First, some facts. Of the Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 58%, Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo have a lower likelihood (-9%) 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, 50% 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:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPhysical TherapistAll Star Physical Therapy Mar 2016 - Sep 2017 Physical Therapist Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation Sep 2017 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Physical Therapy - DPTUniversity of St. Augustine for Health Sciences 2013 - 2015 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 job paths of graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with degrees in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, it seems like there's a pretty mixed bag of outcomes. On one hand, you'll find quite a few graduates landing roles in the fitness and healthcare sectors, such as Physical Therapists and Exercise Specialists, where they directly apply their knowledge from their degree. These positions are highly relevant and make use of their training in biomechanics, rehabilitation, and exercise programming. However, there are also many grads stepping into roles like marketing, sales, and even design, which don’t utilize their kinesiology knowledge in any meaningful way. For example, jobs such as Campaign Manager or Digital Designer have a totally different focus and don't benefit from an educational background in exercise science.
Overall, while there are some strong connections to Kinesiology and Exercise Science in areas like physical therapy, athletic training, and fitness coaching, it’s clear that a significant number of graduates end up in jobs where their degree isn't a critical factor. So, if you're considering this field and want to ensure you’re doing work related to your studies, it might be good to focus on internships or job opportunities that align more closely with exercise science principles. Ultimately, it looks like a mix of passion and opportunity will guide these graduates to where they truly want to be in their careers.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates (this is across all Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo):
Graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with degrees in Kinesiology and Exercise Science tend to pursue a pretty diverse range of career paths. Many of them start off in roles that are quite relevant to their field, like physical therapy or coaching, which makes sense given their background. For instance, recent grads often secure positions as physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, or athletic trainers right out of school. That initial job usually sets the stage for them to branch out into more specialized or managerial roles as they gain experience. For example, some have advanced to director positions in athletic operations or landed roles in sports technology, which shows a nice progression in their careers.
However, not every grad sticks strictly to kinesiology-related roles. Some venture off into marketing, sales, or even teaching positions, which might not feel as directly connected to their degree. For instance, a grad might start in a physical therapy role but later transition to a marketing position with an organization tied to health and fitness. Over time, we see that about 5 to 10 years into their careers, many are in increasingly senior roles—some as physical therapy directors or athletic directors, while others might be leading marketing campaigns in sports organizations. Overall, while some grads find themselves in jobs that drift away from the core of kinesiology, many are carving out successful and relevant career paths that utilize their education effectively. So it looks like there's a mix of staying true to the field and exploring other interests as they build their professional lives.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science can be pretty challenging, especially at a school like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, which has a reputation for being rigorous. You’ll be diving into a mix of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and even some psychology, which can get pretty intense. The coursework is definitely on the demanding side, with a lot of hands-on labs and practical applications to keep you engaged, but it’s also super rewarding if you’re into fitness and wellness. Overall, it's not necessarily the hardest major out there, but it does require a good amount of dedication and a genuine interest in the field to really thrive.
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.
So, looking at the job trajectories of these Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from Cal Poly SLO, it seems like they’re doing pretty well overall! A lot of them have landed roles in sports, fitness, and health—like physical therapists, athletic trainers, and even managerial positions—suggesting they’ve been able to climb the ladder. The pay in these fields can vary, but positions like "Director of Football Technology" or "Director of Medical Education" typically come with decent salaries. Others, especially in more creative roles or entry-level gigs, might not be raking in the big bucks right away. Overall, while individual earnings can differ, many appear to be on promising paths that likely lead to solid incomes!
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 is across all Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo). 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: