Are you interested in:   

• Helping others improve their overall wellness
• Biological science and hoe the human body works
• Aiding in the development of lifetime physical changes
• Health education that affects individual behavior changes
• Physical education that encourages the development of motor skills
  
  

Exercise and sports science (ESS) is the study of immediate and long-term effects of physical activity on the body. This area of study examines the contribution of anatomy, biomechanics, motor learning, physiology, and health behaviors in the development of effective movement skills, exercise, and sports performance. As an exercise and sports science major, students are prepared to become educators, practitioners, and scientists prepared to help individuals and groups lead healthier lives through exercise and physical activity. At Meredith, you can choose from two concentrations: health and wellness or health and physical education.

Types of jobs:

• Personal trainer
• Health and wellness consultant
• Pharmaceutical, healthcare, or sports and fitness sales
• Strength and conditioning coach
• Health club manager
• Physical education and/health teacher
  
  

Attend graduate school for:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Education
• Exercise physiology
• Health education
• Physician assistant
  
  

Options for the major:

• B.S. in exercise and sports science with a concentration in health and wellness or Health and Physical Education.
• Double major or minor in any additional related area of interest such as business administration or Food and Nutrition.
• Include specific electives as needed for licensure requirements if you are interested in elementary, middle, or high school teaching
• Experiential opportunities
  • Sports Science Association
  • Kappa Omicron Nu, Human Sciences Honor Society
  • Internships in a variety of settings such as: Rex Wellness Centers, Playworks, Health Fitness Corporation at Cisco, Wake Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation, Wake Medical Center Energizer
  • Volunteer in healthcare, school, and recreational settings
  • Human Performance Lab
    
    

Professional associations:

• Kappa Omicron Nu, Human Sciences Honor Society www.kon.org
• American Kinesiology Association www.americankinesiology.org
• American College of Sports Medicine www.acsm.org
• National Strength and Conditioning Association www.nsca.com
• Society of Health and Physical Educators www.shapeamerica.org
  
  

Career outlook:

Medical and health service managers
Physical therapist
Coach
Teacher

Additional information:

Meredith’s exercise and sports science major »