The Sports Medicine and Exercise Science program is a highly rigorous interdisciplinary major which integrates basic and applied sciences to prepare students for wide range of careers in health and fitness. A Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science is an accredited degree that begins preparing students for fulfilling careers in vocations such as physical and occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and medicine.
Students that pursue this major should have strong skills in math and the sciences, an interest in the inner workings of the human body, excellent interpersonal skills, and a desire to help others in a hands-on capacity. Students who are interested in the "sports" aspect, but not necessarily the sciences, often find a better fit in Sports Administration, Business, Communication (Sports Broadcasting emphasis), or Public Administration. Please speak with your admission counselor or a faculty advisor with any questions.
What will I study?
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Kinesiology (the study of human movement)
Injury Care and Prevention
Exercise Physiology
Strength Training and Conditioning
Exercise Testing and Prescription
Biomechanics (the application of physics to human movement)
Sport and Exercise Nutrition
What can I do with a degree in Sports Medicine or Exercise Science?
Most vocations in the Sports Medicine and Exercise Science field require post-baccalaureate education (i.e., graduate school). One of the principle goals of the Sports Medicine and Exercise Science program is to prepare students for entry into a number of different graduate programs. These programs include, but are not limited to,
Physical Therapy (DPT)
Occupational Therapy (MS)
Athletic Training (MS)
Exercise Physiology (MS, PhD)
Medicine (MD, DO)
Students who wish to seek employment immediately after completion of a Sports Medicine and Exercise Science bachelor’s degree often work within the wellness and fitness industry, in positions such as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, fitness directors, group exercise instructors, health and wellness coaches, and fitness sales.
The Sports Medicine and Exercise Science bachelor’s degree also prepares students to sit for high-level certification exams as presented by the various governing bodies in the field, such as the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
See also:
