What Can I Do with a Sports Science Degree?
From physical education teachers to athletic directors, many of those seeking to work in the sports field choose to pursue a sports science degree. Courses in nutrition, physiology, kinesiology and fitness management will prepare you for a variety of careers. Read on to find out what you can do with a sports science degree. Schools offering Fitness & Nutrition degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Available Sports Science Degrees
Many schools offer associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in sports science. In some cases, a sports science major can choose from several program options, such as athletic training or nutrition. People who graduate from these programs often work in the following positions:
- Physical education teacher
- Physical therapist or occupational therapist
- Athletic director or trainer
- Fitness manager
Physical Education Teacher
With courses in physical activity and exercise physiology, a program leading to a sports science degree can prepare you for a career as a physical education teacher. You'd also need to pursue a state-approved teaching credential to qualify for licensure. You can choose to become a physical education teacher at the elementary, high school or collegiate level. In some cases, you might also be required to teach health classes.
Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist
A sports science degree can serve as the first step toward a career in physical or occupational therapy. Physical therapists rehabilitate patients with physical disabilities due to disease or injury. Occupational therapists provide physical rehabilitation, but do so in order to prepare physically challenged individuals to perform work or daily living tasks.
Sports science programs often include courses on various athletic injuries, exercise physiology and kinesiology, all of which can serve as useful preparation for work in these fields. To be eligible for employment in physical therapy, you'd need to continue on to graduate school and earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. For a career in occupational therapy, you'd need at least a master's degree.
Athletic Director or Athletic Trainer
Athletic directors plan athletic events and programs for public K-12 schools and for colleges and universities. Since these jobs are often administrative in nature, you may wish to pursue a degree that offers a concentration in sports management. Through such a concentration, you'll take courses on sports marketing, financial accounting and sport event management.
Athletic trainers work with a variety of individuals, from college students to professional athletes, to prepare them for participation in athletic events. Some sports science programs offer courses in sports training that will help prepare you for this career. Alternatively, you may choose to enroll in a program focused primarily on athletic training.
Fitness Manager
Sports science programs often include courses in fitness management, health promotion and nutrition. This program would prepare you to work in fitness clubs, training facilities or in private practice as a fitness manager. Your duties might include scheduling and overseeing personal training staff members, designing group fitness programs and marketing fitness-related services.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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