Exercise Science Degree or Certification: Which is Best?

Key Takeaways

Bachelor’s degrees provide a deeper understanding of exercise science and better career growth.
Certifications offer a quicker path to jobs like personal trainer or group fitness instructor.
Degrees include hands-on experience and networking; certifications are cheaper and quicker.
Career goals and job market should guide your choice between a degree and certification.

Are you deciding whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree or a certification in exercise science? Believe it or not, this choice will have more of an impact on your career than you may think. Needless to say, both educational paths come with different benefits. The “right” choice will depend on what you want to achieve in the fitness industry.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the aforementioned benefits of these educational paths. Once you have a solid understanding of the options that are available to you, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. If you’re a fitness enthusiast who wants to turn your passion into a profession, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!

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Understanding Exercise Science Education

When it comes to exercise science education, both of the paths we mentioned can lead to fantastic career opportunities. That said, these opportunities might be quite different. With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll have an easier time getting a job as a fitness director, or wellness coordinator. These jobs usually require more education and provide better opportunities for career growth. They also tend to pay more, which is definitely a plus.

With exercise science certifications, you can start working quite quickly. You may be able to get a job as a personal trainer, a group fitness instructor, or a health coach. These jobs are easier to get into and allow you to gain hands-on experience right away.

While they might start with lower pay than jobs that require a degree, they can still be rewarding. Working these types of jobs is also a great way to get a foot in the door if you want to work in the fitness industry.

The Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science

A bachelor’s degree in exercise science comes with quite a few benefits. First, it will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the human body and how it responds to exercise. You’ll get to study subjects like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition. Having this knowledge will help you form a strong foundation for careers in fitness and health.

Also, a bachelor’s degree usually includes hands-on experience (through internships or practicums). This real-world experience is incredibly valuable when it comes to applying for jobs. Universities also offer networking opportunities with professors and industry professionals. This can be quite beneficial for those who are trying to grow their careers.

The Benefits of an Exercise Science Certification

There are also plenty of benefits that come with getting a certification in exercise science. They are often more affordable and can be completed in a shorter time than a degree, too. If you want to start your career right away, an exercise science certification program might be your best option. Of course, you won’t necessarily get the hands-on experience that comes with bachelor’s degree programs.

Exercise science certifications focus on specific skills and knowledge areas. This makes them especially ideal for those who already have a background in fitness (or who are looking to specialize). To give you an example, you may be able to get certified in a few different areas. These areas might include personal training, group fitness instruction, or strength and conditioning.

What is the Difference Between a Degree and a Certification?

If you’re wondering what the difference is between a bachelor’s degree and a certification in exercise science, you’re not alone. When comparing these two educational paths, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

Time Investment

A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete. Certifications can be earned in a few months to a year. This means that exercise science certifications might be a better option for people who don’t have extra time on their hands.

Cost

Bachelor’s degrees are usually more expensive. This is mainly due to the cost of tuition, books, and other fees. Certifications are generally more affordable. This means that a certification may be a better choice if you’re on a budget.

Depth of Knowledge

Bachelor’s degrees offer a broad and deep education. Any exercise science bachelor’s program will cover several different aspects of exercise science. Certifications, on the other hand, tend to be more focused and specialized.

Educational Pathways in Fitness

Needless to say, there are several different educational pathways in fitness. Each tends to align with different career goals. This is why it’s so important to keep your specific career goals in mind.

If you want to be a fitness manager or work in a clinical setting, a degree might be necessary. However, if you want to be a personal trainer or group fitness instructor, getting a certification might be a better, cheaper option.

Career Implications

The good news is, that both bachelor’s degrees and certifications open doors to great career opportunities. With a certification in exercise science, you’ll be able to work as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, or fitness coach. These roles are currently in high demand and can be very rewarding. You probably won’t be paid as much as you would in roles that require you to have a bachelor’s degree, though.

A bachelor’s degree opens even more doors, however. With a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, you can work in sports science or corporate wellness. You may even be able to land a job in rehabilitation, physical therapy, or occupational therapy. Degree holders often have access to higher-paying positions. If you’re concerned about making a lot of money, you may want to consider going the bachelor’s degree route.

Exercise Science Degree Careers

Let’s take a closer look at some careers that specifically require a bachelor’s degree below. If you’re currently weighing your career options, this section should help you make an informed decision.

Exercise Physiologist

Professionals in this role work in clinical settings. They help patients recover from chronic diseases through exercise.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

A strength and conditioning coach usually works with athletes. In this role, you’ll design training programs for athletes and help them improve their performance. Depending on the position, you may work with professional or amateur athletes.

Corporate Wellness Coordinator

If you’re wondering: “What does a wellness coordinator do, exactly?” you’re not the only one. Basically, a corporate wellness coordinator creates and manages wellness programs for corporate employees. They’re responsible for helping workers achieve and embrace healthy lifestyles.

Researcher or Educator

With a bachelor’s degree, you can also pursue a career in research or education. This is a great choice since you’ll be contributing to the advancement of exercise science knowledge. If you enjoy teaching others, this may be the right career path for you.

Practical Considerations

The hard part is determining whether or not a fitness degree is actually worth it. This will largely depend on your career goals and the current job market. While degrees offer a more comprehensive education, they also come with higher costs and longer time commitments.

You should consider the return on investment — and whether or not the jobs you’re interested in require a degree.

Top Fitness Certification Programs

Do you want to get your fitness certification, but aren’t sure where to start? If so, you’re in luck! Let’s take a closer look at some certification programs that are highly respected in the fitness industry:

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

This certification program is an excellent option. It’s highly respected and relatively cheap. It’s also known for its evidence-based approach. This means you’ll get the opportunity to learn from people with real-life experiences in the fitness industry.

American Council on Exercise (ACE)

This program offers certifications in personal training, group fitness, and health coaching. The study programs are online and self-paced. This means you’ll easily be able to fit this certification program into your busy routine.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

The NSCA is recognized for its Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification program. It’s highly regarded in the sports performance field, so it’s definitely a good choice.

Making Your Decision

Employers in the fitness industry will typically look for specific qualifications. Of course, this depends on the role you’re applying for. Personal trainers and group fitness instructors often need a recognized certification. However, higher-level positions (such as exercise physiologist’s jobs) will usually require a degree.

The Best Fitness Certification Programs of 2024

The most valuable certifications include those from NASM, ACE, NSCA, and ACSM. These organizations are well-respected in the fitness industry. They also continuously update their programs to reflect the latest research and industry trends.

Conclusion

As you can see, both a bachelor’s degree and a certification in exercise science come with numerous benefits. Both educational paths can lead to fulfilling careers in the fitness industry. When weighing your options (and, eventually, making your decision), you’ll want to make sure that your educational choice is aligned with your personal career goals.

For this reason, you may want to conduct further research on your specific career goals or situation. It’s always a good idea to reach out to educational institutions and professionals in the field, too. No matter which educational route you decide to go, it’s important to keep your chin up and do the best you can. In time, you’ll make waves in the exercise science industry!

Do I Need an Exercise Science Bachelor’s Degree or Certification?