Exercise Science

Median Salary by Years Experience - Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc/SB) Exercise Science (United States)

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The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science prepares students for careers in therapeutic sport- and fitness-related settings. It also provides a strong scientific core necessary for careers in cardiac rehabilitation and strength and conditioning. Additionally, the requirements of the program meet the prerequisites of the University of Kansas Medical Center physical therapy program.

Visit the KU Career Services Alliance, which provides career resources, support and programming to Edwards Campus students. And sign up for KU Career Connections to post your resume, apply for jobs and internships and more.

Sample of Related Skills

• Analyze how the body’s cells and organ systems respond to acute and chronic physiological stress
• Prescribe exercise as a way to elicit positive functional adaptations
• Develop preventive strategies to combat disease epidemics
• Prevent and treat diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer
• Preserve functional capacity in aging adults to improve the quality of life and active lifespan
• Utilize exercise programming and sound nutrition to maximize strength and conditioning required for optimal human performance

Popular Career Paths

Sports Medicine: Involves the prevention, identification, management and rehabilitation of injuries related to sport, exercise or recreational activity

Recreation and Fitness: Can include the development and implementation of sports and fitness programs, fitness and exercise instruction and/or consultation, performance enhancement, and strength and conditioning coaching

Rehabilitation/Therapy: Involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a physically impairing injury, disability or disease

Corporate Wellness: Involves the promotion, maintenance, and improvement of employee health and fitness through individual and group consultation, recreational activities and wellness programming

Explore More Career Paths

• Explore Health Careers.org - career resources and information for careers in sports medicine, physical therapy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, athletic training, etc.
• Exercise Science Guide - information to explore careers in fitness, sports medicine, and healthcare
• Careers in Sports - information to explore careers in sports

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

View specific employers by state.

Employment Strategies

1. Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent study, internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering.
2. Register for KU Career Connections and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
3. Consider obtaining the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification.
4. Become involved in health and fitness programming on campus through resources like the KU Student Health Services,  KU Recreation Services, or KU Athletics.
5. Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest, such as: KU Intramurals, KU Sports Clubs, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, Hawks for Health, Recreation Services Student Staff Ambassadors, Peer Health Educators, and Student Health Advisory Board.
6. Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest: sample resume (pdf).
7. Obtain relevant certifications, such as First Aid and CPR.
8. Consider joining exercise science-related professional associations and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field of interest.
9. Develop strong interpersonal skills and demonstrate patience and a positive attitude.
10. Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant.
11. Consider earning a graduate degree in physical therapy if you are interested in becoming a physical therapist.  To be competitive for physical therapy programs, maintain a high GPA throughout your undergraduate program, volunteer for a physical therapist or in a hospital or clinic setting, and obtain strong letters of recommendation from practicing physical therapist(s), faculty members or advisers and current or past supervisors.

Job and Internship Resources

• Aerobics and Fitness Association of America - job postings, certification information, and continuing education courses
• American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - health and fitness job and internship opportunities
• American Physical Therapy Association - job postings and career resources in physical therapy
• AthleticLink.com - coaching and sport camp opportunities
• Corporate Fitness Works - job and internship opportunities with corporate wellness programs locally and nationwide (Headquarters is located in Overland Park, KS)
• Exercise Jobs.com - nationwide job listings for fitness, exercise physiology, and kinesiology
• Team EXOS - job and internship opportunities with fitness and wellness programs nationwide
• National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association Job Board - job and internship opportunities in recreation and fitness at colleges and universities
• National Strength and Conditioning Association - job and internship opportunities in fitness, assessment, performance enhancement and strength and conditioning
• NCAA - job and internship opportunities in collegiate athletics
• Physical Therapist.com - physical therapy-related job postings, career resources, discussion forums, and networking opportunities ​Therapy Jobs.com - job opportunities for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and other therapy fields

The quick link for this page is career.ku.edu/exercisescience.

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