You know you’re interested in physical activity and helping people, but you’re not sure how that translates into a degree program meeting those career goals. Learn how a degree in exercise science or Exercise Physiology can help you pursue those interests.
What Are Exercise Science & Exercise Physiology (Kinesiology)?
Defining these fields of study will be the first step in understanding which will better suit your goals.
Definition of Exercise Science
This field studies how physical activity impacts the human body’s physiological, biomechanical, and psychological aspects.
Definition of Exercise Physiology
The field of Exercise Physiology focuses on exercise and movement, and how movement is affected by certain factors like health conditions, injuries, and aging.
Commonalities Between Exercise Science & Exercise Physiology
Both of these specialties focus on physical activity. To succeed in both fields, you must have an understanding of how the body responds to different types and intensities of exercise. You’ll also have to know how to identify and correct faulty movement patterns or habits that can lead to pain, injury, or inefficient movement. You’ll learn how to devise a personalized plan or an exercise prescription based on an individual’s specific needs, goals, and health condition.
Differences Between Exercise Science vs Exercise Physiology
The difference between Exercise Physiology and exercise science can be summed up by your career interests, which will impact your chosen specialty.
Degrees & Coursework
A Master’s in Exercise Physiology requires these types of courses:
- Applied Statistics and Research Methods
- Advanced Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Advanced Concepts in Corrective Exercise
- Special Topics in Exercise Physiology
- Advanced Methods in Strength Training or Advanced Exercise Assessment and Prescription
- Advanced Conditioning Methods or Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Supervised, real-world experience to apply learned knowledge
A B.S. in Exercise Science will require:
- Program Design and Implementation
- Exercise Physiology (Kinesiology)
- Exercise Prescription
- Training Concepts
- Personal Fitness Training
- Concepts in Corrective Exercise
- Psychological and Sociological Bases of Sport
- Organizational Leadership and Administration of Sport and Health Science
- Supervised, real-world experience to apply learned knowledge
Career Opportunities & Salaries
Those who specialize in exercise science are interested in the in-depth knowledge of how to increase and improve the impact that physical activity has on the body. They would probably be inclined to offer their services in the sports and fitness industry. Careers available for exercise science majors may include:
- Sports performance coach: $36,500 to $92,500
- Corporate wellness coach: $53,500 to $107,000
- College, professional or Olympic strength and conditioning coach: $50,000 to $500,000+
- Personal training or fitness instructor: $30,000 to $70,000
These professionals work one-on-one or with small groups to design and implement exercise programs tailored to individual client needs and goals. They may work in gyms, private studios, or even clients’ homes, helping a wide range of individuals improve their fitness, achieve weight loss, or prepare for specific events.
The study of Exercise Physiology focuses on helping those who may already have conditions influencing an individual’s exercise tolerance, risk of injury, or overall ability to benefit from physical activity. Anyone with Exercise Physiology skills and knowledge will probably be interested in working in the healthcare industry. Occupations Exercise Physiology degree holders might hold include:
- Exercise physiologist: $36,894 to $88,305
- Chiropractor: $39,960 to $101,930
- Occupational therapist: $79,036 to $118,871
- Physical therapist: $83,200 to $121,791
This does not mean someone with an exercise science degree could not work in the healthcare industry, or vice versa. However, the slightly different skills and knowledge required for each degree signify which industry each might be better suited for.
A Day in the Life
A personal trainer or fitness instructor working in a fitness center may have to give a fitness assessment to a new client and design an exercise program focusing on their needs and goals. For frequent clients, the personal trainer would guide them through workouts, making sure that their exercise technique is correct.
An exercise physiologist will most likely work in a hospital or clinic. They will develop exercise programs for patients with chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes, educate patients about the importance of physical activity, monitor patient progress, and adjust exercise plans accordingly.
Earn Your Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology (Kinesiology) Degree at Barton
Now that you better understand the similarities and differences of each degree, it’s time to start earning the one that best complements your career ambitions. Contact us to learn more about your options today.