Sports majors cover a broad range of courses that focus on various aspects of sports administration, marketing, science, and medicine. These majors aim to prepare graduates for careers in sports, healthcare, media, and education. The curriculum of sports degree programs includes courses such as physiology and anatomy, first aid/CPR, kinaesthesis, psychophysiology, muscle mechanics, nutrition and health, dietetics, rehab and therapy, sports promotions and marketing, sports media and journalism, sports event and facilities management, and sports facility accounting and financing.
Students can pursue sports majors at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. There are 15 sports-related majors that students can choose from, each offering different career options. Let's take a closer look at five of these majors:
1. Exercise Science: Exercise science majors focus on human movement and kinesiology. Students learn about kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, sports nutrition, and rehabilitation. They also study how to apply their knowledge to create training and nutrition plans for individuals with different ages and health needs. Career options for exercise science majors include athletic trainer, personal trainer, fitness coach, fitness trainer, physical education instructor, athletic scout, and director of sports.
2. Exercise Physiology: Exercise physiology majors study how the body responds to physical activities and intensities. They learn about anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, health and wellness, lab skills, and sports performance. Career opportunities for exercise physiology majors include exercise physiologist, PT assistant, conditioning coach, personal trainer, and rehabilitation expert.
3. Sports Training: Athletic training majors focus on first aid and rehabilitation for athletes. They study anatomy, physiology, first aid/CPR, exercise science, kinesiology, sports medicine, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Athletic training programs offer bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees. Potential careers for sports training majors include middle school sports trainer, high school sports trainer, college athletic trainer, athletic recreation trainer, and league athletic trainer.
4. Physical Therapy (PT): Physical therapy majors can pursue master's and doctoral degrees in physical therapy. Doctorate holders can work as physical therapists, while master's degree holders can take on supportive roles. To enroll in a PT program, students usually need a bachelor's degree in exercise science, sports science, or related fields. PT students study anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise science, sports medicine, physics, and gain clinical experience working alongside expert physical therapists. Career options for PT majors include doctoral physical therapist, sports physical therapist, college or university sports PT, PT assistant, and athletic trainer.
5. Sport Communication: Students studying sports communication learn about broadcast and print journalism, radio hosting, and on-air announcing. This major covers courses on sports photography, fan interaction, and club/league public relations. Sports communication programs at the bachelor's and master's levels teach students how to create various types of sports event content. Careers in sport communication include sports team or athlete PR expert, league announcer, sports TV and radio host, sports writer, event photographer, and sports marketing specialist.
Overall, sports majors offer a wide range of courses and career opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in sports, healthcare, media, or education. Whether you choose to study exercise science, exercise physiology, sports training, physical therapy, or sports communication, there are plenty of paths to explore in the world of sports-related professions.