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Have you ever considered other ways you can benefit from exercise beyond working out? ������’s exercise science program gives students the chance to explore the field of exercise through various concentrations, opportunities and events.

From working with sports teams to personal training, there are a multitude of career paths exercise science students can take upon graduating.    

John McDaniel, Ph.D., professor and interim director of the School of Health Sciences, gave Kent State Today an overview of this program.  

“The undergraduate exercise science program has four concentrations that allow students to prepare for their career goals,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel said the exercise physiology and the pre-physical/occupational therapy/podiatric medicine concentrations are suited for students going on to either graduate school, medical school, physical therapy or occupational therapy school.

The strength and conditioning concentration prepares students for careers as a strength coach or personal trainer. The exercise specialist concentration focuses on exercise prescription with the general and clinical population.

Adam Jajtner, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology, highlights organizations students can join to enhance their learning.  

“Generally, I will recommend the American College of Sports Medicine,” Jajtner said. “If the student is interested in working with athletes and sports performance, then I recommend getting involved with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.”

Throughout the program, students develop a high level of expertise for this field, often gained through hands-on learning experiences provided by instructors.  

Michael Bowers, a senior exercise science major, said the insights he is gaining from interactive classes have been helpful in his studies.  

“I think the labs are really hands-on. They give you a lot of textbook knowledge, as well, which I think will apply later to a future employee or how to treat an athlete,” Bowers said. “I also think it’s great because it sets you up for grad school.”

Another student in the program, Olivia Snedeker, a senior sports medicine major, said she was originally in a different major but was looking for something more sports related. 

“I didn’t even know the program existed,” Snedeker said. “Then I saw it and thought ‘I love exercise, working with athletes and science.’”

A recent Kent State Exercise Science Summit took place on Feb. 27-28, giving prospective students and students in the program opportunities to network with peers and professionals, learning more about what the program offers.

On the first day of the summit, McDaniel said roughly 125 high school students visited campus to learn about the undergraduate exercise science program. Students got the opportunity to hear talks by faculty, take lab tours, see demonstrations and have lunch.  

One of the unique aspects of the second day of the Kent State Exercise Science Summit was the spotlight on former program alumni serving as keynote speakers, sharing their individual research findings to highlight the graduate exercise physiology program.  

Brandon Gibson, who graduated from Kent State with a master’s degree in exercise physiology in 2019 and is now a doctoral student at the University of Oregon, said the university continues to provide support.  

“Dr. Adam Jajtner and I still collaborate, and I check in with him regularly. The relationships I built at Kent State have been invaluable. It’s a mentorship that extends beyond the classroom,” Gibson said.  

During day two of the summit, Gibson gave a presentation sharing his research about the way antihistamines can impact exercise.  

Joe Laudato, who also graduated from Kent State with a master’s degree in exercise physiology in 2019, is a clinical project manager at PCM Trials. He said he wanted to share careers in exercise science.  

“I wanted to speak to students, especially since many might not realize all the career opportunities outside of academia,” Laudato said. “After graduating, I found that the skills I developed at Kent State could be applied in industries beyond exercise science. I want students to know those opportunities exist.”

While working toward a degree, it can be difficult at times to have a proper school, work and life balance.  

Jake Beiting, who graduated from Kent State with a Ph.D. in exercise physiology in 2023, is an assistant professor at John Carroll University as well as a consulting sports scientist specializing in strength and conditioning for baseball. Beiting said that Kent State makes achieving success attainable.  

“I started my Ph.D. as a 35-year-old father of four with a full-time job,” Beiting said. “Kent State’s program was flexible and supportive, and that made all the difference. No matter your background, the program will help you succeed.”

Jajtner said the best way for students to set themselves up for success is to get involved early and immerse themselves in the program.

“Get involved, whether that be participating in research studies, getting to know your professors, going to the summit, all those different kinds of things,” Jajtner said.  

With alumni at institutions all over the country, the exercise science program teaches students the necessary and relevant skills they need to excel in this field.  

Learn more about the Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology Programs at Kent State.