Exercise and Human Performance Science

Exercise Science Career Preparation

The BS in Exercise and Performance Science’s course requirements and laboratory components are designed to provide students with the real-world experience necessary to complete certification examinations offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

A bachelor’s in exercise science prepares students to immediately enter the workforce in the fitness, health, and wellness fields. This can mean working independently or for organizations in areas like personal training, corporate wellness, program development and management, sales and marketing, and more. You could qualify for roles such as:

• Exercise physiologist
• Exercise technologist
• Health coach
• Fitness instructor
• Fitness program director
• Personal trainer
• Certified strength and conditioning specialist
• Health promotion program director
• Athletic coach or scout
• Marketing or communications specialist

Learning the science of anatomy and physiology and how exercise impacts health can also lead to careers in the sales or distribution of exercise and sports-related products, services, and supplies.

Preparation for Advanced Professions

Numerous career paths begin with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Human Performance or a related field but require further education.

Enrolling in a graduate program is necessary to pursue advanced professions such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise kinesthesiology, and more. Advanced career paths dealing with exercise and human performance include:

• Athletic trainer
• Athletic director
• Clinical nutritionist
• Kinesiotherapist
• Kinesiologist
• Public health professional
• Doctor of physical therapy
• Doctor of occupational therapy
• Physician's assistant

Earning a master’s degree also benefits students seeking progression to director or executive-level positions in the health and fitness industry who may need to supplement or replace on-the-job experience. Master of Public Health (MPH) programs are another popular option for exercise science majors.

If you’re interested in a career in kinesthesiology or physical therapy, the BS in Exercise and Human Performance Science’s Professional track sets you up to meet your goals in medical school and professional certification programs.

Career Outlook for Exercise Science Majors

Careers in health and fitness are rewarding, lucrative, and diverse. Whether you like designing fitness programs and training individuals directly or seek an entrepreneurial path that fulfills your passion for sports and exercise, the career possibilities for exercise science majors remain bright.

Settings where exercise science majors typically find work include recreational, college-level, or professional sports programs; educational and training environments; and clinical or healthcare settings. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 9% over ten years by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Careers in fitness and training and instruction are projected to increase by 19%, a great deal faster than the average.

For students using the bachelor’s in exercise science to pursue future graduate programs in fields like athletic training, the BLS similarly predicts a positive career outlook. Employment of athletic trainers is predicted to see a 17% increase by 2031.

Exercise Science Degree Salary

Salary expectations for exercise science majors vary due to the numerous career paths they can follow. Here are figures representing the average yearly salaries of roles possible to attain through earning an exercise science bachelor’s. Self-employed personal trainers can expect flexibility in what they charge clients, based on location, experience, and other factors.

• Fitness trainers and instructors—$40,700/year
• Exercise physiologists—$47,940/year
• Coaches and scouts—$38,970/year
• Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers—$133,380/year

As to be expected, the salary ranges for professional care providers in highly technical occupations are higher. If you study at the graduate level or start your own business in the health and wellness space, your earning potential is vast.

• Athletic trainers—$48,420/year
• Physical therapists—$95,620/year

Pathway to Graduate Study

As we know, following career pathways in the medical field like physical therapy and athletic training requires students to earn further credentials through a master’s or doctoral program.

Through developing a science-based academic background, selecting Professional-track courses, and finding internship and mentorship opportunities, students in York’s BS in Exercise and Human Performance Science are prepared to immerse themselves in graduate studies.

Earn a Master’s in Athletic Training

Exercise science majors at York College who complete the necessary prerequisites may benefit from an opportunity to move into Messiah University’s accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program.

Built from a unique partnership between YCP and Messiah, this continuation program supports students who want to pursue graduate education and broaden their career prospects in the field of athletic training. With an MSAT degree, students become eligible to take the exam regulated by the Board of Certification (BOC) of the Athletic Trainer and become certified athletic trainers.