Do you thrive on movement and exercise and believe that it is important for everyone to stay active, no matter their age or physical condition? If so, you might want to consider pursuing a degree in exercise science. This type of degree will make you eligible for jobs within the exercise, fitness and health industry. Exercise science degrees are available at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. The degree that you will pursue is dependent upon what type of job within exercise science that you intend to seek after graduation.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Concordia University St. Paul offers an MS in Strength and Conditioning. Begin or advance your health and fitness career with an exercise science degree from Concordia University, St. Paul.
Career Opportunities with an Exercise Science Degree
If you hold an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree in exercise science, a wide variety of exercise science jobs in various settings may become available. These include, but are not limited to:
- University recreation
- Municipal recreation
- Medical fitness facilities
- Research
- Corporate wellness
- Athlete coaching
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Strength and conditioning
- Physical education teacher
Graduate degrees in exercise science and/or exercise physiology can open up even more jobs, such as:
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Clinical research assistant
- Wellness coordinator
- Personal or athletic trainer
Accreditation
No matter what type of exercise science degree you want to pursue, the program that you choose should be accredited. The largest accrediting body for exercise science programs is the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES), under the auspices of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. This organization accredits undergraduate and graduate-level exercise science degree, diploma and certificate programs within three countries (the United States, Canada and New Zealand).
Associate Degree Programs
As of 2019, five associate degree programs in exercise science are accredited by CoAES. These programs typically lead to jobs in personal fitness training and related work. Examples of these degrees include (but are not limited to):
- Associate of Applied Science in Exercise Science
- Certificate in Fitness Specialist (certificates and diploma programs are not CoAES accredited)
- Certificate in Personal Fitness Trainer
- Short-Term Technical Certificate in Exercise Specialist
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
CoAES accredits 64 bachelor’s degree programs in exercise science, as of 2019. Degrees that are commonly found within these programs are:
- Bachelor of Science in Health, Exercise Science Track
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Health & Sport Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
- Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Fitness Training and Exercise Science
Master’s Degree Programs
CoAES accredits 13 masters-level programs in exercise physiology as of 2019. Examples of these degrees include:
- Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
- Master of Science in Exercise Physiology- Strength and Conditioning Concentration
- Master of Science in Applied Health Physiology
- Master of Arts in Applied Health Physiology
Another accreditation body for exercise science programs is the American Kinesiotherapy Association of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This agency accredits kinesiotherapy education programs, which can also benefit those interested in exercise science. Currently, all programs accredited by this agency are at the bachelor’s degree level. Degree titles include:
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Exercise Science)
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with K-12 Physical Education Licensure
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Kinesiotherapy)
The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) is another accrediting body of exercise science programs. This organization currently accredits four exercise physiology programs at the undergraduate level. Degrees that are accredited include:
- Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Exercise Physiology
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology
- Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Physiology
Of course, you don’t have to choose an accredited exercise science degree program. However, some employers will check to see if the program from which you graduated is accredited.