What to Do With an Exercise Science Degree?

Exercise science may sound like an easy major, but in reality, this field of study can be rigorous and challenging. Exercise science majors take courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, kinesiology, nutrition, biochemistry and fitness. Together, these courses facilitate an understanding of the human body. More broadly, exercise science studies movement and its effects on the body. After getting a degree in exercise science, graduates can choose a career path in fields such as nursing, teaching, nutrition, therapy, counseling, coaching and research.

Skills

An exercise science degree gives graduates broad based skills such as problem solving, communication and critical thinking. Graduates will also learn how diet, exercise, injury and illness affect the human body.

Careers

Career paths depend on the education you seek after graduation. An American College of Sports Medicine certificate demonstrates to an employer that you know the latest in your field and paves the way for careers such as personal trainers, physical therapists, exercise physiologists, fitness directors and exercise directors. An advanced degree is needed for work in nutrition, research and medicine.

Duty

The typical duty for those in exercise science is to create an appropriate exercise and diet regimen for your patient or client. Who you will be working with depends on your specific career--whether outlining gym activities for kids if you're a teacher or creating a detailed diet plan for someone with diabetes if you're a nutritionist.

Certification

The ACSM, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the National Athletic Trainers' Association and the American Dietetics Association are all organizations that offer certification to those interested in advancing their exercise science expertise.

Graduate School

A master's degree may also be required for careers such as conditioning coaches, biomechanists and college instructors, according to ACSM. Researchers and professors may require a doctoral degree.

Employment

Places that hire exercise science majors include hospitals, gyms, schools, colleges, clinics, resorts and community centers.