Clinical & Allied Health Careers
Average Median Income for Category: $102,362
Average Growth Rate for Category: 9.7%
What is Exercise Science?
Exercise science explores how the human body functions and what it needs to perform at its best. Students learn how the body responds and adapts to movement, covering topics like physiology (how the body moves), biomechanics (how the body works), and disease prevention (how to stay healthy).
At Willamette, we combine exercise science with health science. Our Exercise and Health Science major discusses the human body and movement with a strong background in science and applied learning.
What Skills Do You Learn?
Students build a strong foundation in the sciences and develop an understanding of how the human body functions. Along the way, they develop abilities to:
- Think critically and solve problems
- Read and interpret scientific health data
- Design and run lab or field studies
- Work with real patients and clients in supervised settings
- Communicate complex health data clearly
- Apply what you learn in real-life situations
At Willamette, we prioritize applied knowledge because we recognize its importance to graduate programs and employers. Our students conduct and publish research, speak at conventions, and work with cadavers right on campus. We help students make the most of their undergraduate degree by providing experiences that stand out on resumes and graduate applications alike.
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Fitness, Strength, and Human Performance
Average Median Income for Category: $51,695
Average Growth Rate for Category: 8%- Athletic Trainer
- Performance Nutrition Specialist (MS)
- Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor
- Sports Performance Coach
- Sports Psychologist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach/Specialist (CSCS)
- Recreation Specialist
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Health Promotion, Public Health & Wellness
Average Median Income for Category: $73,740
Average Growth Rate for Category: 9%- Community Health Worker
- Corporate Wellness Specialist
- Health Coach
- Health Education Specialist
- Medical Device Sales Representative
- Parks & Recreation Manager
- Physical Education Teacher
- Wellness Director
Is Exercise Science a Good Major?
Yes, it is a good choice for students interested in careers related to health, fitness, and wellness. While it prepares students for in-demand jobs, it also offers a strong science foundation and applied skills through lab work and research opportunities.
With an aging population, health and wellness industries are rapidly expanding. Most related careers are growing faster than average, providing job security, potential advancement, and even new career opportunities in the future.
Is Exercise Science a Good Major for Physical Therapy?
Absolutely! Since exercise science explores topics related to anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, it provides a solid understanding of how the body functions. The Exercise Science curriculum makes it easy to gain the prerequisites for PT programs. While PT schools don't require a certain major, they do value coursework, GPA, and clinical experience.
At Willamette, you'll have the chance to explore meaningful internships and hands-on clinical experiences. With specialized courses and advisors who understand the path to PT school, we help you build the experiences and guidance you need to reach your goals.
Real-World Examples
Employers are searching for future employees with meaningful experience, which is why Willamette students earn academic credit for internships. Our students have found internship and job opportunities at:
“EXHS is the major where you get to do it all. You get the academically rigorous coursework AND the hands-on experience you will need for any career be it PT, OT, MD, professor, or researcher you are well prepared for whatever you may want to do.”
Why Choose Willamette for Exercise and Health Science?
Take the