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First, some facts. Of the Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 3400 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 48% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 53% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPhysical Therapy Aide BLANKINSHIP PHYSICAL THERAPY PC Jan 2017 - Feb 2021 Senior Benefits Consultant  GoHealth Feb 2021 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the various career paths taken by individuals who graduated with degrees in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, one can observe two key trends: many graduates pursue careers directly related to physical therapy and rehabilitation services, while others end up in roles that are only tangentially connected to their studies. Based on the extensive list analyzed, the most common job types for Kinesiology graduates appear to be physical therapists and exercise physiologists, both of which require a strong foundation in human movement and rehabilitation principles. These roles often involve direct patient care and the application of exercise science to help individuals recover from injuries and improve their overall physical performance.
However, it's equally notable that a significant number of graduates also find themselves in positions that do not leverage their Kinesiology education. For instance, several individuals have taken roles in sales, management, and administrative functions that primarily utilize skills in customer service or business operations rather than any exercise science or kinesiology principles. This discrepancy raises questions about how well the job market aligns with the educational outcomes for these graduates. While many Kinesiology majors indeed go on to work in their field of study—often as personal trainers, physical therapists, or strength and conditioning coaches—others transition into unrelated sectors for various reasons, including financial opportunities, job availability, or personal interest in different fields.
In summary, while Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates frequently gravitate toward careers in rehabilitation and fitness where their educational background is relevant, there is still a notable proportion who enter roles less related to these principles. This suggests both a strong workforce presence in health and fitness environments and a broader workforce dispersion into non-related fields, reflecting the diverse interests and opportunities available to graduates in today's economy.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates:
When you look at the career trajectories of various graduates from Kinesiology and Exercise Science programs, a pretty clear pattern starts to emerge. These graduates often step into their first jobs in roles closely related to the field, typically as physical therapy aides or assistants, personal trainers, or in fitness coaching. Many of them have their careers kick-started in fitness-oriented positions, which makes sense given their educational background. These entry-level roles usually allow them to gain practical experience while they pursue additional certifications or advanced degrees, like becoming a physical therapist or occupational therapist.
Fast forward five to ten years, and the story becomes a bit more varied. A significant number of those early career helpers transition into more specialized roles such as physical therapists or occupational therapists. Others continue along the path of fitness training, moving up to managerial or directorial positions at gyms or wellness centers. However, not everyone sticks to the fitness and health sectors as they progress—some jump into roles that lie outside of their core training, such as teaching or even completely unrelated fields like sales or marketing. This shifting can sometimes be a little concerning, suggesting that while many graduates find success in fields related to Kinesiology, others may not have as straightforward a journey or might struggle to find a stable position in their area of study. So, while these programs do launch a lot of grads into relevant careers, there’s a mixed bag of outcomes after a few years on the job.
A Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science can be a mix of challenging and interesting work, but it often leans towards the manageable side compared to some other degrees. You’ll dive into subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, which can get pretty technical, but if you have a passion for movement and health, it can be really engaging. There are definitely some tough classes, especially when you hit the science-heavy courses, but nothing that a bit of dedication and consistent study can’t tackle. Plus, a lot of the material is practical and applicable to real life, which keeps things relevant and engaging. So, if you're willing to put in the effort, it's usually a degree you can handle without too much stress.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
Analyzing the job histories of these Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates reveals a mixed picture when it comes to their earnings. Those who moved into physical therapy, like the graduate from Oregon State University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, likely found themselves in a well-paying role, especially in established healthcare settings. Jobs like these often come with decent salaries and benefits, especially as they advance to managerial positions or specialized roles. In contrast, many graduates hold roles such as fitness coaches or personal trainers, which can vary significantly in earnings based on the clientele and location. These positions might not offer a stable or high income compared to healthcare or managerial positions. It's also worth noting that some graduates seem to be in earlier, transitional roles, which may not reflect their earning potential fully until they've gained more experience or specialized significantly.
Overall, it looks like graduates aiming for physical therapy and related health professions are likely making a good income, while those in entry-level or fitness-focused positions might find their earnings to be more modest. If you're planning a career in this field, it's essential to consider specializations and further education that can boost your earning potential over time, as not all paths lead to lucrative opportunities right out of the gate!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
