Sports majors courses typically cover a wide range of subjects related to sports administration, marketing, science, and medicine. These majors are designed to prepare graduates for various career opportunities in the sports industry, healthcare, media, and education sectors. Some of the courses commonly offered in sports degree programs include physiology and anatomy, first aid/CPR, kinaesthesis, psychophysiology, muscle mechanics, nutrition and health, dietetics, rehab and therapy, sports promotions and marketing, sports media and journalism, sports event and facilities management, and sports facility accounting and financing.
Students have the option to major in sports at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, paving the way for exciting career options in the field. Here are five sports-related majors and their corresponding career paths:
1. Exercise Science: A major in exercise science focuses on human movement, kinesiology, anatomy, and physiology. Students delve into subjects like biological processes, sports nutrition, rehabilitation, and the application of exercise science knowledge to diverse training and nutrition regimens for individuals with varying ages and health needs. Career possibilities for exercise science graduates include athletic trainer, personal trainer, fit coach, fitness trainer, physical education instructor, athletic scout, and director of sports.
2. Exercise Physiology: Students pursuing exercise physiology majors study how the body responds to different physical activities and intensities. This major is available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels and covers foundational topics such as exercise physiology, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, health and wellness, lab work, and sports performance. Potential career paths for exercise physiology graduates include exercise physiologist, PT assistant, conditioning coach, personal trainer, and rehabilitation expert.
3. Sports Training: Athletic training majors focus on first aid and rehabilitation for athletes. These programs are typically offered at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels and cover anatomy and physiology, first aid and CPR, exercise science, kinesiology, sports medicine, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Students also gain practical experience through fieldwork assisting professional trainers at school sports events. Career opportunities for sports training majors include roles such as middle school sports trainer, high school sports trainer, athletic trainer in college, athletic recreation trainer, and league athletic trainer.
4. Physical Therapy (PT): Colleges and universities offer master's and doctoral degrees in physical therapy, with doctorate holders qualifying for physical therapist roles and master's degree holders working in supportive positions. To pursue a master's or PhD in physical therapy, students typically need a bachelor's degree in exercise science, sports science, athletic training, or a related field. Coursework in physical therapy programs covers anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise science and physiology, sports medicine, physics, and clinical practice with experienced physical therapists and their patients. Graduates of physical therapy programs may work as doctoral physical therapists, doctoral sports physical therapists, college or university sports PTs, PT assistants, or athletic trainers.
5. Sport Communication: This major focuses on broadcast and print journalism, radio hosting, and on-air announcing in relation to sports. Students studying sports communication learn about photography, fan interaction, and club or league public relations, as well as how to create various sports event materials. Graduates of sports communication programs may pursue careers as sports team or athlete PR specialists, league announcers, hosts of sports TV and radio shows, sports writers and event photographers, or specialists in sports marketing.
In conclusion, sports majors encompass a wide range of courses and career opportunities that prepare students for success in the sports industry and related fields. Whether you choose to pursue a degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, sports training, physical therapy, or sport communication, there are various exciting career paths available to graduates of sports majors programs.