Degree Overview: Bachelor’s Degrees in Health and Fitness Management
Majors Overview August 22, 2014Receive information about bachelor’s degree programs in health and fitness management and their coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education and professional certification choices.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Health and Fitness Management
Schools offer bachelor’s degree programs in health and fitness management as a specialization or major within the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program. Students enrolled in the program are taught about the science of fitness, in addition to being imparted knowledge of business practices. There is an emphasis on sports nutrition, youth fitness, management principles, and fitness programming. Students may also be allowed to select a concentration from numerous areas including fitness and strength, sports medicine, or sports medicine. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework combines business management with physical education courses, such as sports psychology and weight training. Internship opportunities may impart hands-on experience. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Exercise science
•Aerobic conditioning
•Community health
•Anatomy and physiology
•Physical activity psychology
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may seek entry-level careers using the knowledge of practical business skills and exercise physiology in the creation of health awareness and fitness programs in instructional and commercial settings. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Personal trainer
•Corporate fitness supervisor
•Health club administrator
•Group exercise instructor
•Fitness director
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, job growth rates of 13% have been predicted for fitness trainers and instructors (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In January 2014, these professionals brought home an average annual salary of $31,720. Fitness directors earned an average annual salary of $73,053, ranging between a lowest wage figure of $61,374 and highest of $89,815.
Continuing Education and Professional Certification Choices
Graduates from the bachelor’s degree program can seek continued education by earning professional certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. They can also pursue master’s degree programs in fitness management or graduate certificate programs in numerous areas including exercise science, sport management, or fitness management.
