Career Opportunities
Numerous career opportunities await students graduating with a degree in exercise science. Demand for exercise science graduates is expected to remain strong due to an increased emphasis on prevention of illness using exercise as a means of promoting good health, as well as treatment of disease or injury through physical therapy, occupational therapy or medicine.
At SIUE, approximately 70 percent of our graduates either go on to graduate school or enter health-related professional programs.
Completion of the exercise science program provides an excellent foundation for students choosing to pursue graduate and professional degrees in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, chiropractic, physician’s assistant and athletic training.
Approximately 30 percent of our graduates enter the field of exercise science directly in areas like cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, sports medicine, community health and wellness, and personal training.
Overview of Exercise Science Program: This five-minute video provides a brief overview of the many career paths that exercise science offers.
Athletic Training: Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation or injuries and medical conditions.
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Work with patients who have been diagnosed with asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, angina, coronary artery disease, heart attack and other conditions.
Exercise Psychology: Work with the general public to increase motivation and participation in exercise, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and advising on the psychosocial benefits that exercise can offer.
Exercise Science: An exercise physiologist studies the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity. They can apply this knowledge to improve or maintain health, fitness or performance.
Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists treat injured, ill or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.
Pre-Medicine: Students will be prepared to attend professional schools in medicine, osteopathic medicine or physician assistant.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Develop and supervise specific conditioning programs to increase athletic performance such as speed, agility, strength, endurance, flexibility and power. Positions usually require a master's degree and certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
