches people through a wide range of exercises, leads workouts and conditioning programs, provides clients with resources about health, nutrition and weight control.

Develops fitness programs to help patients recover from chronic illness and disease. Performs fitness tests using medical equipment, also measures blood pressure, heartbeat, oxygen use and other crucial health indicators.

Career Outlook for Sports And Exercise Science Majors

Demand for educated athletic trainers is extremely high - the profession is expected to grow more than three times the average for all occupations through 2026, the BLS reports. Job prospects are best for candidates who hold bachelor's or master's degrees and also have the appropriate professional certifications.

Employment for exercise physiologists is expected to increase by 13 percent, or 2,000 new positions, through 2026. Competition will be stiff for jobs due to the relatively small overall number of exercise physiologists employed nationwide. Employment of fitness instructions is expected to increase by 29,300 positions, or 10 percent, through 2026, the BLS notes.

JOB TITLE

AVERAGE SALARY($)

EMPLOYMENT

PROJECTED JOB GROWTH(%)

Athletic Trainers$50,54028,60018.8%
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$45,110325,50012.8%
Exercise Physiologists$54,7507,2809.7%

Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships in Sports And Exercise Science

Fulltime students can look into federal financial aid to help pay tuition costs, and they also can seek scholarships for sports and exercise science majors. The American Council on Exercise awards its Ash Hayes Scholarship to 25 fitness leaders each year. The ACE also provides a Salute You Scholarship to American military veterans with an honorable discharge in the past 24 months of their application date. The American College of Sports Medicine also awards numerous grants and awards for students and professionals working in sports medicine.

IWC Master of Integrated Water Management Scholarship

Applicant must apply for the MIWM program through The University of Queensland (UQ) and receive an unconditional offer of admission in the program. Applicant must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements: A completed undergraduate degree in a related field of study from an internationally-recognized institution; at least two years of professional experience (paid work or volunteering experience) relevant to the program and following completion of an undergraduate degree. Applicants with relevant professional experience have a higher chance of securing a scholarship. International students must also demonstrate English language proficiency.More

AWARD AMOUNT

(Video) Is sport and exercise science a good degree?

$79,311

APPLICATION DEADLINE

August 1 (international students); October 1 (domestic students)

Dr. Alvin & Monica Saake Foundation Scholarship

Applicant must be a college junior, senior or graduate student majoring in one of the following fields: athletic training, exercise science, kinesiology, leisure science, medicine, occupational therapy, physical education, physical therapy, or sports.More

AWARD AMOUNT

$5,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

31-Jan

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department Scholarship

Applicant must be enrolled at the University of Missouri at Columbia.More

AWARD AMOUNT

$5,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

February 1 (Priority)

Whirly-Girls Flight Training Scholarship

Applicant must be a woman, demonstrate financial need, and possess a current airplane, glider, or balloon rating, and a current medical. Award is to obtain an additional Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating.More

AWARD AMOUNT

$4,500

APPLICATION DEADLINE

31-Oct

Source: Scholarship directory data is copyrighted material which is reproduced on this website by permission of CollegeXpress, a division of Carnegie Dartlet. Copyright © 2020 by CollegeXpress.

Professional Organizations

Forty-nine states and the District of Columbia require athletic trainers to be licensed. The BOC provides a certification program for entry-level athletic trainers.

Provides certification for fitness instructors, personal trainers and health coaches.

Provides certification for group fitness instructors and personal trainers.

Provides certification for exercise physiologists, group exercise instructors and personal trainers

View Sources

Sources

  • Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2016-17, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
  • Most Recent Cohorts (All Data Elements): 2016-17, College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education, https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
  • Adult Obesity Facts, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
  • Exercise sciences programs, Brigham Young University, https://exsc.byu.edu/
  • Exercise science, Lock Haven University, https://www.lockhaven.edu/healthscience/exercise/#tab-1
  • Exercise science major, SUNY Cortland, http://www2.cortland.edu/departments/kinesiology/program-details.dot?progid=eab76b86-c771-4391-9bb0-eb2b65902666
  • Sports studies, University of Iowa, https://admissions.uiowa.edu/academics/sport-studies
  • Exercise Science Major, Truman State University, http://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/majors-minors/exercise-science-major/
  • Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science, Colorado Mesa University, http://www.coloradomesa.edu/academics/documents/overview/Overview_Kinesiology_ExerciseScience.pdf
  • Exercise Science, Castleton University, http://www.castleton.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/exercise-science/
  • Exercise Science, Carroll University, https://www.carrollu.edu/academics/health-sciences/exercise-science
  • Exercise Science, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, https://www.esu.edu/academics/departments/exercise_science/index.cfm
  • Academics, California University of Pennsylvania, http://www.calu.edu/academics/index.htm
  • Athletic Trainer, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/athletic-trainers.htm
  • Fitness Trainers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm
  • Exercise Physiologists, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm

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FAQs

Where is the best place to study sports science? ›

Best universities to study sports science
  • University of Portsmouth.
  • Troy University.
  • University of North Alabama.
  • High Point University.
  • California State University, Sacramento.

Is a sports science degree worth it? ›

This is a degree that comes with a wealth of career options. Gyms and other exercise facilities are rapidly becoming more popular, so there is a growing demand for experts in the field. Many Sports Science graduates become coaches, psychologists, agents, personal trainers or sports government workers.

What masters can I do with a sport and exercise science degree? ›

65 Master's Degrees in Sports Science 2023
  • Master of Science in Exercise Science. ...
  • MS in Exercise Science. ...
  • Master in High Performance Football. ...
  • Master of Science: Experimental Psychology: Health and Sports Psychology Option. ...
  • MS in Exercise Science. ...
  • MSc Sport Science.

What should I major in if I like exercise? ›

Bachelor's degrees will open you up to mid-level jobs in the fitness industry. Examples of these degrees include Bachelor's in Sports Management, Health Sciences, Nutrition Science, or Health and Wellness. Graduate degrees, like master's and doctorate, qualify for higher-level positions.

Is exercise and sports science a STEM major? ›

For example, a commonly asked question is: is sports science a STEM subject? The answer to this question is yes! Sports science is a subject associated with degrees and career paths that many professionals pursue.

What jobs can you do if you study sport science? ›

It should be noted, countless other jobs are also suitable for Sports Science graduates.
  • Sports Centre Manager. ...
  • Exercise Psychologist. ...
  • Performance Analyst. ...
  • Personal Trainer. ...
  • Sports Coach. ...
  • Sports Physiotherapist. ...
  • Sports Development Officer. ...
  • Nutritionist.
11 Jan 2021

What jobs can I do with my sports science degree? ›

Jobs directly related to your degree include:
  • Exercise physiologist.
  • Fitness centre manager.
  • Personal trainer.
  • Primary school teacher.
  • Secondary school teacher.
  • Sports administrator.
  • Sports coach.
  • Sports development officer.

How much do sports science earn? ›

Bachelor of Science (BS / BSc), Exercise & Sports Science Jobs by Salary
Job TitleRangeAverage
Lecturer / SpeakerRange:R180k - R546k (Estimated *)Average:R347,290
Personal TrainerRange:R67k - R374k (Estimated *)Average:R162,928
Property ManagerRange:R90k - R338k (Estimated *)Average:R179,370
4 more rows
11 Jun 2022

What is the highest paying sports science job? ›

Highest Paying Exercise Science & Sports Medicine Jobs
OccupationAvg. Salary
1. Orthopedic Surgeon (Sports Medicine) *$679,750
2. Orthopedic Physician (Non-surgical) *$375,560
4. Physiatrist **$315,000
3. Family Medicine (Sports Medicine) *$297,517
17 more rows

What is the highest paying job in sports? ›

15 of the highest paying sports jobs
  • Athletic director.
  • General manager.
  • Umpire.
  • Sports marketer.
  • Physical therapist.
  • Statistician.
  • Sports psychologist.
  • Sports physician.

Is exercise science a hard degree? ›

Since it is a science course, an average biology or engineering or other rigorous science major student might not find exercise physiology too difficult; your average humanities major may feel otherwise. It also depends on the course and for whom it is intended.

Should I major in exercise science or kinesiology? ›

While kinesiology would generally be applied to the concepts of human movement in everyday life, exercise science focuses more on the principles of movement and performance, specifically during physical activity.

What is the highest degree in exercise science? ›

Many people with this degree pursue jobs in the medical or higher education fields. A doctorate in exercise science is the terminal degree for this field. It takes most people 4-6 years to finish this degree.

What is the difference between sport science and exercise science? ›

Exercise science and sports science are generally covered within the same degree with the first involving assessment and prescription of exercise for general populations and the later relating more specifically to working with athletes.

What is the coolest major? ›

14 fun and quirky majors
  • Popular culture. ...
  • Kinesiology. ...
  • Disability studies. ...
  • Bakery science. ...
  • Comedy. ...
  • Speech, language and hearing sciences. ...
  • Human-computer interaction. ...
  • Design-your-own major. Most smaller liberal arts colleges and universities offer this option, for individuals who want to create their own path.
16 Feb 2022

What is the most fun major? ›

30 fun majors
  • Auctioneering. This focused degree prepares you for a career in auctions, sales and marketing. ...
  • Costume technology. ...
  • 7. Entertainment design. ...
  • Fermentation sciences. ...
  • Golf course management. ...
  • Jazz studies. ...
  • Nautical archaeology. ...
  • Pop culture.

What is the highest paying job in kinesiology? ›

In this article, we explore 13 of the highest-paying kinesiology jobs.
...
13 of the highest-paying kinesiology jobs
  1. Athletic coach. ...
  2. Exercise physiologist. ...
  3. Fitness trainer. ...
  4. Physical education teacher. ...
  5. Fitness club manager. ...
  6. Athletic director. ...
  7. Sports consultant.

Is kinesiology a hard major? ›

Kinesiology can be a great major for students who want to work in the medical field or become physical therapists. It is a challenging and rewarding degree that can lead to many different career opportunities. Getting a kinesiology degree requires hard work and dedication, but it is well worth it in the end.

What major is best for STEM? ›

Best STEM Majors
  • Materials Science & Engineering. ...
  • Biomedical Engineering. ...
  • Environmental Engineering. ...
  • Mechanical Engineering. Median Salary: $90,160. ...
  • Industrial Engineering. Median Salary: $88,950. ...
  • Civil Engineering. Median Salary: $88,570. ...
  • Database Administration. Median Salary: $98,860. ...
  • Computer Programming. Median Salary: $89,190.

What majors are not STEM? ›

What is a non-STEM major? A non-STEM major is a major that isn't in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. This means non-STEM majors include those in business, literature, education, arts, and humanities.

What are 5 careers in sports? ›

29 careers in sports
  • Athletic director.
  • Athletic scout.
  • Athletic trainer.
  • Athletics coach.
  • Contract negotiator.
  • Event coordinator.
  • Exercise physiologist.
  • Facility operations manager.

What is a degree in sports science called? ›

The most common undergraduate degrees and fields of study in the U.S. for sports scientist jobs are athletic training and kinesiology. There are also a growing number of undergraduate multidisciplinary programs known as "exercise science" in Great Britain.

Where do sports scientists work? ›

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, on a sports field, at a research facility, in an office, at a client's business or at a fitness centre. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

What grades do you need to be a sports scientist? ›

Entry requirements

A-levels to include one Sport OR Science A2 at grade C or above in either PE (Physical Education), Sport Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Psychology or Sport Psychology.

What is the highest paying occupation? ›

Highest Paying Occupations
OCCUPATION2021 MEDIAN PAY
General internal medicine physiciansThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year
Family medicine physiciansThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year
Emergency medicine physiciansThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year
17 more rows
8 Sept 2022

Is sports scientist a good career? ›

The graduates in sports science will have a wealth of career options and paths which involve coaches, psychologists, agents, personal trainers or work in sports governance.

How can I make the most money with an exercise science degree? ›

18 high-paying jobs in exercise science
  1. Sports facility manager. National average salary: $61,279 per year. ...
  2. Athletic scout. National average salary: $61,890 per year. ...
  3. Director of health and wellness. ...
  4. Dietitian. ...
  5. Wellness director. ...
  6. Occupational therapy assistant. ...
  7. Chiropractor. ...
  8. Recreational therapist.
14 Apr 2022

How can I make money with an exercise science degree? ›

What kind of jobs can you get with an exercise science degree?
  1. Activity Specialist.
  2. Aerobics Instructor.
  3. Anatomist.
  4. Athletic Director.
  5. Athletic Scout.
  6. Athletic Therapist.
  7. Camp Director.
  8. Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist.

Which career is best for sports? ›

Top 5 Jobs in the Sports Industry in 2022
  1. Exercise Physiologist. Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 13% ...
  2. Athletic Trainer. Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 23% ...
  3. Coach or Scout. Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 26% ...
  4. Athletic Director. Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 8% (postsecondary education administrators) ...
  5. Sports Data Analyst or Statistician.
2 Feb 2022

What career makes a million a year? ›

Some options include healthcare, certain fields of law, real estate development and finance. Each industry and career path is likely to have steps that lead to advancement opportunities that further increase earnings.

What is a fun career? ›

12 of the most fun jobs in every field
  • Fashion consultant.
  • Radio announcer.
  • Brewmaster.
  • Pet groomer.
  • Novelist.
  • Race car driving instructor.
  • Food critic.
  • Event planner.

What is the top 5 highest paid sport? ›

The 10 Sports That Pay the Most
  • NASCAR Drivers: $1 million. ...
  • Golfers: $2 million. ...
  • Hockey Players: $3 million. ...
  • Football Players: $3.3 million. ...
  • Soccer Players: $3.9 million. ...
  • Formula 1 Racers: $4.1 million. ...
  • Baseball Players: $4.36 million. ...
  • Basketball Players: $7 million.
24 Aug 2022

Why do people major in exercise science? ›

An exercise science degree prepares prospective health and fitness professionals with competencies to help people get in shape and live healthier lifestyles. It can provide them with the essential skills to help: Athletes improve their performance and endurance. Students adopt and maintain healthy habits.

Is exercise science the same as physical therapy? ›

They both use physical and exercise movements to assist individuals who suffer from fatal injuries or degenerative diseases. Physical therapy is to restore movement. Conversely, exercise physiology aims at relieving symptoms like pain during physical practice.

What is it like to major in exercise science? ›

You'll learn the science behind everything from jogging to low-carb diets. Exercise science majors study the science of the human movement. They also learn how to help people live healthier lives through exercise, rehabilitation, and nutrition.

Do kinesiology majors make a lot of money? ›

Graduates with a degree in kinesiology have the potential to earn very good wages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that exercise physiologists, which are similar to kinesiologists, have a median pay of $47,940 per year. That is the equivalent of an hourly wage of $23.05 per hour.

What major is closest to kinesiology? ›

Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, and Exercise Science are closely related majors. All three are life sciences that usually lead the graduate to a career as a Doctor of Phyical therapy (DPT), Sports Medicine or "Allied Health" professions.

Is sports science the same as kinesiology? ›

While kinesiology is the general study of how we move, exercise science is a subfield that focuses on how to improve health and wellness through that movement. Also called “exercise physiology,” exercise science might include topics such as strength training, sports nutrition and physical education.

Is a masters in exercise science worth it? ›

Many jobs in exercise physiology require at least a bachelor's degree; and a master's in exercise physiology may increase a graduate's earning potential long-term. According to the job and labor database Burning Glass, a master's in exercise physiology salary is 11% higher than a bachelor's degree.

Is exercise physiologist a good career? ›

Yes, being an exercise physiologist is a good career.

Exercise physiologists most often work to develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. Exercise physiologists work to improve overall patient health.

Is exercise science a good major for med school? ›

Exercise science is an acceptable major for med school; however, you need to be sure that the science coursework you take for your degree is the same coursework that physical science majors take.

What are the three main branches of exercise and sport sciences? ›

Exercise and Sport Science is an internationally recognised scientific discipline consisting of four core sub-disciplines: Biomechanics, Motor control / learning development, Physiology, and Psychology.

Can I be a personal trainer with a sports science degree? ›

#1 - Personal Trainer. Becoming a personal trainer is a logical step for many sports science graduates. It's directly relevant to what you'll have already studied, it's a great way to apply those studies practically, and the starting salary is higher than many other roles available to sports science graduates.

Can I become a physio with a sport and exercise science degree? ›

Graduates who choose to continue their education and training beyond undergraduate level can specialise and become nutritionists, physiotherapists, sports psychologists and research scientists, as well as a host of other roles.

Which UK universities do Sports Science? ›

Top Five UK Universities for Sports Science
  • University of Glasgow. ...
  • Kingston University. ...
  • Loughborough University. ...
  • University of Birmingham. ...
  • Manchester Metropolitan University.
1 Sept 2022

What can you do with sport and exercise science? ›

Job options
  • Exercise physiologist.
  • Fitness centre manager.
  • Personal trainer.
  • Primary school teacher.
  • Secondary school teacher.
  • Sports administrator.
  • Sports coach.
  • Sports development officer.

Where can I study sport science in UK? ›

Where can I study Sports Science in the UK?
  • University of Glasgow.
  • University of Bath.
  • Loughborough University.
  • Anglia Ruskin University.
  • University of Strathclyde.
  • University of East Anglia.
  • Durham University.
  • University of Edinburgh.

What is the best university for sports therapy? ›

Results for Undergraduate Sports therapy Courses
  • University of Lincoln. ...
  • Coventry University. UCAS points. ...
  • Edge Hill University. UCAS points. ...
  • University of Hertfordshire. UCAS points. ...
  • Bournemouth University. UCAS points. ...
  • University of Chichester. UCAS points. ...
  • University of Sunderland. UCAS points. ...
  • University of Worcester. UCAS points.

Is sports science a good degree UK? ›

Career prospects

Sports science graduates, not surprisingly, tend to get jobs in sport and fitness, coaching and teaching especially, but they're found all over the economy. Management is also a popular option for graduates from this subject – after all, this is a degree for people who want to motivate others!

What is the best sports school in the UK? ›

Top UK Boarding Schools for Sports
  • Coleraine Academical Institution.
  • Repton School.
  • King's School Canterbury.
  • St Paul's School.
  • Eton College.
  • King's School, Chester.
  • Kingston Grammar School.
  • Gresham's School.

What are the three main areas of sports science? ›

Four main sciences are key to the study of sport science. These are physiology, psychology, motor control/learning, and biomechanics and they are applied across the spectrum of sport involvement in most good degree courses.

What is the highest paying job in exercise science? ›

18 high-paying jobs in exercise science
  • University professor. ...
  • Occupational therapist. ...
  • Physical therapist. ...
  • Sports psychologist. ...
  • Sports manager. ...
  • Orthopedic surgeon. National average salary: $128,718 per year. ...
  • Podiatrist. National average salary: $130,753 per year. ...
  • Physiatrist. National average salary: $236,547 per year.
14 Apr 2022

What is the highest paying job in sports science? ›

Orthopedic Surgeon

What can you do with a BA in sport science? ›

Students with this degree can work, for example, as:
  • Coaches at schools, clubs or federations.
  • Strength and conditioning specialists at schools, clubs, or federations.
  • Coaches at Schools, clubs or federations.
  • Strength and conditioning specialists at schools, clubs, or federations.

Is sports therapy a good degree? ›

It is a great profession which is growing more and more in terms of the opportunities you can gain as well as the skills you can develop.

What school has the best sports program? ›

1. Stanford. Yahoo! Sports: "Top 2017-18 teams: women's swimming, women's soccer, men's soccer, women's tennis (national champions). Trajectory: Steady.

How long is a sports therapy degree? ›

This 4-year course builds on the BSc with an extra year which enables you to explore physical activity and exercise prescription for patients with chronic health conditions, in conjunction with developing student autonomy as advances allied health professionals via work-based learning.

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