Exercise Science

Create exercise programs that improve people's health. Exercise science professionals work in physiology, biomechanics, and motor control/learning. They help improve cardiovascular function and overall human performance. 

First year/sophomore 

Junior year 

Senior year 

  • Explore possible career tracks 
  • Meet with CHHS advising 
  • Join professional organizations as a student member 
  • Begin volunteer or observation experiences 
  • Start identifying whether intended careers require certification, graduate school, or licensure 
  • Prepare for certification exams, if relevant 
  • Request letters of recommendation early 
  • Complete graduate or professional school prerequisites 
  • Build a resume or CV 
  • Document clinical, research, internship, volunteer, and observation hours 
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Kinesiology Bachelor of Science

Kinesiology Masters of Science

Accelerated B.S. + M.S. Pathway

Beach EDGE allows eligible Exercise Science students to begin graduate coursework while completing the B.S. and double-count up to 12 units of graduate-level coursework toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Exercise Science prepares students for a range of careers in health, fitness, human performance, rehabilitation support, and research. Some roles may be available after the bachelor’s degree, often with relevant experience or professional certification. Other careers, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, physician assistant, medicine, and some clinical exercise physiology roles, typically require graduate or professional education, supervised experience, certification, and/or licensure. 

B.S.-level pathways:

  • Exercise specialist
  • Fitness or wellness coordinator
  • Personal trainer
  • Strength and conditioning coach
  • Corporate wellness specialist
  • Research assistant
  • Exercise physiology lab technician
  • Biomechanics lab technician
  • Human performance testing technician
  • Clinical exercise testing technician
  • Cardiac rehabilitation aide or exercise specialist
  • Sport, fitness, or wellness product development associate

Graduate, professional, or licensure-dependent pathways:

  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Physician assistant
  • Physician or other medical professional
  • Athletic trainer
  • Clinical exercise physiologist
  • Biomechanist
  • Exercise physiology researcher
  • Rehabilitation scientist
  • Professor or academic researcher

 

  • Hospitals and rehabilitation clinics
  • Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs
  • Physical therapy or occupational therapy clinics
  • Strength and conditioning facilities
  • Fitness and wellness centers
  • Corporate wellness programs
  • University or clinical research laboratories
  • Human performance laboratories
  • Sport, fitness, health technology, or wearable-device companies
  • Occupational health, ergonomics, and human factors settings

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According to the , the employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 9 percent in the next ten years, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Median annual wage

For Exercise Physiologists, BLS currently lists:

  • Typical entry-level education: bachelor’s degree
  • 2024 median pay: $58,160 per year
  • Projected job growth, 2024-2034: 9%

For Physical Therapists, BLS currently lists:

  • Typical entry-level education: doctoral or professional degree
  • 2024 median pay: $101,020 per year
  • Projected job growth, 2024-2034: 11%
  • Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and state licensure

*Salary data are medians, not entry-level salaries, and earnings vary by region, setting, certification, graduate education, and experience.

*Last updated July, 2026

Interest in physical activity, health, and performance

Exercise science professionals are passionate about physical fitness, sports, and athletic performance.

Science skills

Exercise science professionals use scientific knowledge to conduct research, assess health and fitness status, interpret exercise-related data, monitor progress, support behavior change, and design safe, evidence-informed exercise programs within their scope of practice.

Compassion

Exercise science professionals should show empathy when working with people who may be in pain or discomfort.

Detail-oriented

Exercise science professionals must make evidence-informed decisions about exercise testing, programming, safety, and referral when working with clients, athletes, research participants, or patients.

Decision-making skills

Exercise science professionals must make informed clinical decisions that could have a large impact on the physical wellbeing of patients. 

Interpersonal skills

Exercise science professionals must be able to manage difficult situations and communicate clearly with patients and colleagues. 

ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ should review credential and licensure requirements early because some career paths require certification, supervised clinical hours, CPR/BLS certification, graduate education, or state licensure. Requirements may change, so students should confirm current eligibility directly through the relevant professional organization.

  •  (Pre-Health advising and support)
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