Sports have been a source of entertainment, pride, and competition since time immemorial. For many, a career in sports is the ultimate goal, and there are a variety of majors and courses of study that can help individuals reach that goal. From physical therapy to sports psychology and sports management, there is an array of majors that can give students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the sports industry. In this blog post, we are going to explore the different majors that involve sports, from the most popular to the lesser known, so that readers can gain a better understanding of the opportunities available. Additionally, we’ll discuss the qualifications needed for each major and what types of jobs may be available for those who choose to pursue them. So if you’re looking for a career in the sports industry, this blog post will provide you with the knowledge and information you need to get started!
What are sports majors and what courses do they include?
Degree programs in sports offer students a thorough understanding of subjects like sports management, sports marketing, sports science, and sports medicine. Graduates of these major programs are eligible to work for sports leagues, teams, medical facilities, media outlets, or educational institutions. Following are a few examples of possible courses students in sports degree programs might take:
15 majors involving sports
Students can major in a variety of sports at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree levels. Here are 15 examples of majors in sports and the kinds of careers you can pursue in each:
1. Exercise science
The study of human movement, also known as kinesiology, is the primary focus of an exercise science major. Students study the foundations of kinesiology, anatomy, and physiology in this major program. Students also learn about biological processes, sports nutrition, rehabilitation, and how to apply their knowledge of exercise science by developing exercise and dietary plans for people of various ages and with different health needs. You can work in the following positions with a degree in exercise science:
2. Exercise physiology
Students who major in exercise physiology gain knowledge about how the body responds to various types of physical activity or intensity levels. Exercise physiology degrees are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Anatomy and physiology, Kinesiology, health and wellness, exercise physiology lab, and sports performance are among the common courses. Here are some positions you could obtain with a degree in exercise physiology:
3. Athletic training
You can acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to offer athletes first aid and rehabilitation through an athletic training program. Athletic training degrees can be obtained from colleges and universities at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. You could take anatomy and physiology, first aid and CPR, exercise science, kinesiology, sports medicine, nutrition, rehabilitation, and field experience courses in an athletic training program. In these courses, you’d assist professional athletic trainers at school sporting events.
credential certification examinations credential certification examinations credential certification examinations credential certification examinations credential certification examinations credential certification examinations credential collegiate After college or university, any student who passes the exam can find employment as an athletic trainer. Here are some positions in athletic training you could apply for:
4. Physical therapy
Universities and colleges typically offer physical therapy degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels, with holders of doctoral degrees being eligible for positions as physical therapists and holders of master’s degrees being eligible for supportive physical therapy roles. You must first complete a bachelor’s degree in a field like exercise science, sports science, athletic training, or another pertinent field to get ready for a master’s or doctorate in physical therapy. Anatomy and physiology labs, kinesiology, exercise science, sports medicine, physics, and clinical experience working with skilled physical therapists and their patients are frequently included in courses.
With a physical therapy degree, you can work in some of the following positions:
5. Sports communication
Programs with a focus on sports communication teach students in-depth skills in sports broadcasting, print journalism, radio hosting, and on-air announcing. Public relations for sports teams or leagues and other sports communication subjects like photography and fan engagement are also covered in this major’s courses. At the bachelor’s or master’s degree level, majoring in sports communication can teach you how to create a variety of content for sporting events. These are some examples of the types of jobs you could get with this degree in the sports industry:
6. Sports management
Sports management major programs are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels and give students in-depth insights into sports management and best practices. Introduction to sports management, sports finance and accounting, sports media, sports marketing and advertising, sports facility management, sports history, and business communications are just a few of the possible courses. Following are some examples of careers you can pursue with a degree in sports management:
7. Sports and fitness administration
Students who enroll in sports and fitness administration degree programs, which are typically available at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, gain a wide range of knowledge in important areas related to sports administration. Sports ethics, sports event planning, sports economics, sports communication, facility management, and sports marketing techniques are among the topics covered in the courses. Examine the following examples of careers you can pursue with a degree in sport and fitness administration:
8. Sports studies
Sports studies programs provide students with a thorough education in how sports relate to aspects of culture, economics, and other factors. They are available at the bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree levels. Due to this, courses range from sociology to sports history, psychology, theory, and culture, as well as modern sports. These are some examples of careers you could pursue with a degree in sports studies:
9. Physical education
Students who pursue physical education degrees learn about a range of topics, including coaching others to achieve their fitness goals and teaching physical fitness to various age groups. Anatomy and physiology, coaching techniques, exercise physiology, and kinesiology are some of the possible courses. With a degree in physical education, you can work in some of the following positions:
10. Health sciences
Students can pursue further education to become physical therapists or work in entry-level health roles with the foundational knowledge they gain from a health science major. The major in health science is available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels in colleges and universities. The majority of courses cover care and prevention, anatomy and physiology, psychology, human health and wellness, nutrition, and dietetics. Following graduation with a health science degree, you could work in a variety of sports-related positions, such as these:
11. Professional golf management
A professional golf management degree is provided by some colleges and universities in association with the athletic association PGA of America. Introduction to professional golf management, golf course operations, teaching golf turf grass management, horticultural principles, business management courses, and instructional courses that help students improve their golfing abilities are typical courses for this major. Some examples of jobs you could pursue with this degree are as follows:
12. Parks and recreation
Students can learn how to design and manage programs for local governments and community organizations through majors in parks and recreation. This includes establishing amateur sports leagues for kids, teens, and adults. It also includes information about park maintenance and upkeep. Recreation management, park management, interpersonal communications, motor learning and fitness, activity coordination, conflict resolution, and maintenance procedures are examples of typical courses for this major. With a parks and recreation degree, you could apply for the following sports-related jobs:
13. Leisure facilities management
With a degree in leisure facilities management, students are prepared to manage operations at leisure venues such as parks, swimming pools, golf courses, and community centers. Basics of leisure facility management, customer service, business management, budgeting, event planning for leisure facilities, and facility maintenance and upkeep are some of the topics covered in courses. With a degree in leisure facilities management, you can pursue the following examples of sports-related careers:
14. Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy degrees, which are available at the master’s and doctoral degree levels, assist students in obtaining supportive and entry-level roles (master’s degree level) and licensed occupational therapist roles (doctoral degree level). Anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, kinesiology, motor skills, motor planning, occupational therapy therapeutics, treatment planning, and clinical experience with a licensed occupational therapist are just a few of the subjects that students study throughout their education. Following are some examples of jobs you could obtain in the sports industry with an occupational therapy degree:
15. Sports medicine
Students can combine their love of sports with science and medicine by majoring in sports medicine. Sports medicine degrees assist students in studying a wide range of topics relating to sports injuries, preventative measures, and rehabilitation techniques. They are typically available at the master’s and doctoral degree levels. Anatomy and physiology, exercise science and physiology, psychology of injury, preventative strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation planning are some of the topics covered in some of the courses. People with degrees in sports medicine can work in a variety of fields, such as:
Picking The Perfect Major For Student Athletes
FAQ
What majors deal with sports?
- Exercise science. The study of human movement, also known as kinesiology, is the primary focus of an exercise science major.
- Exercise physiology. …
- Athletic training. …
- Physical therapy. …
- Sports communication. …
- Sports management. …
- Sports and fitness administration. …
- Sports studies.
What majors are best for athletes?
- Sports Journalism. You can see and hear several people providing play-by-play and commentary on the game when you turn on the TV for a live game.
- Recreational Facilities Management. …
- Education. …
- Physical Education. …
- Turf Management. …
- Sports Administration. …
- Psychology. …
- Nutrition.
What are careers involving sports?
- Athletic director.
- Athletic scout.
- Athletic trainer.
- Athletics coach.
- Contract negotiator.
- Event coordinator.
- Exercise physiologist.
- Facility operations manager.
