Career Opportunities
Students completing the Exercise Science curriculum will be prepared to take a number of external certification examinationsin the fitness and wellness fields, including personal training, strength and conditioning and as an exercise specialist. The major is also an option for pre-professional preparation for careers in physical therapy, nursing, respiratory therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, and medicine. Graduates may find themselves working in clinical settings, with athletes, students, in clients’ homes, in fitness facilities or in workplace settings.

Dr. Louis Heuser, former surgeon and pioneer in wellness at the renowned Heuser Clinic in Louisville, expects the health and fitness industry to grow: “As the community becomes more conscious of the health benefits of exercise, there are going to be more jobs specifically related to using exercise science to prevent and treat disease.” Kentuckiana Works, Greater Louisville’s Workforce Investment Board, agrees with Dr. Heuser’s expectations, predicting a 23% growth in the field of Aerobics Instructors and Fitness Trainers by 2016 and a 30% growth in the need for Physical Therapists.