Degree in Sport and Exercise Science

If you’re interested in helping others improve and maintain their health and fitness or if you enjoy sports, you may want to consider a degree in Exercise and Sports Science (ESS). While not a teaching degree, a program in ESS will prepare you for a career in the multibillion-dollar fitness and sports industry.

In the exercise & sports science degree program at Cumberlands, you’ll study with caring and experienced faculty who know how to help you tailor your degree program to fit your interests and career goals. As you build a strong academic foundation through this sport science degree, you will learn a variety of skills necessary to help individuals live healthier lives, including the use of technology and communication skills.

• Mission and Goals
• What can I do with a Degree in Exercise and Sport Science?
• What's the Difference Between a Bachelor's and an AAS in Exercise Science?
• Degree Requirements for Excercise Science
• More Information On Excercise Science Degree

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Health, Exercise and Sport Science (HESS) department is to develop competent exercise science majors who are able to integrate content knowledge and practical application skills appropriate to various settings. As a sport science major you will learn effective analytical, evaluative, management, and communication skills to successfully navigate diverse situations.

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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A DEGREE IN EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE?

Just what can you do with an undergraduate degree in exercise science anyway? A lot, actually. There are a number of exercise science major jobs ready for the right person with the right education. Upon successful completion of the sport science degree coursework, you will be eligible to take a national certification examination from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Council of Strength and Fitness (NCSF), or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Career options with your bachelor's in exercise science include:

FITNESS TRAINER¹

The skills you’ll receive in the sport science degree coursework will give you the skills to pursue professional certification in personal training and fitness. The need for qualified fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 39 percent by 2030, which is faster than the average of all other occupations.

COACH AND/OR SCOUT²

Or you could use those skills to pursue a coaching position in the field or sport you love. By 2030, the growth rate for coaches and scouts, as a field, is expected to grow 26 percent, faster than the average of all other occupations.

POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR³

If you’re interested in helping a larger audience pursue self-improvement goals, you could consider a career in postsecondary education. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade.

• Personal Trainer (certification may be necessary)
• Geriatric Fitness Instructor
• Coach
• Scout
• Sports Club Instructor
• Intramural/Recreational Sports Director
• Camp Activities Instructor/Director
• YMCA Fitness Instructor
• Church Recreation Leader
• Sports Information Director
• Assistant/Associate Athletic Director
• Fitness Equipment Sales
• Health and Fitness Club Manager
• Community Recreation
• Parks and Recreation Instructor
• Hospital-Based Fitness Instructor

Projected Growth Rate for Fitness Trainers by 2030

¹Fitness Trainers
²Coaches and Scouts
³Postsecondary Teachers

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What's the Difference Between a Bachelor's and an AAS in Exercise Science?

There are a number of careers in the field of exercise science you can pursue without a degree. However, a degree in sports science can open a number of doors that otherwise may have been closed. Whether it’s a bachelor’s or an associate, a degree listed on your resume can help you better compete for those career opportunities. So, which one is right for you? An associate or a bachelor’s?

Associate in Applied Science in ESS

Typically, an associate degree program will focus on specific industry skills. It takes less time to complete than a bachelor’s degree, so you can start your professional career faster and more cost-effectively.

Bachelor's in Exercise Science

A bachelor’s degree provides a deeper examination of the field and a thorough, well-rounded education for transferable professional skills that can help you succeed in almost any career field. It can also lead to better career opportunities down the line.

Which degree program is right for you depends on your financial situation, career prospects, and time commitment. If you have questions, reach out to University of the Cumberlands to discuss your options.

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Degree Requirements for Excercise Science

REQUIREMENTS FOR A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE (NON-TEACHING) – 36 semester hours as follows: 

• HESS 233     Functional Human Anatomy and Physiology 
• HESS 234     First Aid and Safety 
• HESS 330     Influences on Contemporary Issues in Health & Performance
• HESS 333     Nutrition 
• HESS 439     Facilities Development and Management 
• ESS 131       Introduction to Health Exercise and Sport Science 
• ESS 232       Physical Education for MIddle School and Secondary School
• ESS 330       Kinesiology 
• ESS 337       History and Contemporary Influences on Health, Exercise and Sport 
• ESS 432       Physical Education for Middle and Secondary Schools 
• ESS 435       Physiology of Exercise 
• ESS 437       Tests and Measurements 
• 3 hours of Upper Division ESS Courses

Note: A double major in Public Health and Exercise and Sport Science can count core classes in both majors but not any electives. 

Bachelor of Arts in Excercise Science 

To include the requirements for the B.S. plus a world language through the intermediate level.

Minor in Excercise Science and Sport Science 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE (NON-TEACHING) – 24 semester hours as follows: 

• HESS 233     Functional Human Anatomy and Physiology 
• HESS 234     First Aid and Safety 
• HESS 330     Influences on Contemporary Issues in Health & Performance
• ESS 131       Introduction to Health Exercise and Sport Science 
• ESS 330       Kinesiology 
• ESS 435       Physiology of Exercise 
• ESS 437       Tests and Measurements 

Three hours of upper-level ESS or HESS electives 
NOTE: ESS activity courses do not apply to the minor. 

Associate of Applied Science in Excercise and Sport Science

REQUIREMENTS FOR A ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE-24 Hours

• HESS 233 Functional Human Anatomy and Physiology
• ESS 131 Introduction to Health, Exercise and Sport Science
• ESS 231 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
• ESS 235 Fitness and Sport Management
• ESS 335 Coaching and Leadership I
• ESS 430 Coaching and Leadership II

Plus 6 hours of approved ESS/HESS electives

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More Information on Exercise Science Degree

TUITION

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information.

Faculty 

You'll have amazing faculty to move you along on your path through the Exercise Science Major. Learn more about the Exercise Science Faculty.

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If you're researching schools that offer exercise science majors or want to learn more about requirements for an associate or bachelor’s degree in exercise science, we’re here for you. Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more! Fill out the form on this page and become the health expert your community deserves.