First, some facts. Of the Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from San Diego State University-California State University 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 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from San Diego State University-California State University have a much lower likelihood (-18%) 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, 46% 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 2012 from San Diego State University-California State University with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONOccupational Therapist Assistant StudentStanbridge College Sep 2012 - Jun 2014 COTA Country Villa Oxnard Manor Healthcare Center Aug 2014 - Jun 2015 COTA Victoria Care Center Jun 2015 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGAssociate's degreeStanbridge College 2012 - 2014 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the job paths of graduates with a Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree from San Diego State University, it's clear that many of them have taken quite varied routes. A significant number of individuals have landed positions like athletic trainers, personal trainers, and physical therapy aides, which directly relate to their studies. In these roles, their academic knowledge is put to work in real-world settings, focusing on rehabilitation, injury prevention, and athlete care. On the flip side, some graduates have ventured into areas like administrative and management positions where their Kinesiology degree isn't really utilized. For instance, roles such as office managers and customer service representatives focus on skills totally unrelated to exercise science, which might make you wonder about the connection between their education and career choices.
Overall, while there are definitely strong links between many graduates' roles and their degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science—especially in athletic training, personal training, and therapy settings—a noticeable chunk has strayed into fields where their education's relevance is minimal. This mix shows that while Kinesiology opens the door to exciting opportunities in health and fitness, not every job post-graduation directly leverages those critical skills. It really highlights the importance of networking and seeking out roles that align with your studies if you want to make the most of your Kinesiology degree!
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 San Diego State University-California State University):
Looking at the career paths of graduates from San Diego State University with degrees in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, it becomes pretty clear that many start off in jobs that are directly related to their field, like athletic trainers, physical therapy aides, or personal trainers. For those who graduated in the early 2010s, we see a notable trend where many found roles in athletic training or sports-related positions initially. Even after a few years, many of them continued to stick around in similar health and wellness roles, such as massage therapy or physical therapy. It does seem that these graduates are taking steps to stay within the realm of health and exercise-related careers, which is a positive sign.
However, after looking deeper, it’s a mixed bag when you check the longer term trajectories, especially around the 5- to 10-year mark. While some individuals have progressed in their careers within the fitness and health spectrum—like those moving into senior roles in physical therapy or even founding their own wellness-related businesses—others have transitioned into jobs that are less aligned with Kinesiology, such as management positions in non-health sectors or roles like customer service. This suggests that while many start strong in relevant fields, the paths can diverge significantly over time, with some eventually seeking opportunities outside traditional Kinesiology and Exercise Science-focused roles. Overall, it's clear that while many graduates do find solid initial roles, their longer-term careers can take various directions, not all of which stay in their field of study.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science is generally manageable, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. At San Diego State University, like many other schools, the program dives into subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, so if science isn't your strong suit, you might find it a bit of a challenge. That said, if you're passionate about fitness and exercise, you'll probably enjoy the coursework, which makes it feel less daunting. Overall, I'd say it's about average in terms of difficulty—some people find it easier because they love the material, while others might struggle with the science-heavy classes. Just make sure to stay organized and reach out for help when you need it!
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.
From what I can tell, these Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from San Diego State University have had a pretty mixed bag when it comes to their earnings. Some, like the person who climbed up to a senior corporate role at Zendesk, likely pulled in a decent salary, especially as they moved into higher management positions. On the flip side, others have worked as personal trainers, athletic coaches, or therapists, which maybe doesn't pay as well—especially in the earlier years when they're just starting out. Overall, while it's clear that some of them are likely making good money now, several others might still be grinding it out in the more modestly paid positions, particularly in entry-level roles. So, it really depends on the specific job and career path they've chosen!
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 San Diego State University-California State University). 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: