The field of exercise science has grown substantially since 1960, with most colleges and universities offering a degree program in the field. Depending on the university, exercise science may be categorized as kinesiology, physical education, movement science, exercise physiology or another similar variation. Regardless of the major, you can expect to learn how the body responds to physical activity and the consequences of not getting sufficient amounts of exercise. Programs vary by university, but the greatest difference in curriculum is from one level of study to the next, whether you're pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree.
Associate's
An associate's degree in exercise science combines basic education courses like English, history and math with a more intense science background and basic physical education courses. One program offered at the Austin Community College in Texas requires classes in anatomy, physiology, chemistry and biology, along with coaching, caring for athletic injuries and a few other physical education courses. Completing an associate's degree will prepare you to become a personal fitness trainer or entry-level fitness manager. It will also set you up to enter a four-year program at a major university.
Bachelor's
Bachelor's programs provide you with more in-depth knowledge of science and exercise. You can expect to take more specialized science courses as well as additional electives. Many universities offer specialty tracks in areas like sport management, elementary physical education, athletic training or coaching. These will prepare you for a specified career field. For instance, Texas State University offers degrees plans with or without a teacher certification track, health and fitness management, biomechanics and a minor in coaching.
Master's
When you decide to take your education a step further and pursue a master's degree in exercise science, you can narrow your focus of study, or simply take more in-depth courses to expand your knowledge. The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor master's degree candidates take advanced sports nutrition, advanced exercise physiology and research, expanding the knowledge received as an undergraduate. At Oregon State University, you can follow a study path in areas like sport and exercise psychology, sports medicine or exercise physiology, with each area of study requiring graduate teaching experience or a thesis project.
Doctorate
Doctorate programs are a little more difficult to come across because of the intensity of the program. Doctorate degrees in exercise science generally require a three-year academic schedule plus completion of a research-based dissertation. Because the instruction is so specific, you'll want to find a university with professors who regularly pursue research in the area of your interest. For example, the University of Hawaii at Manoa often researches adapted physical education.
References
- Austin Community College: Health and Kinesiology
- Texas State University: Exercise & Sports Science
- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor: Exercise Sport Science
- Oregon State University: Areas of Concentration in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences
- University of Hawaii at Manoa: Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science
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