What You Need to Know about How Sports Science Became a Hot Career Path for College Students

Sports science has emerged as a relatively new and interesting academic discipline, attracting college students with diverse backgrounds. With an interdisciplinary nature and vast applications, sports science encompasses kinesiology, sports performance, and sports medicine. And that’s just the beginning.

These areas offer exciting academic pursuits and rewarding career opportunities. The innate fascination we have with how our bodies move and why will only become more fascinating to answer as technology with new capabilities is invented. Let’s explore the allure of sports science and learn more about the exceptional resources at Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Sport Performance (CSP).

What Is Sports Science?

Sports science is the study of how the body functions during physical activity and how it can be optimized for better, safer performance. It integrates several disciplines, including physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition with the goal of understanding and improving athletic performance and physical health. This discipline is pivotal in enhancing athletes’ capabilities, preventing injuries, and aiding in quicker recovery when injuries do occur.

Kinesiology: The Study of Human Movement

Kinesiology is foundational to sports science because it focuses on the mechanics of body movements. It explores how muscles, bones, and joints collaborate to produce movement and how we can improve these processes for smoother, safer movement. Kinesiology courses typically cover biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, and anatomy.

Graduates with a degree in kinesiology are qualified to pursue careers as physical therapists, occupational therapists, fitness trainers, and rehabilitation specialists. The demand for kinesiology professionals is rising, driven by an aging population and an increased focus on preventive healthcare.

Sports Performance: Enhancing Athletic Ability

Sports performance specialists work towards enhancing athletes’ physical capabilities. This involves training in areas like strength and conditioning, sports psychology, and nutrition. Courses in sports performance may cover advanced training techniques, performance analysis, and the psychological aspects of sports.

Sports performance graduates may be interested in careers as strength and conditioning coaches, sports analysts, performance consultants, and personal trainers. These professionals are invaluable for both professional sports teams and individual athlete development.

Sports Medicine: Health and Recovery in Sports

Sports medicine focuses on the medical aspects of physical activity, including injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. It requires a deep understanding of the human body’s response to exercise and injury.

Students in sports medicine programs typically study topics such as athletic training, sports therapy, and exercise physiology. Careers in sports medicine include athletic trainers, sports physicians, and rehabilitation specialists. These people play a crucial role keeping athletes healthy and ensuring they can return to play safely after injuries.

Opportunities in Sports Science at Cal State Fullerton

Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Sport Performance (CSP) is a premier institution dedicated to advancing sports science. Its mission is to conduct cutting-edge research, provide hands-on learning experiences for students, and offer services to enhance athletic performance and health.

Cal State Fullerton offers degrees in kinesiology, athletic training, and physical education. Its curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge while emphasizing practical application. Students can choose from concentrations in clinical movement sciences, exercise science, fitness and health promotion, gero-kinesiology, sport studies, strength and conditioning, and teacher education.

Graduates from Cal State Fullerton’s kinesiology and sports science programs have gone on to successful careers. For instance, alumna Lane Fishburn earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton in 2020 and a master’s in athletic training, also at CSUF. Fishburn joined the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams athletic training team in July 2022 and credits her CSUF education with her success.

“The athletic training program prepares us to work in the clinic,” said Fishburn. “My mentors helped me understand what the career would really look like: You’re going to have long days. You’re going to work hard. They taught me and helped me become a better leader.”

The Growing Demand for Sports Science Professionals

The demand for sports science professionals is growing rapidly. According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the sports science industry is expanding due to increased interest in healthy living and advancements in sports technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant job growth in related fields like athletic training and exercise physiology over the next decade as the population ages and focuses on wellness and longevity.

Several factors are driving this demand. First, there is a growing awareness of the importance of physical activity for health and well-being. Second, the sports industry is increasingly using scientific research to optimize athlete performance and prevent injuries. Third, technological advancements are providing new tools and methods for training and rehabilitation, creating more opportunities for sports science professionals.

Finding a Path to Success

To succeed in sports science, students need a combination of analytical thinking, communication skills, and technical expertise. This collection of skills comes with a range of exciting and dynamic career paths for college students. The interdisciplinary nature of sports science provides diverse opportunities in kinesiology, sports performance, and sports medicine. Institutions like Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Sport Performance offer exceptional resources and training, preparing students for successful careers in this rapidly growing field.

If you’re passionate about sports and interested in a career that combines science and physical activity, sports science might be the perfect path for you. Explore the programs at Cal State Fullerton and other leading institutions to take the first step toward a rewarding and impactful career in sports science.