What to Do With an Exercise and Sports Science Degree?
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Exercise and sports science degree programs prepare students for careers in the fitness and sports industries. Learn about exercise and sports science degree programs, and find out what you can do with a degree in exercise and sports science.
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The Different Types of Exercise and Sports Science Degrees
An Exercise and Sports Science degree can put you on the path to a career in the fitness industry, coaching, or even physical therapy. But what type of degree should you get? And what can you do with it? This guide will help you understand the different types of exercise and sports science degrees and what they can lead to.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science is designed to prepare students for careers in the fitness and exercise industry, as well as for advanced study in graduate programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and others. The B.S. in Exercise Science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific basis of human movement and the application of this knowledge to optimize human health and performance. The degree program includes coursework in exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, nutrition, and psychology, as well as electivesin areas such as business, coaching, fitness management, and fitness testing and prescription.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Kinesiology
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Kinesiology is a 120-credit hour program that prepare students for careers in the health and fitness industry, as well as further graduate study in kinesiology or related fields. Students take coursework in exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and control, and nutrition, among other topics. The B.S. in Kinesiology also includes a practicum experience, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Those interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy or occupational therapy can do so by completing a doctoral degree program in kinesiology with a concentration in rehabilitation science. Other possible career paths for graduates of the B.S. in Kinesiology include personal training, fitness coaching, and corporate wellness programming.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sport and Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sport and Exercise Science is a four-year degree that prepares students for careers in the fitness and sports industry. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of settings, including fitness centers, health clubs, recreation facilities, and sporting events. In addition to taking courses in exercise science, students also complete coursework in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and kinesiology.
graduates of the B.S. in Sport and Exercise Science program are prepared for entry-level positions in the fitness industry as well as for graduate study in exercise science or a related field.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Athletic Training
The athletic training program at XXXX University will prepare you for a career as a healthcare professional who works with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and satisfies the educational requirements for certification as an athletic trainer by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the national examination administered by the BOC.
The B.S. in Athletic Training degree program requires successful completion of 124 credit hours, including general education courses, prerequisite courses, professional courses, and clinical courses. General education courses include English Composition, Public Speaking, Psychology, and Nutrition. Prerequisite courses include Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs, Chemistry with lab, Physics with lab, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology/Biomechanics, and Statistics. Professional core courses include Principles of Athletic Training, Pathophysiology of Injuries & Illnesses in Sport , Therapeutic Modalities , Clinical Practicum I-IV , Organization & Administration of Athletic Training Services , and Current Issues in Athletic Training .
In addition to the classroom learning experience, students in the XXXX University athletic training program gain valuable hands-on experience through clinical rotations at a variety of local healthcare facilities. These clinical experiences provide students with exposure to a variety of patient populations and allow them to develop the skills necessary to work as an entry-level athletic trainer upon graduation.
The Different Careers You Can Pursue With an Exercise and Sports Science Degree
There are a number of different careers you can pursue with an Exercise and Sports Science degree. You could work in a hospital, a physical therapy clinic, a corporate wellness program, or even start your own business. You could also become a personal trainer, a coach, or a fitness instructor. The options are really endless.
Physical Therapist
In order to become a physical therapist, you will need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited institution. You will also need to obtain a state license in order to practice. Once you have met these requirements, you will be eligible to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and more.
As a physical therapist, you will help patients recover from injuries and illnesses that have limited their ability to move and function normally. You will design individualized treatment plans and provide guidance and support to help your patients achieve their goals. You may also work with preventative care programs to help reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses in both individuals and populations.
Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist (OT) is a trained professional who helps people with physical, mental, or social disabilities regain independence in all areas of their lives. He or she works with patients to relearn the skills of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. OTs also teach patients how to use adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers.
In order to become an OT, one must earn a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited OT program. Upon graduation, OTs must then pass a national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Once certified, OTs can find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, Rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, school systems, and private practice.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. As an athletic trainer, you will work with athletes of all ages and abilities, from amateur to professional. You may also work in industrial, military or performing arts settings.
Most athletic trainers work in settings such as colleges, universities, high schools, professional sports organizations, hospitals or clinics. Athletic trainers may also work in private industry or government agencies.
Athletic trainers must be able to effectively communicate with athletes, coaches and other health care professionals. They must have strong organizational skills and be able to keep accurate records.
To become an athletic trainer, you must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited athletic training program and pass a national examination administered by the Board of Certification (BOC).
Strength and Conditioning Specialist
A strength and conditioning specialist is someone who helps athletes improve their performance through strength and conditioning exercises. This can involve working with a team of athletes, or working with individual athletes to help them reach their goals. Strength and conditioning specialists may work in a variety of settings, including gyms, schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and more.
To become a strength and conditioning specialist, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science, or a related field. You will also need to be certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Once you have your degree and certification, you will be able to start working with athletes to help them improve their performance.
Sport Psychologist
Athletes perform best when they feel confident in their abilities and have a positive outlook. That’s where sport psychologists come in. Sport psychologists work with athletes to help them overcome mental barriers and improve their performance.
The job of a sport psychologist is notoriously intense. Not only do you have to be well-versed in the latest psychological research, but you also need to be able to apply it in a way that is helpful to athletes. You need to be able to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions to problems.
If you are interested in becoming a sport psychologist, you will need to complete a doctorate in psychology with a specialization in sports psychology.
What You Can Do With an Exercise and Sports Science Degree
If you have a degree in Exercise and Sports Science, you may want to consider a career in fitness and exercise. There are many different paths you can take with this degree, and the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can do. You can work in a gym, become a personal trainer, or even work in a hospital. Let’s explore some of the options.
Get a Job in the Field
One of the great things about an Exercise and Sports Science degree is that it can lead to a number of different careers in the field of exercise and sports science. Here are just a few of the many career options that are available to you with this type of degree:
-Athletic Trainer
-Exercise Physiologist
-Physical Therapist
-Recreational Therapist
-Sports Medicine Specialist
-Coach
Pursue Further Education
Pursuing further education is a great option for those with an exercise and sports science degree. By obtaining a higher degree, you will be able to conduct research, teach at the collegiate level, and work in leadership roles in the fitness industry.