What Jobs Can You Get With an Exercise Science Degree?

An exercise science degree may be a good choice for students who are passionate about sports, health and fitness. But what jobs can you get with an exercise science degree? There are many options available to consider. Continue reading to discover more about this career path.

In This Article: 

• Choosing Your Area of Focus 
• 3 Specializations in Exercise Science 
• Exercise Science Degree Jobs 
• Opportunities and Next Steps in Exercise Science

Choosing Your Area of Focus 

When you pursue a degree in exercise science, you may be presented with an opportunity to choose a specific emphasis. At GCU, we offer the following emphases in exercise science:

Sports Performance 

Explore the concept of health and wellness, examine how to evaluate an individual’s fitness needs and develop customized fitness programs for patients. 

Pre-Athletic Training 

Analyze and interpret data to improve movement and exercises, and learn to perform treatment, care and injury prevention techniques for athletes. 

Pre-Physical Therapy 

Apply motor control and learning principles to exercise and rehabilitation patients. Use corrective exercises to improve muscle imbalance and movement efficiency to reduce injury risk and promote recovery. 

Certifications for Exercise Science Professionals 

As you approach the completion of your undergraduate degree, you might consider furthering your career qualifications by earning a professional certification that aligns with your career goals.

Graduates with an exercise science degree can start by researching certifications available from the American Society for Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Here are a few certifications to consider:¹

• Exercise Physiologist Certified (EPC) 
• Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSM-EP) 
• Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) 
• Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES) 
• Behavior Change Specialist (NASM-BCS) 
• Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)

You will also want to become certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

3 Specializations in Exercise Science 

Once you graduate from your program, your degree in exercise science can help prepare you for a exciting and fulfilling career within the health and fitness industry.

Here are some examples of exercise science occupations: 

• Athletic training 
• Physical therapy 
• Physician assistant 
• Exercise physiology

Before choosing a specific career, you may find it helpful to explore different careers in various areas of specialization. Consider the following:

1. Sports Performance 

Do you like to keep up with new workout routines and exercise trends? If so, consider GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Sports Performance. In this exercise science degree program, you be taught the anatomical, kinesiological and physiological principles of human movement. Through class discussions and hands-on laboratory courses, you examine the techniques and theories for improving performance in sports and promoting health and wellness.

The coursework helps prepare you to work with a wide variety of clients in different fields, such as athletes and those in the military and law enforcement. Upon completing the program, you will be expected to have gained the foundational knowledge and skills to find a career in the fitness industry. You may also decide to continue your education and enter a graduate program in fields such as athletic training, occupational therapy or public health.

2. Exercise Physiology 

Exercise physiology explores how the body responds to physical activity. An exercise physiologist is responsible for developing fitness programs that meet a client’s individual goals, such as to build muscular strength or improve cardiovascular functioning. Health education is an important component of these exercise science careers.

An exercise physiologist may use medical equipment to analyze various aspects of their clients’ health and fitness, such as their heart rhythm and oxygen usage. They may perform endurance and stress tests and adjust their clients’ fitness programs accordingly.

3. Physical Therapy 

Physical therapists typically work with patients who are ill or recovering from an acute or chronic injury. They may also work with individuals who are recovering from surgery or trying to avoid the need for surgery. After conducting a thorough evaluation of the patient’s needs and goals, physical therapists guide patients through a personalized stretching and exercise program.

Exercise Science Degree Jobs 

There are so many possible jobs for exercise majors to choose from. To narrow down your choices, consider looking for job shadowing opportunities. In college, you might also consider applying for an internship at a healthcare or fitness facility to get a behind-the-scenes look at different career options.

Some of your options include:

Personal Trainer 

Personal trainers manage exercise regimens, perform fitness assessments and evaluate client progress. They work with their clients, either individually or in groups, to help them achieve their strength and fitness goals. This may focus on muscular endurance, physical flexibility and cardiovascular capabilities.

Fitness Center Manager 

Fitness center managers focus on being responsible for the daily operations and decisions of gyms or various fitness centers. Fitness center managers can hire, train and manage employees to uphold the facility’s success. They are also responsible for the profitability of the fitness center and management of staff.

Health Coach 

Health coaches focus on working individually with clients to improve their physical well-being and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Health coaches can recommend dietary plans and exercise routines and monitor clients’ progress.

They can also focus on disease prevention and management. Health coaches need to be able to inspire and motivate their clients to improve their dietary habits.

Sport Coaching

If you love playing and watching sports, then perhaps a career as a coach might be the right choice for you. Sports coaches are responsible for training and motivating athletes and educating them about the nuances of their sport. They teach athletes about other concepts, as well, such as good sportsmanship and personal character.

Sports coaches are found at every level — from youth leagues and K-12 school teams to collegiate sports to professional sports teams. At the collegiate and professional levels there tends to be more opportunities to specialize. Some specific types of coaches include: 

• Assistant coach 
• Head coach 
• Strength and conditioning coach 
• Assistant strength and conditioning coach 
• Position coach

Entrepreneurial Jobs for Exercise Science Majors 

If you’re an exercise science major who has an entrepreneurial spirit, you might decide to launch your own sports, fitness or health-related business. First, you may benefit from gaining some practical work experience in your field. Then, you might decide to launch any of the following types of businesses: 

• Dance studio 
• Yoga studio 
• Exercise equipment/athletic supply store 
• Fitness center 
• Online fitness classes 
• Sports camp

Opportunities and Next Steps in Exercise Science 

When you pursue an exercise science degree, you are investing in your education and your future. After you have completed your degree and spent time working in the field, you may decide to invest in your education even further by earning a graduate degree in a field like athletic training, physical therapy, medicine or occupational therapy.

If you’re passionate about exercise science and the career possibilities it offers, Grand Canyon University invites you to apply. Our exercise science degree programs are designed for students who are passionate about health and wellness, performance improvement and injury prevention.