Careers with an Exercise Science degree

Exercise science is the study of how exercise affects the human body on all levels - from the physical to psychological. A degree in exercise science may be qualification for, or a first step toward, a broad range of career options.
Career | Personal Trainer | Coach | Physical Therapist | Sports Medicine Physician |
Required Education | High school diploma; degree is becoming common | Bachelor's degree | Doctoral degree | |
Other Requirements | Certification | Licensure; optional certification available | Licensure; optional board certification | |
Projected Job Growth* | 13% (fitness trainers and instructors) | 15% (coaches and scouts) | 36% | 18% (physicians and surgeons) |
Median Salary (2013)* | $33, 020 (fitness trainers and aerobics instructors) | $29, 150 (coaches and scouts) | $81, 030 | $176, 530 (family and general practitioners) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers develop and implement exercise plans to suit the fitness goals and needs of their clients. These programs are designed with consideration for the client's age, physical ability and any additional health issues. The exercise program can also include a dietary component that is developed by the trainer. In addition to a degree in exercise science, personal trainers often earn certification through organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine and American Council on Exercise.
Personal trainers can be hired by private gyms, sports clubs and universities to help clients, students and athletes. Trainers can also be self-employed private trainers who are hired by individual clients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fitness trainers and aerobic instructors earned a median annual salary of $33, 020, as of May 2013 (www.bls.gov).