Exercise Science Career Outlook
A scientific program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. Includes instruction in biomechanics, motor behavior, motor development and coordination, motor neurophysiology, performance research, rehabilitative therapies, the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative methods and equipment, and related analytical methods and procedures in applied exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.
To find out more about your major including potential areas and employers, required skills, job outlook, and median pay, please access the Occupational Outlook Handbook or the O*Net website.
Career Outlook
Explore the subsections below to learn more about the potential skills a student with a exercise science major can develop as well as the potential positions, areas, and employers that hire students with this degree. Please note that these are not exhaustive lists and should be used as a starting point.
Skills
As an exercise science major, students may develop or advance skills including analytical thinking, problem resolution, communication, collaboration, instructing, monitoring, service orientation, evidence-based research, and scientific writing.
Positions
Graduates with a degree in exercise science can work as Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer, Sports Performance Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Recreation Manager, Community Program Director, Group Fitness Instructor, Clinical Exercise Specialist, or Camp Director.
Areas
Graduates with a degree in exercise science can work within the following areas: cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, research, sports medicine, physical fitness, healthcare, program development, sales, or exercise physiology.
Note: Students pursuing various post-baccalaureate degrees in careers such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, athletic training and physician assistant will require additional prerequisites.
Employers
Graduates with a degree in exercise science can work for health clinics, fitness centers, nursing/rehabilitation facilities, correctional facilities, resorts, cruise lines, community centers, colleges/universities, corporations, sports facilities, professional sports teams, or athletic associations.
Helpful Resources
Use the employment opportunity resources below to kickstart your preprofessional and or professional experience search. You may also identify a professional or student organization to join and network with individuals in your major and field. Please note that these are not exhaustive lists and should be used as a starting point.
- Advocate Health
- All Cruise Jobs
- Anytime Fitness
- Athletico Physical Therapy
- ATI Physical Therapy
- Charter Fitness
- Edward-Elmhurst Health
- Genesis Rehab
- Illinois Bone and Joint Institute
- LA Fitness
- LifeStart
- ManorCare
- Planet Fitness
- Presence Health
- Renewal Rehab
- Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
- Smith Village
- Symbria
- XSport Fitness
- YMCA
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
- American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association
- American College of Sports Medicine
- American Council on Exercise
- American Fitness Professionals and Associates
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Sports & Fitness Association
- Association for Applied Sports Psychology
- Federation of Professional Trainers
- International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association
- ’National Athletic Trainers’ Association
- National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association
- National Strength and Condition Association
- NCAA
- SXU Exercise Science and Sports and Fitness Administration Club
Opportunities
Handshake
In addition to other employment opportunity websites, the Center for SUCCESS uses Handshake to share internships and jobs with students. Please explore the positions provided
in the automated feed below or click "View All" to explore positions in Handshake
using your major as a filter.
Although we attempt to screen all employers and positions, the Center for SUCCESS
and Saint Xavier University assume no liability for the accuracy of information shared
in this feed or through Handshake. The views and opinions shared by employers through
Handshake do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Center for SUCCESS
and Saint Xavier University.
Please Note: This feed may include positions not directly related to your major, as employers
have the option to assign all majors to posted roles. If you have any questions about
a particular employer or position, please contact centerforsuccessFREESXU.