At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), an undergraduate degree in exercise science provides students with the framework necessary for entering a wide variety of fitness and health related occupations. With coursework that includes sport and exercise physiology, fitness assessment and programming, principles in human movement, health behaviors and prevention strategies, nutrition for health as well as exercise and sport—students are prepared to enter one of the fastest growing job markets in America.
Each career pathway offers a different application of knowledge gained through the program’s coursework. For instance, if a student were to pursue personal training, they could expect to work one-on-one or with small groups to assess current fitness levels and create individualized fitness plans to help clients achieve their goals. Strength and conditioning coaches share many of the same responsibilities as a personal trainer. The difference is that they often work alongside athletes and performance professionals who already have a strong physical foundation with the hopes of maintaining high-level ability or finding those minute changes necessary for increased efficiency. Similarly, somebody pursuing an exercise physiology position would also work with individuals to create a personal physical regimen. However, exercise physiology places greater emphasis on creating regimens that aid patients experiencing disease or chronic illness. If a more medical-focused application such as this interests you, cardiac rehabilitation specialists see to assisting patients in strengthening their hearts and bodies following traumatic incidences such as operations or accidents. On the fringe of medical-based occupations for an exercise science undergrad to pursue exists the position of a health and wellness coach, where they would be looking at lifestyle habits, behaviors, motivations and mindset to point clients in the direction of sustainable healthy changes.
While most applications of exercise science are built on a more medical/physiological foundation, there are also business and technological applications for the degree. A fitness director would be responsible for the fitness-related administrative duties within a gym or facility, whether that be scheduling personal training sessions or ordering equipment. On the technology and innovation side of things, a rehabilitation technologist focuses on the design, modification and customization of assistive technology for persons with disabilities and impairments. While each of these positions are their own individual specializations, they share the foundational study of exercise science and an inclination towards helping others in their journey towards a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
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