What is Exercise Science?
Exercise Science is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses the subdisciplines of exercise physiology, kinesiology, exercise psychology and sports nutrition. Students in this major will learn how the human body works and responds to exercise stressors, the roles of exercise in nutrition in the prevention of chronic diseases, how to manipulate training variables to optimize athletic performance, how to evaluate physical fitness and how to design exercise programs to improve health and fitness. Students that graduate from this program work in a diverse range of careers including rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, commercial gyms, high school to professional sports teams or as an educator in K-12 schools.
Awareness
First Year
- Build an academic foundation through human anatomy and learning how the body works.
- Learn the importance of exercise and nutrition on health and well-being while also discovering some of the scientific principles that underpin those connections.
- Take KIN 100: Concepts of Health and Fitness, BMD 251 & BMD 252: Anatomy & Physiology I & II.
Middle Years
- Build upon the knowledge acquired in foundational courses and focus on some of the specific subdomains in Exercise Science.
- Develop more real-world application skills.
- Emphasize development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Take KIN 263: Introduction to Nutrition KIN 278: Sport, Performance, & Exercise Psychology KIN 380: Kinesiology KIN 476: Exercise Physiology
Last Year
- Prepare for certification and join professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), and/or National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).
- Prepare for graduate school (optional).
- Take KIN 495: Internship.
- Explore careers with Career Development.
Exploration
First Year
- Join a student organization such as the Exercise Science Club, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, and/or others to explore interests and build resume.
Middle Years
- Gain first-hand insight into potential career paths by shadowing professionals in roles that align with your interests.
- Volunteer as a participant in department research studies.
Last Year
- Research graduate programs of interest (optional).
- Attend Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Conference.
- Explore career opportunities and build professional connections by attending career fairs.
Preparation
First Year
- Login to Accelerate South and build profile strength to 75%+.
- Contact Career Development. Meet with a career consultant to discuss career goals and research fields of specialization in exercise science.
Middle Years
- Meet with a pre-health advisor if interested in applying to graduate school programs.
Last Year
- Prepare for certification exams and/or the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations).
- Volunteer with research studies or sports teams to develop problem solving, communication, and practical skills within the discipline.
- Contact Career Development for future planning assistance.
Job Outlook
10% growth by 2032
Median Salary
$54,000 - $60,000
Annual Job
Openings Each Year
-
Current Workforce
-
What can I do with this major?
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Strength & conditioning coach
- Personal trainer
- K-12 teacher
- Wellness coach
- Fitness instructor
- Medical sales or corporate wellness coordinator
- Pursue graduate programs such as Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Exercise Science Masters degree programs, and Masters in Athletic Training
What skills will I learn?
- Exercise Prescription: Designing safe and effective fitness programs for diverse populations.
- Clinical Assessment: Utilizing laboratory tools to evaluate human movement and physiological health.
- Strength and Conditioning: Applying scientific principles to improve athletic performance and physical resilience.
- Disease Prevention: Understanding the role of exercise in preventing and managing chronic illnesses.
- Professional Ethics: Upholding the high standards required by national certifying bodies like ACSM and NSCA.
- Laboratory Proficiency: Hands-on experience with equipment used for measuring metabolic, cardiovascular, and muscular function.
