Fitness Specialist
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Congratulations to Fitness Specialist Lecturer Carol Kennedy-Armbruster
for receiving the 2009 HPER Teaching Award!
Research Updates! Fitness Specialist Program Coordinator, Michelle Miller, encourages older adults to participate in balance training to improve quality of life. Read more here. |
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Overview
The Fitness Specialist Degree at Indiana University has been developed to provide specialized educational and practical experiences to those interested in a career in the emerging fitness/health/wellness industry. This four year undergraduate degree is a combination of general and core coursework as well as a field internship experience that prepares students for a variety of careers and work environments. In addition, students are provided with the theoretical framework and practical training skills needed to be eligible to sit for professional fitness certifications from national organizations.
Career Opportunities
Students who graduate with the Department of Kinesiology Fitness Specialist major will be able to select work in the following settings:
- Certified personal trainer in a health club or personal training studio;
- Community wellness program director;
- Medically-based facilities (post-rehabilitation specialist);
- Corporate fitness centers; and
- Private and commercial health clubs as instructor, directors, general manager, owner or consultant.
Individuals in this field of work will find a continuum of salaries based upon the position and the 
geographical location. Salaried positions may range from $25,000 to $75,000. Hourly positions range from $10.50/hr to $75.00/hr. In many instances, salaries will be determined by experience, certification and quality of service.
Students earning this degree will leave Indiana University with the possibility
of securing three nationally recognized certifications:
For information about internships, please visit our Internships & Careers page.
Degree Requirements
Major emphasis in the core coursework includes:
- Basic fitness programming;
- Methods of group exercise and personal training instruction;
- Sport psychology;
- Corporate fitness;
- Biomechanics;
- Anatomy;
- Structural Kinesiology;
- Exercise physiology;
- Fitness testing and interpretation; and
- Exercise prescription and program design for apparently healthy and special populations.
In addition, students will have a vast array of minor and elective options to supplement their interest in the areas of: business management, sport marketing, nutrition and health education.
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Major in Fitness Specialist
124 credit hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA required for graduation
Additional Information
For additional information contact:
Michelle Miller, Coordinator of Fitness Specialist Program
HPER 112 Room 172
812-855-8167
michmill@indiana.edu
