How to Be Exercise Science Professor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 5, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Exercise Science is one of the most rapidly growing fields of study today. It is the study of how the body responds to physical activity and its effects on the body's function and performance. With the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, Exercise Science has become increasingly important in understanding how to improve overall health and well-being.

As a result, demand for Exercise Science professors is on the rise, as universities and colleges recognize the need to prepare future professionals with the knowledge they need to make an impact on the health of their communities. Exercise Science professors are responsible for teaching courses related to human physiology, kinesiology, motor development, nutrition, and exercise prescription. They must also be knowledgeable about the latest trends in physical activity and health promotion, as well as the underlying scientific principles that support these concepts.

With the increased demand for Exercise Science professors, many institutions are now offering specialized programs which provide an opportunity for students to gain expertise in this field and become certified exercise professionals.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming an exercise science professor is to obtain a bachelor's degree in exercise science, physical education, kinesiology, or a related field. This degree program will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to enter into a graduate program.
Obtain a Master's Degree. Most universities require exercise science professors to hold a master's degree in exercise science, physical education, or kinesiology. A master's degree program will provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to teach at the college level.
Obtain a Doctoral Degree. Many universities now require exercise science professors to hold a doctoral degree in exercise science, physical education, or kinesiology. A doctoral degree program will provide students with the highest level of knowledge and skills needed to teach and conduct research at the college level.
Participate in an Internship. It is beneficial for aspiring exercise science professors to participate in an internship or apprenticeship program to gain practical experience and make connections in the field.
Obtain Teaching Certification. Depending on the state, aspiring exercise science professors may need to obtain teaching certification in order to teach at the college level.
Apply for Teaching Positions. Once all of the educational requirements have been met, aspiring exercise science professors can begin applying for teaching positions at universities and colleges.

Exercising regularly is a key factor in staying ahead and capable. Regular physical activity can help improve overall health, boost energy, reduce stress, and even sharpen mental acuity. Exercise helps to regulate hormones, strengthen muscles and bones, and boost circulation throughout the body.

Furthermore, it has been linked to improved self-confidence and a better outlook on life. Regular exercise helps to reduce fatigue, improve concentration, and make it easier to learn new skills. Finally, staying active can help to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Therefore, engaging in regular physical activity is an important step in staying ahead and capable.

You may want to check Clinical Kinesiologist, Fitness Instructor, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Design and teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in the field of Exercise Science.
Develop and implement program curriculum, evaluate student performance and provide guidance to students regarding academic and career goals.
Maintain current knowledge of research and trends in the field of Exercise Science.
Conduct research in the field of Exercise Science and publish findings in scholarly journals.
Supervise students engaged in research projects.
Participate in departmental committees as needed.
Present lectures, workshops and seminars related to Exercise Science.
Maintain and develop relationships with industry professionals related to the field of Exercise Science.
Develop relationships with local schools and community organizations to promote Exercise Science.
Collaborate with faculty members in other departments on interdisciplinary projects related to Exercise Science.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Expertise in exercise physiology and biomechanics
Understanding of kinesiology and motor control
Familiarity with nutrition and health promotion
Ability to teach exercise science concepts
Proficiency in physical assessment techniques
Experience in exercise prescription and program design
Knowledge of laboratory and research methods
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Understanding of legal and ethical issues related to exercise science

The ability to effectively communicate is an essential skill for any Exercise Science Professor. This skill is vital for conveying information to students, colleagues, and other professionals in the field of exercise science. Without the ability to effectively communicate, a professor may not be able to accurately explain complex concepts or provide accurate feedback to their students.

Furthermore, without effective communication skills, it will be difficult for a professor to build and maintain relationships with students, colleagues, and other professionals. This ability to communicate effectively is also important for networking, which is key for staying current in the field and for advancing professionally. the ability to communicate effectively is an essential skill for any exercise science professor, as it can make or break the success of their teaching career.

Weight Loss Specialist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist, and Adaptive Exercise Instructor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have teaching Exercise Science courses?
How would you describe your teaching style?
What strategies do you employ to engage students in the exercise science material?
How do you incorporate research into your classroom teaching?
How do you assess student learning in your Exercise Science courses?
How do you handle student challenges or barriers to learning in the classroom?
What experience do you have developing and revising curricula for Exercise Science courses?
What methods do you use to stay abreast of current trends and developments in Exercise Science?
Describe how you foster an inclusive classroom environment in your courses.
How have you used technology in the classroom to enhance student learning in Exercise Science?

Common Tools in Industry

Exercise Physiology Software. This software allows Exercise Science Professors to access and analyze data related to exercise physiology. (eg: MyExercisePhysiology)
Data Analysis Tools. This software helps professors to collect, organize, and analyze data from experiments or surveys. (eg: SPSS)
Online Exercise Platforms. These platforms provide a variety of exercises for students to practice and study from. (eg: Khan Academy)
Content Management Systems. This software allows professors to upload course materials and create class websites. (eg: Moodle)
Virtual Learning Environments. This technology provides an interactive learning experience for students to engage in courses. (eg: Blackboard)
Research Tools. These tools help professors access and analyze research material relevant to their field. (eg: PubMed)
Collaboration Tools. These tools allow professors to communicate and collaborate with other professionals in the field. (eg: Slack)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP)
National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
American Kinesiology Association (AKA)
International Society of Biomechanics (ISB)
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)

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Common Important Terms

Anatomy. The study of the structure and organization of living things.
Physiology. The study of the functions of living organisms and their parts.
Biomechanics. The study of forces that act on the body and how they affect the body's movements.
Kinesiology. The study of human movement, physical activity, and exercise.
Exercise Physiology. The study of how physiology impacts physical activity and exercise.
Exercise Psychology. The study of how psychological factors influence physical activity and exercise.
Exercise Science. The interdisciplinary field that combines the principles of exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and exercise psychology to understand and improve human performance.
Exercise Prescription. The application of physical activity and exercise to prevent or treat diseases and other health conditions.
Sport Psychology. The study of how psychological factors influence athletic performance and well-being in sport.
Sport Science. The interdisciplinary field that combines the principles of exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, sport psychology, and exercise psychology to understand and improve sport performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for an Exercise Science Professor?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an Exercise Science Professor was $75,619 in 2019.

What qualifications are required to become an Exercise Science Professor?

To become an Exercise Science Professor, individuals typically need a doctoral degree in exercise science or a related field, such as kinesiology, physical education, or sports medicine. They must also have teaching experience and/or a published record of research in the field.

What responsibilities does an Exercise Science Professor have?

Exercise Science Professors have a variety of responsibilities, including teaching classes, conducting research, supervising student projects and activities, preparing course materials, and evaluating student performance.

How many hours per week do Exercise Science Professors typically work?

Exercise Science Professors typically work 40-50 hours per week, including time spent in the classroom, conducting research, and preparing course materials.

What types of organizations employ Exercise Science Professors?

Exercise Science Professors are typically employed by universities and colleges, but they can also be found working in medical research laboratories, government agencies, or private research centers.