Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Activity Leadership

Due to the popularity of sports in our society, the need for competent and ethical coaches is increasing. According to the US Department of Labor, the job market is projected to grow 26% through 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Annually, there are approximately 45,000 openings for coaches and scouts.

Although public schools are currently the largest employers of sport coaches, an emerging growth area has been the privatization of sport that has occurred over the last 20 years. Young athletes are now able to access the sport(s) of their choice through private enterprise and programming outside of the more traditional environment. Organized youth sports are highly popular among youth and their families, with approximately 45 million children and adolescent participants in the United States. Seventy-five percent of American families with school-aged children have at least one child participating in organized sports.

National average salary: $29,000 - $60,000 per year depending on level and experience.

The Health and Physical Education teacher job is one of the most often-encountered careers for health and physical education majors. They usually work in elementary, middle, high, and college, teaching students various physical games and skills, instructing them regarding the use of the equipment, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Aside from a degree in health and physical education, HPE teachers also need a teaching certificate which requires courses in child development, pedagogy, and other educational topics. Also, likely to include opportunities to coach.

National average salary: $46,788 per year

This degree concentration is designed to assist students in gaining the competencies, knowledge, and skills to help young people develop into healthy, competent, coping, and contributing citizens. Completing this coursework prepares students to address issues facing youth in the context of family and community with an emphasis on positive outcomes through a dynamic learning environment. This concentration prepares students for positions of leadership in youth development organizations, agencies, and institutions such as schools, 4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, recreation/community agencies, military settings, land grant extension services/programs, and many others.

Graduates may be supervisors of youth development staff including education and social service work environments, faith-based advocates for youth wellbeing, program evaluators, fundraisers and grant writers, administrators, and supervisors. The program partners with youth-related agencies/organizations and engages them in learning and experiential opportunities for students.

While data is not exact due to the variations in career opportunities, it is estimated that between 2018 and 2028, the careers that focus on youth development are expected to grow by 18% across the United States.

National average salary: $38,500 to $112,000 based on experience and job description

With a Health & Physical Activity Leadership degree, you can pursue varying career paths, including: