First, some facts. Of the Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from San Jose 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 18 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 56%, Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from San Jose State University have a much lower likelihood (-11%) 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, only 16% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 50%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from San Jose State University with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONK9 HandlerAMK9 - American K-9 Detection Services LLC Aug 2021 - Aug 2022 ABOUTExperienced Navy veteran with more than 15 years transferable skills as a safety officer within facilities management and workplace support. A proven track record of achieving exceptional results in emergency preparedness, contingency planning, environmental materials management, and proper handling of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). Familiarity with CDC and EPA cleaning and disinfecting guidelines. Excellent organization and leadership skills with responsibility for ensuring safety certifications within the facility and workspace. Facility management activities included training and managing personnel and locally employed foreign nationals, technical, and trade staff with a variety of skill levels and diverse backgrounds involved in health and safety facilities management. Initiated and assisted with contract development, drafting scopes of work, and overseeing contractor performance. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the jobs that graduates from San Jose State University with a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science have landed, it seems like the most common roles fall into two main categories: academic positions and fitness-related jobs. Many graduates have found roles in education, such as instructors and assistant professors, where they can directly use their knowledge of kinesiology to teach others. On the flip side, there are also numerous graduates working as personal trainers, fitness coaches, or in roles related to physical therapy. These positions closely align with the skills and principles taught in their degree programs, focusing on fitness, rehabilitation, and health.
However, there are quite a few graduates who ended up in jobs that aren't directly related to Kinesiology or Exercise Science. Many of these roles are more administrative or customer service-oriented, which might draw on some soft skills that could benefit from having a kinesiology background, but they don’t really put that knowledge to the test. This mix shows that while some graduates are applying what they learned in school quite effectively, many are straying from the path most relevant to their degree. So, if you're thinking about majoring in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, it’s pretty clear that plenty of opportunities exist in fitness and education, but also be prepared that some jobs might not use that knowledge fully.
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 Jose State University):
Graduates from San Jose State University who have degrees in Kinesiology and Exercise Science seem to have a mixed bag of career trajectories. Right after graduation, many find themselves in entry-level roles like personal trainers, physical therapy aides, or program coordinators at educational institutions. It's pretty clear that a significant number of graduates kick off their careers in positions that are somewhat relevant to their field, giving them a chance to utilize their education in practical settings. For example, roles in personal training and physical therapy are common first jobs, aligning well with what they studied.
As we look a bit further into the future—around five to ten years post-graduation—the picture starts to diversify. Some graduates stay in the Kinesiology and Exercise Science realm and move up to more advanced roles like fitness directors or even academia, such as assistant professors. Others, however, seem to drift into unrelated fields, taking positions in guest services or administrative roles. While some have certainly built solid careers connecting their work directly to their field, others find themselves in jobs that may not relate to Kinesiology at all. It paints a picture of a field where there are both career advancement opportunities and a risk of veering away from the core of their studies. So, if you're thinking about this major, be ready for a mix of options and remember that your journey can lead you down a few different paths!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. At San Jose State University, like many places, you’ll dive into subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics which can get pretty challenging, especially if you’re not super strong in sciences. However, if you’re passionate about fitness, sports, or helping people get healthier, the material can be pretty interesting and engaging, making it feel a bit easier. Plus, there’s a good amount of hands-on experience involved, which can make the learning process more fun. Overall, it’s about average in terms of difficulty—demanding, but if you stay committed and stay on top of your studies, you can totally handle 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.
Looking at the career paths of these Kinesiology and Exercise Science grads from San Jose State University, it seems like some have landed pretty decent gigs and may be doing alright financially, especially those who have taken on academic roles like the Assistant Professor and Associate Chair positions. The ones working in higher-level administrative or management roles at the university or in sports hold a solid promise for better pay too. However, others, particularly those starting out in entry-level positions or jobs like personal trainers or fitness instructors, might be earning more modest salaries, especially in the earlier years of their careers. Overall, it seems like there's a mix, with some likely earning good money and others still on the grind to build their way up in the industry.
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 Jose 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: