5 Popular Exercise Science Degree Options

Exercise science is an increasingly popular major College students that are interested in studying for exercise science degree may be confused because there are plenty of options. It is possible to study for a degree in exercise science online, even an online doctorate in exercise science. One of the wonderful things about the internet age is that an affordable online doctoral degree is always well within reach.

Before you commit, remember that studying for a degree in exercise science may have requirements that are different from traditional degrees; a doctorate in sports science may even require no dissertation, but a practical, applied research study instead. However, they will be very hands-on, and coursework will be heavy on anatomy, physiology, and some serious medical stuff. But you’re ready for that, and ready for the most popular exercise science degree options.

1. Kinesiology

The study of kinesiology provides students with knowledge in physiological, sociocultural, psychological, rehabilitative and managerial approaches to understanding the movement of people. Students who specialize in kinesiology can choose to major in exercise science or other options. Careers that require kinesiology studies include working as a coach, fitness trainer, and physical therapist. As of four years ago, the average salary for physical therapists was $84,020, coaches earned about $ 31,000 and fitness workers earned $36,160. From 2014 to 2024, the job for physical therapists is estimated to grow by 34% that of coaches is expected to grow by six percent. Fitness workers’ job is expected to grow by eight percent.

2. Sports Management

A sports management degree can pave way for careers such as athletic director, sports agent, tournament director, advertising and promotional manager and sports events coordinator. Sports management jobs offer a variety of salaries, depending on the level, industry, and geographic area. However, the average salary is about $88,580 annually. Sports agents earn approximately $95,810, fitness directors earn about $42,913, athletic directors earn an average of $59,068 and Sports PR managers earn an average of $60,784. From 2014 to 2014, the job is expected to grow by nine percent.

3. Athletic Training

Athletic training means working with doctors to offer preventive services, rehabilitation for injuries, emergency services, and therapies. You need a degree in athletic training to become a professional athletic trainer. The job for athletic trainers is expected to grow by 23% from 2016 to 2026. The growth rate is a lot higher than average and there were at least 27,800 athletic trainers by 2016. Their average pay in 2017 was $46,630 annually. They work in; the military, hospitals, fitness centers, offices of physical therapists, or as self-employed professionals.

4. Health And Human Performance

A degree in health and human performance helps graduates to get into professions such as; recreational specialists, personal trainers, recreation specialists and wellness specialists. It’s also an excellent start to a career in education and academia, whether as a PE teacher, professor, or researcher in human performance. Health and human performance graduates can work in the military, public service, professional athletic teams, performing arts or learning institutions. Personal training jobs are expected to grow by about eight percent from 2014 to 2024. Their average salary is $39,410.

5. Sports Science

The sports science degree combines different disciplines but is mostly focused on the scientific principles that affect performance during exercise. Careers in sports science include; sports nutrition, academic research, physiotherapy, sports psychology and professional coaching. Employment rates for sports science graduates are higher than the average. The job for sports nutrition is expected to increase by at least 21% from 2012 to 2022. The average salary for a sports nutritionist is $42,261.