Exercise & Nutrition Degrees

With the rising cost of health care, it appears that prevention is the best cure. Educating consumers about exercise and proper nutrition is important to maintaining good health. The demand for professionals educated in nutrition and exercise is steadily on the rise to meet consumer demand for more information.

Function

• The function of a degree in nutrition is to address the relationship between nutrition and health. A degree in exercise addresses the relationship between exercise and optimal health. Degreed professionals in both disciplines are qualified to create nutritional and exercise programs for healthy individuals as well as those suffering from disease.

Time Frame

• According to information gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the bachelors degree program in both disciplines is a standard four-year program. During the first two years, students take basic requirements of math, English and social sciences. The junior and senior years involve a more in-depth study of courses related to the specific discipline and can be demanding. Both disciplines usually require an internship in the last year of study. According to the American Dietetic Association, individuals in pursuit of a registered dietician credential, must participate in an internship program in order to sit for board certification to practice in a specific state.

Cost

• The cost for both degree programs varies widely from school to school. Factors such as in-state or out-of-state tuition can mean the difference between an affordable program and a program that could take several loans to finance. In addition to books, there are fees associated with labs and materials needed to complete labs successfully.

Expert Insight

• The American Dietetic Association awards the Registered Dietician credential to individuals upon completion of academic coursework and supervised work experience. Although this certification is not required, it signifies a certain level of competence within the dietetic profession.

  Individuals with exercise degrees are encouraged to seek certifications based on scope of practice. The American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association, among others, provides certifications in a wide range of disciplines to strengthen the knowledge of degreed exercise professionals.

Career Outlook

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for people with exercise and nutrition degrees is expected to improve over the next few years. According to the 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the salary range for fitness professionals is from $18,010 to $50,750 and $29,860 to $68,330 for nutrition professionals.