Sports majors allow students to dive deep into various aspects of the sports industry, from administration to marketing, from science to medicine. These majors equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in sports, healthcare, media, and education. A wide range of courses is available in sports degree programs, covering topics 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 choose to major in sports at the bachelor's, master's, and even doctoral levels. Here are five popular sports majors, along with potential career options for each:
1. Exercise Science: Exercise science majors focus on human movement and kinesiology, teaching students about anatomy and physiology, biological processes, sports nutrition, rehabilitation, and how to design training and nutrition regimens for people of different ages and health needs. Graduates may pursue careers as athletic trainers, personal trainers, fitness coaches, physical education instructors, athletic scouts, or directors of sports.
2. Exercise Physiology: Students majoring in exercise physiology study how the body responds to various physical activities and intensities. They learn about exercise physiology foundations, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, health and wellness, lab techniques, and sports performance. Career options for exercise physiology majors include exercise physiologists, physical therapy assistants, conditioning coaches, personal trainers, and rehabilitation experts.
3. Sports Training: Athletic training majors focus on providing first aid and rehabilitation for athletes. Students in athletic training programs study anatomy and physiology, first aid and CPR, exercise science, kinesiology, sports medicine, nutrition, and rehabilitation, gaining practical experience through fieldwork at sports events. This major prepares students for careers as sports trainers in middle schools, high schools, colleges, recreational facilities, and sports teams.
4. Physical Therapy (PT): Physical therapy programs at the master's and doctoral levels train students to become physical therapists or work in supportive roles. A bachelor's degree in exercise science, sports science, athletic training, or a related field is typically required for admission. Students study anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise science and physiology, sports medicine, physics, and gain clinical experience under the supervision of experienced physical therapists. Graduates of physical therapy programs may work as physical therapists, sports physical therapists, college or university sports PTs, PT assistants, or athletic trainers.
5. Sport Communication: Sport communication majors focus on developing skills in broadcast and print journalism, radio hosting, on-air announcing, photography, fan interaction, and public relations in sports. This major covers topics such as creating sports event material, sports marketing, and media relations. Graduates may work as sports team or athlete PR experts, league announcers, sports TV and radio hosts, sports writers, event photographers, or sports marketing specialists.
Overall, sports majors offer a diverse range of courses and career opportunities for students interested in various aspects of the sports industry. Whether you are passionate about sports science, athletic training, physical therapy, or sports communication, there is a sports major that can help you achieve your career goals in this dynamic field.