An associate's degree program in exercise
science can be the first step on the way to an athletic industry career
as an athlete, coach, trainer or physical education teacher. Many
students return to school to obtain a bachelor's or master's degree in
fitness and wellness or kinesiology. Online and hybrid programs related
to physical fitness are available at different degree levels.
Online Associate's Degrees in Exercise Science Overview
Individuals who earn an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science in Exercise Science can find employment in
physical fitness
and training industries. Students learn about the fundamentals of
general health and wellness, basics of exercise safety, effective
training and proper nutrition. Personal trainers and coaches work with
individuals and groups to build muscle flexibility, strength and
endurance. Their efforts also help develop healthy workout habits and
establish good nutrition as a lifestyle choice.
An associate's degree program typically takes two years to complete.
Some programs may be completed fully online, while others require
minimal on-campus attendance. Instructors use a course management
system, online presentations and e-mail to communicate with students.
All enrollees need a computer with high-speed Internet access and
current operating system.
List of Common Exercise Science Courses
Along with core general education courses, such as English,
mathematics and history, students take focused courses in physical
fitness. Courses at the associate's level give students a basic
knowledge, understanding and vocabulary of physical fitness and prepare
them for further education.
Beginning Physical Fitness Course
Students look at a career in physical fitness from a public and
private standpoint. Special topics include the evaluation of fitness
facilities, daily operations, client options, human resources issues,
legal issues and successful administration.
Physical Fitness for Special Groups Course
This class focuses on developing and administering fitness regimens
for seniors, children and individuals with special needs. The course
stresses appropriate, yet challenging, activity selection and
restriction accommodation.
Prescriptions and Exercise Course
Students use fitness-related data to assess current physical fitness
and form personalized exercise programs. Topics of special interest
include exercise habits, risk avoidance, fitness-related technology,
cardio-related benefits, flexibility, endurance and muscle building.
Graduates with an associate's degree in exercise science may be able
to find employment as personal trainers. Such professionals have the
flexibility to work on a freelance basis or be employed at a number of
places, such as hotels and gyms. Further certification, such as in CPR,
may be required. In 2010,
Payscale.com reported that personal trainers earned an annual salary ranging from $26,126 to $57,988.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Fitness and Wellness Overview
Students interested in a physical fitness career will find a Bachelor
of Science in Fitness and Wellness extremely beneficial. Such programs
provide a comprehensive and working knowledge of healthy exercise and
living from a physical and emotional standpoint. The curriculum focuses
on physical fitness related to such subjects as basic human anatomy,
best exercise practices, proper nutrition and the psychology of
exercise. Graduates with a bachelor's degree will generally find
employment easier than with an associate's degree.
Bachelor's degree programs in fitness and wellness, which are usually
completed in four years, are available completely online. Distance
learners need an up-to-date computer with an Internet connection.
Additional requirements include an e-mail address as well as audio and
video streaming software. Students engage in class activity by accessing
course management systems, such as Blackboard, and viewing online
presentations.
List of Common Fitness and Wellness Courses
Fitness and wellness majors take introductory and advanced classes in
basic health and wellness, physical fitness and disease prevention.
They also complete general education requirements.
Human Anatomy Course
Students get an overview of human anatomy and how this knowledge
applies to physical fitness. Systems, such as the respiratory,
circulatory, muscular and skeletal, are topics of special interest. This
course may contain a laboratory component
Injury Prevention Course
This course gives students knowledge on how to prevent injuries
related to physical fitness. Students cover relevant topics, such as
facility safety, proper supervision, injury recognition, appropriate
response and follow-up.
Psychology of Exercise Course
Enrollees explore the mental aspects of exercise. Students look at
how exercise is tied to psychological and physical well-being, as well
as mental tactics, including motivation, rewarded behavior and exercise
adherence.
A variety of career options are open to bachelor's degree holders,
such as personal trainer, fitness director, physical education teacher,
athlete or coach. Certifications for certain positions may be required.
In 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 61% of
all personal trainers worked in fitness and recreational sports centers
(
www.bls.gov). The BLS also projected a 29% increase in
employment for fitness workers over the 2008-2018 decade, as increased
awareness of the life-changing benefits and participation in physical
fitness grows.
Online Master's Degrees in Kinesiology Overview
A Master of Science in Kinesiology may be an advantage, but not a
necessity, for individuals seeking jobs as coaches, trainers, athletes
or physical fitness teachers. Certain master's programs allow
concentrations within kinesiology, such as coaching or physical
education. Students take advanced courses covering issues related to the
human body and motion. They look at exercise and sports from a
physiological, biological and psychological standpoint.
A master's degree program can usually be completed in 2-3 years. Some
master's degree programs require an on-campus visit at some point in
the course sequence. Online students require a computer and Internet
access. Instructors create a virtual learning environment by combining
traditional texts with online media and course management systems.
Communication with instructors and fellow classmates is conducted via
e-mail.
List of Common Courses in Kinesiology
A kinesiology curriculum comprises almost entirely of courses in the
field of health science and exercise and typically culminates in a
thesis or research project. Students continue to build upon the
principles of physical fitness and education, health and wellness
learned at the undergraduate level.
Basic Administration in Sports Course
This course examines the policies, challenges and procedures in
sports administration. Students focus on critical issues, such as staff
and self-evaluation the social development and emotional growth of
athletes, effective contest management, human resources, financial
responsibilities, legal issues, risk management procedures and facility
safety..
Injury Prevention and Sport Safety Course
This course takes into consideration the well being of athletes.
Students look at preventative measures, injury assessment and
management, good nutrition and environmental safety, along with other
administrative issues.
Coaching Psychology Course
Students learn about concepts and principles of sport psychology,
such as leadership, motivation, group dynamics, aggression, discipline
and diversity. They look at sports psychology from the viewpoints of the
student, athlete, coach, teacher and parents.
Kinesiology graduates go on to hold jobs as athletic coaches and
trainers, physical therapists and physical education teachers, among
other positions. An October 2010 survey by
Payscale.com stated that the annual salary range for athletic coaches was between $44,219 and $86,476.
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