First, some facts. Of the Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from University of Illinois at Chicago 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 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from University of Illinois at Chicago have a lower likelihood (-8%) 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, 75% 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: 98%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Kineiology in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHealth and Wellness InternAdvocate Health Care Jan 2016 - Apr 2016 Program Coordinator for Massage Therapy Program Northwestern College Mar 2014 - Aug 2016 Screening Coordinator / Health Promotion Specialist Franciscan Health Feb 2019 - Jan 2023 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Public Health (M.P.H.)Benedictine University 2013 - 2016 ABOUTHealth education professional with a Masters in Public Health (M.P.H.), a Certification in Health Education and Promotion and a certification in Epidimiology from Benedictine University. Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasizes in Exercise Science from UIC. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).Experience developing and executing health screenings in a hospital setting. Skilled in educating patients and the community on health behaviors and health maintenance. Experience collaborating with departments and healthcare facilities to ensure clients health needs are meet. Involved in data collection and statistical analysis. Experienced Associate Professor in allied health and massage therapy. Experienced Program Coordinator developing courses, program assessments, policies and procedures, goals, and learning outcomes.Experience in exercise science (for both rehab and general health improvement), chiropractic care and alternative healthcare. Thirteen years in the massage therapy field; working independently and in a variety of settings. Skilled in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, presentations, Educational planning and development, Student Development, and Massage therapy. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
The most common types of jobs for graduates with a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago revolve heavily around physical therapy and rehabilitation services. Many individuals have taken on roles as Physical Therapists, Rehabilitation Specialists, or in similar positions where they get to apply their knowledge in anatomy, exercise prescription, and rehabilitation techniques daily. This track showcases a clear connection between their education and the jobs they’ve pursued, allowing them to leverage foundational skills learned in their Kinesiology and Exercise Science programs, like human movement and exercise physiology. Additionally, several alumni have found roles like Athletic Trainers or Exercise Physiologists, which also closely align with their studies and utilize the competencies developed throughout their university education.
However, it’s interesting to note that not all graduates have threaded their careers back to their field of study. Some have ventured into areas like nursing, management, or even unrelated sectors like aviation and IT. For instance, while roles in nursing might tap into some elements of human physiology knowledge, the direct connection to Kinesiology and Exercise Science can be more tenuous. In summary, while many graduates successfully harness their backgrounds in Kinesiology and Exercise Science for relevant roles, a significant number end up in positions that don’t utilize their specialized education, reflecting a diverse career path that may or may not align closely with their degrees.
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 University of Illinois at Chicago):
Graduates from the University of Illinois at Chicago with degrees in Kinesiology and Exercise Science appear to have pursued a variety of career paths after graduation, with many of them ending up in health-related fields. For their first jobs, many landed roles directly related to physical therapy, rehabilitation, or exercise science, like Physical Therapist Assistants, Exercise Specialists, or positions within fitness facilities. This indicates that right out of school, they often remain within the realm of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, applying their education in practical settings that build their experience and skills.
As time goes on, say about five to ten years after graduation, many seem to solidify their careers within healthcare or physical therapy, climbing the professional ladder. For example, several alums have transitioned from entry-level roles to management or specialized positions in physical therapy or nursing. However, a small number have diverted altogether into unrelated fields like management or finance. Overall, though, the trajectory seems promising with a solid percentage of graduates remaining in careers closely tied to their degree, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills effectively in helping others maintain health and wellness. So, if you're looking to get into Kinesiology or Exercise Science, it's definitely a field where you can find meaningful work post-graduation!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty, and it really depends on your interests and strengths. At a school like the University of Illinois at Chicago, you’ll be diving into topics like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, which can be pretty challenging if you’re not into science or math. But if you’re passionate about fitness and understanding the human body, it can feel more manageable and even fun. The workload isn’t anything crazy compared to some other majors, but be prepared for some late-night studying and practical lab work. Overall, it's about average in terms of difficulty, so if you keep up with your studies and stay engaged, you’ll likely do just fine!
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.
It looks like the Kinesiology and Exercise Science grads from UIC have found paths that generally lead to decent pay, especially if they gravitated toward roles like physical therapists or managers in healthcare settings, as those tend to offer solid salaries with experience. For instance, the physical therapists usually start strong and, with time, can make a good living, especially when they progress to supervisory roles. Similarly, nursing grads also seem to climb the ladder nicely, transitioning from assistants to registered nurses to psychiatric nurse practitioners, which is a pretty lucrative route. But then there are a few in more niche roles, like acupuncturists or fitness trainers, which might not pay as well or have more variable income potential based on clientele. Overall, it seems like many of these grads are making a comfortable living, especially those who stayed in healthcare and rehabilitation services.
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 University of Illinois at Chicago). 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: