10 Career Paths in the Military With an Exercise Science Degree

Exercise science focuses on performance, condition management, and human movement. This field of study aligns closely with the military since basic training and combat require excellent physical fitness.

A bachelor's degree in exercise science can help you find great jobs as an active-duty military service member. You could secure a role as a health and wellness coordinator, human performance specialist, or military performance analyst with an exercise science degree.

Below, we'll explore more military career paths for exercise science degree holders. Our FAQs can provide greater insight into this degree and how it can enhance your time in the military.

Top Military Careers for Exercise Science Degree Holders

Enlisting in the military opens doors to amazing career opportunities. Below are some top military careers you could qualify for as an exercise science major.

1. Military Fitness Trainer

Military fitness trainers help soldiers meet the requirements to pass their fitness tests. For example, in the US Army and National Guard, master fitness trainers (MFTs) instruct soldiers on all 10 test components required to pass the Army's Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

MFTs provide personalized exercise and nutrition programs and establish a wellness and fitness culture among soldiers. Starting this job might require completing an MFT training program.

2. Sports Scientist

A sports scientist can choose from several academic disciplines. They might work in clinical areas like medicine, physical therapy, or wellness programs. Or, they could take on the science discipline and focus on nutrition or sports psychology careers.

The Air Force Academy uses sports science expertise to enhance the performances of Academy athletic teams and individual cadets. Scientists can use testing, research, training, and education to improve cadets' nutrition and help them properly train and recover from exercise.

3. Rehabilitation Specialist

A rehabilitation specialist is a healthcare professional who assists patients in their recovery from an illness or injury. Rehabilitation specialists commonly work as physical therapists who treat conditions involving bones, muscles, and nerves. They also offer wellness and sports fitness guidance.

A doctoral degree is commonly required to become a physical therapist. However, you can start this career in the Army with a bachelor's degree or even a high school diploma and advanced training.

4. Health and Wellness Coordinator

Health and wellness coordinators are in charge of providing access to health-related programs and services. They might develop and deliver programs and participate in training individuals and groups. Coordinators can also serve in supervisory roles and monitor staff members.

A bachelor's degree in exercise science or environmental health and wellness could help you secure this role. Your skill set should include problem-solving, organizational, customer service, communication, and technical.

5. Strength and Conditioning Coach

A strength and conditioning coach helps design strength and conditioning programs. They also lead athletic training sessions and work one-on-one as personal trainers.

A bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field could help you secure this role. In the military, you could also get certified. For instance, the Army helps soldiers receive Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification for exercise specialists who want to provide strength training, conditioning programs, and nutrition and injury prevention coaching.

6. Exercise Physiologist

An exercise physiologist creates physical activity programs to help individuals strengthen their cardiovascular and muscular health. Types of exercise physiologists include:

• Applied exercise physiologists: Study the relationship between exercise and illness
• Clinical exercise physiologists: Design exercise programs and provide wellness
• Kinesiotherapists: Use physical education and rehabilitative exercise to treat clients who struggle with moving

Exercise physiologists typically need a bachelor's degree in:

• exercise physiology
• exercise science
• kinesiology

The US Army supports service members who want to earn ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) certification.

7. Human Performance Specialist

A human performance specialist has a strong understanding of:

• exercise science
• exercise physiology
• biomechanical analysis

Depending on their specialty area, they might help athletes overcome disabilities and physical limitations. Or, they could serve as a subject matter expert who creates the curriculum for human performance programs. Human performance specialists might need a master's degree in human performance, exercise science, or education. A CSCS credential could also be required.

8. Combat Readiness Specialist

Combat readiness specialists often serve as subject matter experts who work with military staff members to ensure facilities meet operational and functionality requirements. They might also advise military units on branch initiatives and help leadership make facility and infrastructure requirement decisions.

Job opportunities might be found at military combat readiness centers. For instance, the U.S. Army offers the Combat Reading Center, which ensures soldiers, contractors, and Department of the Army (DA) civilians have access to safety and occupational health information.

9. Occupational Health Specialist

An occupational health specialist offers medical care to workers with work-related illnesses and injuries. They also assist occupational safety and health professionals with creating safer workplaces for employees.

In the Army, you might find a role in occupational therapy providing direct patient care, injury prevention, and readiness training to soldiers. Occupational therapists help soldiers work through stressful situations and alleviate their issues. Securing this role requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited occupational therapy program.

10. Military Performance Analyst

A military performance analyst, or military performance management analyst, mines and collects data from large datasets to identify performance trends. They create graphs to visualize the trends and deliver results to senior leadership.

Qualifying for this role might require Department of Defense (DoD) military experience with years in a leadership role like a major command staff position. You should have a bachelor's degree and strong written and oral communication skills.

FAQs About Military Careers for Exercise Science Degree Holders

You don't need a degree to start most military careers; however, a degree in exercise science can offer unique advantages. Learn more with FAQs about military careers for exercise science degree holders.

Is Exercise Science a Good Major?

Yes, exercise science is a good major for individuals interested in civilian and military jobs in the health sciences. Whether you want to take an active role in exercise science as a fitness instructor or play a behind-the-scenes role as a coordinator or analyst, many job opportunities are available to individuals with this degree.

What Can I Do in the Air Force With an Exercise Science Degree?

A bachelor's degree in exercise science can help you find great jobs in the Air Force. One to consider is the aerospace physiologist position. This is an officer-ranked role with duties that include:

• planning operational and training programs
• researching physiology and human performance
• training on the threats and hazards of Air Force operations

This position requires a bachelor's degree in human biology, exercise science, kinesiology, or zoology. Candidates should also understand aerospace physiology, meet in-flight duty requirements, and complete Officer Training School and AP Officer courses.

What are the Benefits of an Exercise Science Degree in the Military?

An exercise science degree helps you qualify for roles in the military focused on health, fitness, and well-being. But that's not all. Bachelor's degrees open doors to military officer positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 18% of Armed Forces members are officers meaning that your degree can help you secure a respected leadership position.

If you're an active duty service member interested in earning an exercise science degree, consider an online program that lets you study anywhere with an Internet connection. You can get help paying for your degree with the military Tuition Assistance (TA) program, the GI Bill, grants, and loans.