What Jobs Can You Get With an Exercise Science Degree?
| 6 Min Read
Pursuing an education and career in exercise science offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact on people’s health and quality of life. With the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and the demand for preventative health, exercise science professionals offer important services in rehabilitation, wellness and performance.
An education in exercise science connects health, movement and performance with evidence-based practices, allowing professionals to apply their passion for health and fitness to help their clients excel, whether athletes or adults with chronic health conditions. Explore how the online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Exercise Science program from Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP Global) equips professionals with the advanced knowledge to pursue rewarding careers across different fields and specializations in health and wellness.
What Can You Do With an Exercise Science Degree?
An exercise science degree offers specialized study of exercise and movement within the field of kinesiology. Exercise science coursework builds on kinesiology fundamentals, such as human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition science, providing students with the skills and knowledge to apply evidence-based, data-driven principles in their professions.
Graduates work with a wide range of populations, including youth athletes, adults managing chronic conditions and older individuals seeking to maintain mobility and independence. Career options span hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, fitness centers, educational institutions and professional sports organizations. Many professionals pursue specialized certifications or advanced degrees to deepen expertise in clinical health, sports performance or physical rehabilitation.
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise physiologists develop individualized fitness and rehabilitation programs for clients with chronic conditions and special health considerations. Typically working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, wellness facilities and corporate health settings, these professionals focus broadly on strength, endurance and flexibility for those with chronic conditions or comorbidities for whom exercise has proven therapeutic benefits.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $58,160 for exercise physiologists, with projected employment growth of 9% through 2034 and an average of 1,700 job openings each year. Employers typically require applicants for entry-level positions to have a bachelor’s degree, though master’s degrees are increasingly common. After completing a B.A. in exercise science, many professionals pursue graduate education and advanced certifications to enhance career prospects and earning potential, particularly in clinical settings focused on chronic disease management and preventive health.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries for athletes and physically active individuals. They work with sports teams at the secondary school, collegiate and professional levels, as well as in hospitals, outpatient clinics and performing arts organizations.
The median annual salary for athletic trainers is $60,250, and BLS projects employment to grow by 11% through 2034. With high participation in individual and team sports and an increasing number of middle-aged and older adults staying physically active, athletic trainers can expect to see an average of 2,400 job openings each year.
Employers require at least a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree is now the standard entry requirement, and nearly all states require licensure or certification. With experience, professionals may advance to positions such as head trainer, athletic director or clinical practice administrator.
Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor
Personal trainers and fitness instructors lead individuals and groups through cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility programs. They work in gyms, recreation centers, corporate wellness programs and community health organizations or as independent contractors or business owners. Many trainers specialize in certain fitness areas, such as yoga, Pilates, strength conditioning or senior fitness, and some build entrepreneurial careers through private training services or online coaching platforms.
Personal trainers earn a median annual salary of $46,180, with projected 12% growth and approximately 74,200 job openings each year through 2034. Although a high school diploma meets the minimum requirement for many roles, most candidates hold at least a bachelor’s degree and professional certification to demonstrate expertise in fitness and wellness.
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Strength and conditioning coaches design and implement training programs that improve athletic performance while reducing injury risk. These professionals are personal or fitness trainers, but they specialize in sports and athletic performance, typically working with collegiate athletic programs, professional sports teams, private training facilities and individual athletes. There is also growing demand for professionals who specialize in tactical strength training for military and law enforcement personnel.
Average salaries for strength and conditioning coaches range from around $68,331 to $98,563, depending on setting, with higher compensation in collegiate athletics and professional sports organizations. Most professionals have certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or similar organizations that emphasize evidence-based approaches to power development, sport-specific conditioning and injury prevention. Strength and conditioning coaches may start overseeing individual clients or small groups of athletes under other coaches. From there, they may move into leadership roles as an assistant or head strength and conditioning coach, and then to a performance director role.
How Do You Choose the Right Career Path?
To select a career path within exercise science, carefully evaluate your personal interests, strengths, long-term goals and preferred work environments. Online degree programs allow adult learners to complete coursework while gaining practical experience in settings aligned with their interests, helping inform their career decisions. Consider these factors:
- Clinical vs. performance-based roles: Clinical positions focus on rehabilitation, chronic disease management and patient assessment, while performance-based roles emphasize athletic development and competitive outcomes.
- Client population interests: Some professionals prefer working with athletes, while others focus on clinical patients, older adults or community wellness programs.
- Education: Some roles require only a bachelor’s degree for entry, while others expect a master’s degree. Review state licensure requirements and employer expectations before selecting a program.
- Certifications: Credentials from recognized organizations can increase employability and access to specialized practice areas.
- Geographic location: Keep in mind that salary levels and job availability vary by region, and areas with established college or professional athletic programs may offer more opportunities.
What Does Career Growth Look Like in Exercise Science?
Entry-level positions in exercise science build hands-on experience and professional networks that support you later in your career. These early professional experiences allow graduates to apply classroom knowledge and refine practical skills.
As you gain experience, advanced certifications provide opportunities to pursue specialized practice areas and higher compensation. A master’s degree also offers greater opportunities in management, education and research, particularly in academic or clinical institutions. Continuing education maintains certifications and aligns professional knowledge with new research in preventive health and performance science.
Many professionals pursue entrepreneurial paths through private practice, consulting or online coaching services, which allow greater autonomy and business development experience. With the health and fitness industry experiencing significant growth driven by an emphasis on preventive health and an aging population, numerous career pivots and advancement opportunities are available for motivated professionals.
Take Your Next Step With an Online Degree in Exercise Science
A bachelor’s degree in exercise science is a versatile credential that connects kinesiology with careers in clinical, performance and community health settings. With competitive salaries, strong employment projections and entrepreneurial potential, graduates can pursue rewarding careers in different exercise science specializations.
The online B.A. in Exercise Science degree from CSP Global equips students with the skills, knowledge and pathways to meaningful work in health and human performance. Apply today or explore more program details to learn how an online exercise science bachelor’s degree aligns with your career goals.
Learn more about CSP Global’s online B.A. in Exercise Science program.