What can you do with a Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree from San Jose State University?

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:

Average score: 56%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

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:

View a random Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduate from San Jose State University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated 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 GRADUATION
K9 Handler
AMK9 - American K-9 Detection Services LLC
Aug 2021 - Aug 2022
The position of K9 Handler may involve some aspects of animal behavior and training that could relate to knowledge from Kinesiology and Exercise Science, but it is not directly centered on the core qualifications of the degree.

ABOUT

Experienced 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.

What jobs can you get with a Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree from San Jose State University?

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):

What kind of career trajectories do Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from San Jose State University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

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!

How hard is a Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree from San Jose State University?

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!

How long does it take?

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.

Do Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from San Jose State University tend to make good money?

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.

What buzzwords do Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates use to describe themselves?

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:

What are the best colleges for Kinesiology and Exercise Science?

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:

College Score Count
California State University, Long Beach 85 13
Concordia University-St. Paul 82 11
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 80 10
Illinois State University 80 10
Liberty University 77 12
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 76 13
University of North Carolina at Greensboro 76 21
Texas Woman's University 76 13
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 75 10
Saginaw Valley State University 75 12
Michigan State University 74 38
Central Michigan University 74 10
California State University San Marcos 74 14
Iowa State University 73 17
Washington State University 73 15
Appalachian State University 73 17
Western Washington University 73 11
Rutgers University 73 13
The University of Southern Mississippi 73 11
Salisbury University 73 17
Angelo State University 73 11
Penn State University 72 32
Grand Valley State University 72 22
University of Louisville 72 14
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 71 10
Indiana University Bloomington 70 42
Texas Tech University 70 33
California State University-Long Beach 70 14
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 70 14
University of Rhode Island 69 30
Sonoma State University 69 11
Temple University 68 25
University of North Carolina at Charlotte 68 22
Longwood University 68 13
James Madison University 67 15
University of Delaware 66 21
California State University, Northridge 66 28
Towson University 65 25
Auburn University 64 24
The University of Texas at San Antonio 64 35
Bowling Green State University 63 11
University of Massachusetts Amherst 63 11
Louisiana State University 62 40
San Diego State University 62 21
University of Nevada-Las Vegas 62 25
University of Louisiana at Lafayette 62 12
Oregon State University 61 21
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) 61 14
Tarleton State University 61 12
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 61 11
Virginia Commonwealth University 60 22
Western Kentucky University 60 12
State University of New York College at Cortland 60 17
Truman State University 60 10
University of Utah 59 21
University of Illinois at Chicago 59 16
Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick 59 13
University of North Texas 58 27
San Francisco State University 58 27
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 58 14
California State University, Fullerton 58 39
University of Maryland 58 19
University of South Carolina 58 17
Stephen F. Austin State University 58 20
Purdue University 57 11
University of Michigan 56 12
San Jose State University 56 18
Florida Atlantic University 56 10
Kansas State University 56 15
Northern Illinois University 56 13
Utah State University 56 10
Louisiana Tech University 56 11
Arizona State University 55 24
Texas A&M University 55 25
University of Houston 55 25
Miami University 55 13
College of Charleston 55 12
Georgia State University 54 16
University of Kentucky 54 25
Georgia Southern University 54 41
The University of Texas at Austin 53 21
The University of Texas at Arlington 53 30
California State University, Fresno 53 18
California State University, Monterey Bay 53 17
Colorado Mesa University 53 12
The University of Alabama 52 12
Sam Houston State University 52 27
University of Maryland College Park 52 17
California Baptist University 52 11
Brigham Young University 51 26
Texas State University 51 17
California State University-Northridge 51 10
California State University-Fullerton 51 10
Eastern Illinois University 51 19
Mississippi State University 50 21
California State University-Sacramento 49 25
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 49 21
San Diego State University-California State University 49 13
University of Arkansas 47 18
University of Mississippi 45 16