Research transparency
How this page was developed
Online, self-administered cross-sectional survey of current students and recent graduates of U.S. exercise physiology bachelor's and master's programs, fielded June 15 through July 31, 2026.
Sample size: 374
Key findings
73% rated career prospects good or excellent, compared with 59% of bachelor's respondents.
70% of bachelor's respondents and 79% of master's respondents were satisfied or very satisfied.
52% planned additional education, compared with 35% of master's respondents.
What does this survey measure?
This opt-in survey describes career perceptions, satisfaction, readiness, perceived value, employment alignment, and next-step plans among current students and recent graduates of exercise physiology bachelor’s and master’s programs. It is not a school ranking, job-placement report, or causal study.
Who was included in the survey?
The final analytic sample was 374: 261 bachelor’s respondents (69.8%) and 113 master’s respondents (30.2%). It included 279 current students and 95 recent graduates. The online survey was fielded June 15 to July 31, 2026. “Recent graduate” means a graduate within the preceding five years. Results are self-reported and opt-in, not representative of every exercise physiology student.
How did respondents rate career prospects and readiness?
| Reported result | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|---|
| Good or excellent career prospects | 59% (154/261) | 73% (82/113) |
| Career prospects, average | 3.5 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Confident about career | 57% (149/261) | 72% (81/113) |
| Career confidence, average | 3.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Feel prepared for desired career | 55% (144/261) | 70% (79/113) |
| Career readiness, average | 3.2 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 |
| Unsure about career path | 32% (84/261) | 20% (23/113) |
Master’s respondents reported more positive career perceptions. That is descriptive, not proof that graduate study caused the difference. Prior work, specialization, career stage, and self-selection into a master’s program can all influence the comparison.
How satisfied were respondents and how did they rate value?
| Reported result | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|---|
| Satisfied or very satisfied | 70% (183/261) | 79% (89/113) |
| Overall satisfaction, average | 3.7 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Would choose degree again | 64% (167/261) | 75% (85/113) |
| Would not choose degree again | 19% (50/261) | 13% (15/113) |
| Would recommend degree | 69% (180/261) | 78% (88/113) |
| Likelihood to recommend, average | 7.0 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
| Good or excellent ROI | 51% (133/261) | 63% (71/113) |
| Degree ROI, average | 3.2 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
What did respondents report about employment and further education?
| Reported result | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|---|
| Working in a related field | 44% (115/261) | 64% (72/113) |
| Plan additional education | 52% (136/261) | 35% (40/113) |
Exercise physiology may present a clearer technical or clinical identity than a broad exercise science label, but the concentration name is not proof of clinical preparation. Compare coursework, practical requirements, and the credential path required by the job you want.
What should prospective students do with these results?
Use these perceptions alongside program-level facts. Compare the exercise physiology concentration, review the exercise physiologist career path, and use the program-vetting checklist.
How should this survey be cited?
Li, Mark. 2026 Exercise Physiology Student Survey: Career Outlook, Satisfaction, and Degree-Level Differences. Study Kinesiology. Fielded June 15 to July 31, 2026. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://studykinesiology.com/insights/2026-exercise-physiology-student-survey/
What are the limits of this survey?
This self-reported, opt-in, cross-sectional survey cannot establish causation, predict an individual outcome, or replace school-level outcome reporting and credential verification. Percentages use valid responses to each question; respondent-level data are not published because responses may contain identifying information.
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