Why Study Exercise and Sport Science?

Rationale

  1. The surgeon general and other major health leaders have warned that physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of illness and premature death (Center for Disease Control). As an ESS graduate you can be a positive influence in changing this trend.
  2. According to Healthy People 2010, nearly half of Americans are overweight or obese. The goal in the next decade is to reduce the proportion of children, adolescents, and adults that are overweight. A degree in ESS will prepare you to be a leader and to contribute to the accomplishment these goals.
  3. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of fitness workers is expected to increase 27 percent over the 2006-2016 decade, which is much faster than the average growth for all occupations. Fitness workers are expected to gain jobs because of an increasing number of consumers spending time and money on fitness.
  4. Additionally, more businesses are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees. It is estimated that annual Americans spend nearly 1 trillion dollars on health care. As health care costs in the United States continue to rise at a pace far exceeding the overall rate of inflation, employer-based health care plans will turn to health promotion and disease prevention programs and graduates of our ESS program to keep their employees healthy and therefore out of the health care system.

Potential Careers/Certifications

  • Health Fitness Instructor (ACSM*)
  • Personal Trainer (ACSM* or NSCA**)
  • Exercise Specialist (ACSM*)
  • Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM*)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA**)
  • Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist (NSCA**)
  • Group Fitness Instructor (NSCA**)
  • Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant (NSCA**)
* ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine
** NSCA - National Strength and Conditioning Association

Graduate School Options in Exercise and Sport Science

  • Athletic Training
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Kinesiology
  • Nutrition
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physical Therapy
  • Community Health
  • Health Promotion and Wellness
  • Complementary and Integrative Medicine