<p>I would look at Ithaca College for a degree in Exercise Physiology. There is a big difference between someone with a degree and someone with a certification. Also, as Haystack says, there are all sorts of certifications, some much better than others. An undergraduate Business degree is probably less worthwhile than an undergraduate Exercise Physiology degree.</p>
<p>Teachers College/Columbia University offers a graduate degree in Applied Physiology which is one full year and they care less about what your undergraduate degree is in, just that you take a few pre-req courses before beginning their program.</p>
<p>I have my Masters in Exercise Physiology and was a private trainer for years, never had any business degree. Not sure it’s worth it, I thought most of my “business” needs could be met with common sense and some reading on my own.</p>
<p>@amtc You’re correct. I am in no way set in which of these paths I’m going to take. I am still considering doing my undergraduate in one of the fields (lets say exercise science or physiology) and a graduate in the other (small business or entreprenuership). Ithaca has always been on my radar for some reason though. Is that where you went?</p>
<p>As SteveMA mentioned above, it would probably be to my advantage (in the first few years out of college especially) to get an athletic training degree as well. Can you go to graduate school for two things lol? I have so many questions on this college stuff!!! Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>@SteveMA Not very picky. In the lower 48, not New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho, the Dakotas, etc. But I guess I’m currently leaning towards…doing exercise science/physiology and athletic training double major, then POSSIBLY grad school for Small Business/Entreprenuership…not at all set in stone though. Good merit aid would be nice. Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>But do not confuse being an Athletic Trainer with being an Exercise Physiologist, they are two different things. I went to grad school with an Athletic Trainer who was getting his Masters in Exercise Physiology, don’t remember what his undergraduate degree was in, sorry but I don’t think it was Athletic Training. This is over 20 years ago so I’m not a good source for what colleges offer currently or what is required currently.</p>
<p>I might suggest you contact the American College of Sports Medicine and see if they can be of any help. They’re considered to be the premiere organization and they might have some ideas and advice for you.</p>
<p>Question- have you chatted with the athletic trainers at your HS? They may be able to direct you to schools nearby which you could look at, and if you explain your desire to play ball too, that could help them give you ideas. Our trainers are great with the kids interested in the field. In addition, think about the schools which have programs expressing interest in you. Which of them have the program(s) you want? You are right, you need to get things figured out quickly and the schools who have recruited kids to play sports seem to want early action applications to be submitted.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t waste money on a masters in business. Most communities have classes you can take on what you need to know, maybe an accounting class or two during your UG. Having an athletic training/exercise science double major or even major/minor will be very attractive to D3 schools. The athletic training is what will get you hired, a minor in exercise physiology will be what gets you an interview along with the athletic training. The business courses are something you can audit when you start working at a college (i.e. take the classes for free). Having a business degree is not necessary to start your own business and the $30-50,000 you might spend on that masters degree is just money down the drain.</p>
<p>@amtc Correct. The end goal is personal training, which would be exercise science/physiology. However, I feel the athletic training would help me get hired at a college for my first few years. I will probably get in contact with them for more insight on it. Thank you.</p>
<p>@89wahoo There is no athletic trainer at our high school haha. I’m from a small school. I think I should focus on contacting people in the personal training industry more since that’s the end goal. Thanks for the help.</p>
<p>@SteveMA That seems like the best idea at this point. It would be a good start for me and an opportunity to get some money saved up. And I would hopefully greatly improve the athletes’ performance. Thanks.</p>
<p>Any other opinions? I seem to learn something new from each post haha.</p>
<p>@hops_scout Wow. Just absolutely wow. What a new look at things. Thank you very much. And I havn’t even gotten to the second two people yet. Thanks again.</p>