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Getting a Degree in Exercise Science: What Can you do with an Exercise Science Degree?

Getting a Degree in Exercise Science: What Can you do with an Exercise Science Degree?

A Degree in Exercise Science studies the effects of exercise on health, human performance, and overall wellness. Students learn to utilize science, research, and practical application of the field of exercise science to aid people towards health and wellness. A Degree in Exercise Science has a focus on physical health and fitness as a primary vehicle to improving quality of life.
Professions with this degree include:
  • Fitness trainer– Lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities. Median Annual Salary: $41,000.
  • Exercise physiologist– Develop fitness and exercise programs that help injured or sick patients recover. Bachelor’s degree required. Median Annual Salary: $48,000.
  • Athletic trainer– Specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Bachelor’s degree required. Median Annual Salary: $48,000.
  • Recreational therapist– Plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Bachelor’s degree required. Median Annual Salary: $48,000.

Is an Exercise Science Degree hard?

A Degree in Exercise Science is not hard! A Degree in Exercise Science prepares students for the technical and theoretical aspects of a career in this field. This degree requires both classroom and hands-on learning which helps keep students fully engaged.

Associate Degree in Exercise Science

With an Associate Degree in Exercise Science students will gain competent entry-level skills for Exercise Science professionals. Students will master skills including:
  • physical fitness
  • cardiovascular functions
  • pulmonary functions
  • metabolic functions
  • planning and implementing programs for both diseased and healthy populations
  • implementing programs to maintain and enhance health
  • implementing programs to maintain and enhance quality of life

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science

A Bachelor’s in Exercise Science will add to the Associate Degree skills and knowledge.  Students are also allowed the opportunity to choose a specialty concentration including:
  • Exercise Physiology-geared towards exercise physiology, health care professions, and/or graduate school.
  • Exercise Specialist– students prepare for work in a clinical setting, ranging from wellness to rehabilitation.
  • Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy/Podiatric Medicine– prepares students for graduate school in these areas.
  • Strength and Conditioning– prepares students to gain employment working with all levels of athletes, in a strength and conditioning facility or other professional environments.

Master’s Degree in Exercise Science

Students earning a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science will choose a specialty field to both study and conduct research. Many Exercise Science students will pursue graduate studies in fields such as fitness, wellness, sports performance, or any variety of medical fields. The goal of a graduate degree program is to produce well-educated, highly skilled, and nationally certified professionals throughout the diverse field of exercise science.

Students should specifically seek out programs that are nationally certified including: The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and The Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences.

Is an Exercise Science Degree worth it?

A Degree in Exercise Science is worth it! A rewarding career with great pay, a graduate with a Degree in Exercise Science can secure a job anywhere in the country and abroad! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics this career field is expected to grow by approximately 20% over the next decade. This is faster than average for career growth, making it a great career opportunity to take advantage of today!

GI Bill-approved Schools with Exercise Science Degrees

Ready to start your Degree in Exercise Science? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Buena Vista University

Offers an undergraduate exercise science health education degree with teaching licensure minor. This program combines an exercise science health education degree with teaching licensure, preparing students to be outstanding health educators in the K-8 or 5-12 classroom.

Concordia University of Ann Arbor

Offers a campus-based Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Concordia U-Ann Arbor has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Concordia U-Ann Arbor is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance

Concordia University of Wisconsin

Offers a campus-based Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Concordia U-WI has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Concordia U-WI is a MyCAA approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and Concordia U-WI is a Yellow Ribbon school.

Dyersburg State Community College

Offers an Associate Degree in Exercise Science. Dyersburg State CC has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Dyersburg State CC is a MyCAA approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Evangel University

Offers an Exercise Science Degree. Evangel University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Evangel University is a Yellow Ribbon school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the DSST exams on a case by case basis

Kent State University

Offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science.  Kent State University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for CLEP exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Kent State University is a MyCAA approved school.

Lasell University

Offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science. Lasell University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Lasell University is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance

Loyola University Chicago

Offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science. Loyola University-Chicago has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Loyola University-Chicago is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

University of Southern Maine

Offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science. University of Southern Maine has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. University of Southern Maine is a Yellow Ribbon school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and is a MyCAA approved school.

Upper Iowa University

Offers a Bachelor’s in Exercise and Sports Studies with two emphasis areas to choose from: Exercise Science, and Fitness and Wellness. Upper Iowa University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Upper Iowa University is a Yellow Ribbon school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and is a MyCAA approved school.