Skip top navigation Skip to main content

What Can You Do With An Exercise Science Degree?

What Can You Do With an Exercise Science Degree?

If you're interested in exercise, sports, health, or how the human body works, you might be wondering where an exercise science degree can take you. The good news? There are a lot of options.

Exercise science can prepare you for careers in fitness, sports performance, wellness, rehabilitation, and other health-related fields. It can also give you a strong foundation if you decide to continue your education after graduation.

What Careers Can You Pursue With an Exercise Science Degree?

An exercise science degree can lead to several different career paths depending on your interests and goals.

You could explore careers such as:

  • Exercise physiologist
  • Strength and conditioning coach
  • Personal trainer
  • Sport performance specialist
  • Fitness or wellness professional
  • Health and wellness coordinator
  • Rehabilitation or exercise specialist

You might work with athletes, fitness clients, community wellness programs, or people looking to improve their overall health and performance.

The right path depends on what you enjoy. If you love sports, you might be drawn to performance training. If you enjoy working directly with people, fitness or wellness could be a good fit.

Can Exercise Science Lead to a Career in Healthcare?

Yes. Exercise science can also be a great starting point for students interested in healthcare.
You'll build a foundation in areas like anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and human movement. These subjects can be helpful if you plan to continue into a healthcare or graduate program.

Depending on your goals, you could eventually pursue additional education in areas such as:

  • Athletic training
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physician assistant studies
  • Other health-related fields

Keep in mind that many healthcare careers require additional education, clinical training, or professional licensure. An exercise science degree can provide the foundation, but it isn't a substitute for those additional requirements.

Where Can an Exercise Science Degree Take You?

That's one of the most exciting things about exercise science: you don't have to have your entire career figured out when you start.

Through your classes, hands-on experiences, and internships, you can explore different areas of the field and figure out what interests you most.
Whether you're interested in sports, fitness, wellness, or healthcare, an exercise science degree can give you a strong place to start, and you get to decide where you go from there.

Explore Lasell's School of Health Sciences