The Best Schools for Exercise Science Degrees and Careers

ByChris Padilla Last Update on

As university administrator and author of several education reform books, I‘ve spent over a decade evaluating exercise science programs across the country. With sports medicine and fitness careers projected to grow by 29% over the next 6 years according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, this field offers tremendous opportunities.

But securing a job starts with choosing the right program for your undergraduate or graduate degree. As someone passionate about ensuring students receive rigorous, career-focused education, I‘ve compiled insights to help you identify and evaluate the top exercise science schools.

What Makes a Leading Program?

Several indicators set standout programs apart when it comes to exercise science. Based on my expertise helping shape curriculum across multiple universities, I‘ve found that students thrive in programs offering:

Cutting-Edge Research – Look for ample lab facilities, funding for undergraduate projects, and professors advancing high-impact research. For example, Ohio State‘s Human Performance Lab includes one of the nation‘s only dual energy x-ray machines focusing on musculoskeletal health.

Abundant Hands-On Learning – At schools like Springfield College, 40% of the exercise science curriculum involves practical experiences including strength coaching, cardiac rehabilitation, and sports therapy. This applied learning cements classroom knowledge.

Targeted Specializations – With exercise science spanning areas from biomechanics to nutrition, customized tracks allow you to align studies with interests. Iowa State offers focused paths in psychology, physiology, athletic training while Ball State delivers blended corporate fitness and strength coaching curricula.

Internship and Career Support – Programs should provide advisor mentorship, resume workshops, industry connections and curated internship options to launch careers. UNC Chapel Hill organizes an annual exercise science networking event bringing in over 100 employers.

Affordability – Compare financial aid options across shortlisted schools using tools like CollegeCalc to identify affordable fits. In-state tuition can provide cost benefits – University of Florida‘s program runs just $6,380 annually for residents.

Now let‘s explore some of my top recommended undergraduate and graduate programs in more detail.

Leading Undergraduate Programs

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC consistently tops national rankings thanks to their pioneering Exercise and Sports Science program. 100% of enrolled students gain practical experience across the program’s 30+ research laboratories spanning specialized areas from biomechanics to exercise oncology. Graduates have exceptional medical school acceptance rates along with hiring rates at elite fitness and sports organizations.

Key Stats:

  • #1 Exercise Science program in 2022 US News Rankings
  • Over $2 million in undergraduate research funding available
  • 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio

University of Pittsburgh

Pitt‘s program excels by emphasizing evidence-based foundations of exercise paired with cutting-edge research. Undergraduates regularly co-author studies and presentations at major conferences – a rarity for bachelor’s students. The program‘s 90% placement rate within six months of graduation speaks to their career prep and network of alumni across sports medicine.

Highlights:

  • Brand new $30 million laboratory facilities
  • launching a Exercise is Medicine initiative across Allegheny hospital network
  • Over 240 hours of practical experience required

Springfield College

As the birthplace of athletic training education with alumni like famed PT James Naismith, Springfield offers unmatched practical opportunities. Students run 400+ hours of applied experiences in areas ranging from cardiology to biomechanics. The program partners with the New England Patriots and US Olympic teams along with top regional hospitals for unparalleled intern access.

By the Numbers:

  • Founded in 1885, the first PE school
  • 100% pass rate on certification exams
  • 8-week capstone rehabilitation program at Gillette Stadium

Standout Graduate Programs

At the Masters and Doctoral levels, targeted specializations and research-intensiveness differentiate the best programs for prospective career scientists, instructors and clinicians. Based on placement outcomes, some that stand out include:

University of Florida

Home to the country’s #1 graduate exercise physiology program, UF propels students towards Universities, elite training organizations and medical device careers. The curriculum emphasizes research with multiple faculty boasting NIH funding in areas like endocrinology and blood flow. Graduates regularly present studies at NSCA and ACSM annual conferences.

Why Students Thrive

  • NIH T32 and R25 grants fund traineeships
  • 100% job placement with nearly 50% entering top 20 Ph.D. programs
  • Graduates hired by Gatorade, WHOOP, hospitals

University of Kansas

KU focuses exclusively on developing Ph.D. scholars positioned for research and academic careers. The program partners with the Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center to study exercise interventions for special needs children. Students work alongside world-renowned faculty and benefit from collaborations with the top medical systems.

Core Strengths

  • 7 core faculty all with $25M+ career grant funding
  • Only US program partnered with American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
  • NBA, NFL and clinical collaborations

University of South Carolina

Delivering a multidisciplinary curriculum fusing biomechanics, psychology and motor control, USC breeds experts ready to prevent ACL tears, enhance human performance and design exercising devices. The program emphasizes mentorship, creativity and research – over 95% of students have presented at major conferences and published studies. Partnerships with Adidas and the CDC provide unmatched hands-on experiences.

By the Numbers

  • Partners in 32 research grants worth over $14 million
  • Over 200 industry partners and affiliate organizations

By comparing research intensity, specializations, career placements and other differentiators, you can narrow your options to find the ideal undergraduate or graduate program fit. Prioritizing schools delivering applied experiences through internships and laboratories will ensure you graduate career-ready. For any prospective exercise science student, I‘m happy to share my expertise evaluating programs. Feel free to get in touch!

A dedicated father and former high school English teacher, Chris's journey into education advocacy is both personal and profound. His passion for equitable education sparked not in the classroom, but at home, as he navigated the challenges and triumphs of raising his children within the public education system.

After receiving his Master's in Education, Chris embarked on a teaching career, enriching young minds with literature and critical thinking skills. However, it was his transition to full-time parenthood that brought a new dimension to his understanding of education. He witnessed firsthand the effects of underfunding and standardized test pressures on schools and students alike.

Motivated by these experiences, Chris took his advocacy to the digital world. His blog, born from a blend of professional insight and parental concern, delves into the nuances of educational policy, resource allocation, and the need for a balanced approach to student assessment. Chris's unique perspective as both educator and parent offers a compelling call to action for quality, accessible public education.

Chris, residing with his family in [City, State], continues to be a beacon for educational reform, inspiring others through his writings and community involvement.

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