A degree in health and physical fitness education prepares students for a career assisting others in recreation centers, schools, resorts, health clubs and more. As people continue to place emphasis on the importance of fitness, career opportunities are becoming more readily available.
Coursework for this major generally includes classes in exercise science, biology, anatomy, physical education, nutrition, exercise techniques and injury prevention. Additionally, students may be required to take classes to strengthen their teaching and interpersonal skills.
The list below breaks down the top 10 places to major in health and fitness education in the U.S. This information is provided by College Factual and is a ranking of colleges based on overall academic quality.
1. University of Michigan: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan is one of the oldest public universities in the country. The school has maintained a strong history as one of the top higher education institutions.
Michigan offers its students access to a state-of-the-art healthcare complex along with an impressive library system. One of the school’s top programs is its health and fitness major in the School of Kinesiology. The program allows students to learn about health and wellness while also gaining business skills to prepare them for future career paths, such as managing a fitness center.
Additionally, the curriculum abides by the standards for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Health Fitness Specialist exam. Graduates of this program pursue positions at health clubs or assisting with physical or occupational therapy. They earn an average starting salary of $43,000, increasing to $62,000 at the mid-career level.
2. University of Massachusetts Amherst: Amherst, Mass.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the largest public research school in New England. It maintains high academic standards and offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees.
A popular major at UMass Amherst is kinesiology, formerly known as exercise science. The Department of Kinesiology allows students to study how human bodies move and further understand health and wellness through classes in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, biology and nutrition.
A degree from UMass Amherst will earn you one of the highest salaries of the schools on this list with $71,000 being the average for a mid-career professional.
3. University of San Francisco: San Francisco
The University of San Francisco is a Jesuit school that combines its values with a strong curriculum to help prepare students for success.
The Department of Kinesiology at USF offers both a B.A. and a B.S. in exercise and sport science. These programs help students understand human wellness through classes in anatomy, physiology, biology and biomechanics. Graduates enter the work force able to evaluate and analyze movement, while designing programs that help improve fitness or encourage rehabilitation.
While USF has a high annual net price, a degree from this school provides students with the best starting earnings boost. Graduates enter the work force earning $45,000 a year on average, increasing to $67,000 at the mid-career level.
4. Wake Forest University: Winston Salem, N.C.
Wake Forest University is a private, nonsectarian research university that provides students with a strong education rooted in the liberal arts. It offers students access to top research facilities along with small classes that promote collaboration and opportunities to work closely with faculty members.
The health and exercise program is designed to introduce students to various aspects of human health, while preparing them for a career in a growing field. Wake Forest graduates have been quite successful in the job market, earning an average starting salary of $40,000 and mid-career salary of $71,000.
Dig deeper into College Factual’s health and PE rankings with this interactive tool:
5. University of Virginia – Main Campus: Charlottesville, Va.
The University of Virginia was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. The public school has a tradition of developing leaders who have gone on to facilitate change in the world.
Students majoring in kinesiology have the opportunity to help change people’s lives for the better by improving their fitness and well-being. Participants in this program learn about exercise science along with biology, anatomy and physiology to further understand the human body and the way it moves. Graduates of UVA enter the field earning an average starting salary of $40,000.
6. James Madison University: Harrisonburg, Va.
Founded in 1908, James Madison University is considered one of the top schools in the country due to its demanding curriculum. The health sciences major pushes students as they learn about health and wellness along with the managerial skills that lead to success in the physical fitness field.
While the school has high academic standards and a strong program, this comes at an affordable cost — especially for in-state residents. Students leave the program and enter careers earning an average starting salary of $36,000, increasing to an average mid-career salary of $70,000.
7. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Champaign, Ill.
The Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois offers students the opportunity to take classes that focus on promoting human health and exercise. The undergraduate program provides students with the skills to help fight childhood obesity and deal with chronic diseases, while encouraging health and fitness.
The excellent student-to-faculty ratio gives students the chance to work closely with professors in understanding concepts and applying them towards their future careers. Graduates of this program earn average starting and mid-career salaries of $40,000 and $68,000, respectively.
8. University of Georgia: Athens, Ga.
Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia is the state’s oldest university. The school has worked to maintain a tradition of educating students with comprehensive curriculums that develop them into leaders in their respective fields.
Students who study health and physical education leave the program with a strong understanding of the field and working experience leading to an average mid-career salary of $61,000.
9. University of Delaware: Newark, Del.
Founded in 1743, the University of Delaware is the largest school in the state, providing higher education to over 20,000 students. The university offers research-intensive curriculum designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of their subject fields.
UD’s strong academic programs and affordable price tag make the school one of the best values for your money. Students can get a B.S. in health & physical education, which generally prepares students to be teachers or to continue in other fields in health and science. Graduates of this program go on to find jobs earning an average starting salary of $35,000 and mid-career salary of $69,000.
10. The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, Texas
The University of Texas at Austin is a public school that provides students with an excellent undergraduate and graduate education. Founded in 1883, this research university focuses on offering interdisciplinary and interrelated areas of study to give students a well-rounded understanding of their given field.
The physical culture and sports major prepares students to become teachers or go on to advanced graduate work. UT graduates have no trouble finding jobs at health organizations, earning an average mid-career salary of $67,000.
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Filed under: THE LOWDOWN FROM COLLEGE FACTUAL Tagged: choosing a college, College Factual, health and physical education, James Madison University, University of Delaware, University of Georgia, University of Illinois - Urbana - Champaign, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, University of Michigan, University of San Francisco, University of Virginia, Wake Forest University