As people in the 21st century become increasingly aware of the benefits of good health and fitness habits, the demand for trained practitioners in the field of exercise science will continue to expand. With a strong interdisciplinary background and the science-based major, our well-rounded graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills to pursue a variety of different specialties in the exercise field, such as:  

• Strength and conditioning specialist for sports teams or fitness centers
• Exercise specialists in cardiac rehabilitation centers
• Sports and wellness instructors or directors
• Certified personal trainers
• Supervisors of specialized health promotion, fitness and wellness programs
• Managers who develop and administer commercial, corporate and community/hospital health and wellness programs
• Management/marketing/promotions for professional and/or collegiate sports teams
• Physical therapy assistants
• Graduate study in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, and other related disciplines

Salary Ranges

Career opportunities within the fitness and health industry are varied. Preparing for employment in this field may require enhancing your skills and knowledge through specialty programs, training, and certifications. Salaries range from:

• $25,000 - $70,000 in the fitness industry as a personal trainer or fitness instructor
• $40,000 - $75,000 in the fitness industry as a manager or director
• $25,000 - $70,000 in sport management
• $45,000 - $75,000 as a director of athletics
• $33,000 - $75,000 as athletic administration as an assistant director, compliance coordinator, or sports information director
• $30,000 - $75,000 as intramural or recreation director at the college level
• $34,000 - $55,000 as a certified exercise physiologist (B.S. or M.S. degree)
• $20,000 - $33,000 as a physical therapist aide
• $34,000 - $50,000 as an occupational or physical therapist assistant
• $50,000 - $75,000 as an occupational or physical therapist