Last Updated on February 26, 2022
Sports Degrees in New Jersey
New Jersey is an exciting place to consider a future in career fields related to sports, health, and wellness. There are excellent internship and professional opportunities for graduates with degrees in athletic training, exercise science, and kinesiology throughout the state.
In This Guide
- Jump to Athletic Training Programs in New Jersey
- Jump to Exercise Science Programs in New Jersey
- Jump to Kinesiology Programs in New Jersey
Excellent schools, beautiful beaches, good healthcare and relatively high quality of life ratings make New Jersey a top state to study, live and work in. Bordering both New York City, the nation’s largest sports market, and Philadelphia, the fourth largest market, New Jersey is an excellent place to pursue a career in sports at any level. While populations in neighboring states have plateaued or in some cases declined, New Jersey is seeing healthy, sustainable, growth.
The state features the ability to access jobs in and around New York City and Philadelphia, which plays a significant important role for the economy. Whether you want to work with high school and university sports programs, healthcare providers, or in corporate settings, the high number of institutions and companies and the large population here means more opportunities than just about anywhere else in the country.
Kinesiology Programs in New Jersey
Kinesiology degrees are a versatile point of entry into a large number of professions and advanced degrees in health sciences as well as the business of sports. Some of the top kinesiology programs in the country are located in New Jersey, making it an excellent place to pursue this degree. With the state’s largest kinesiology department, Rutgers University offers both master’s and PhD programs in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology.
In this section:
Kinesiology Master’s Programs
Kinesiology Master’s Programs
Rutgers University | New Brunswick, NJ
M.S in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology
Rutgers University | New Brunswick, NJ
M.S in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology
Delivery Method: On Campus
Credits Required: 36
Total Tuition: $9,828 in-state, $15,552 out-of-state, per full-time semester (8+ credits)
GRE (or GMAT) Required: No
Locate the renowned Kinesiology and Applied Physiology program at Rutgers University, where you will receive top-notch education and acquire comprehensive expertise. As a distinguished research institution, Rutgers offers abundant research avenues across diverse disciplines. By engaging in exciting research projects, you will contribute to groundbreaking advancements and gain invaluable hands-on experience. Immerse yourself in the expertise of their esteemed professors and researchers, who are at the forefront of their fields. Learning alongside these accomplished individuals will provide you with unparalleled mentorship and knowledge. With state-of-the-art facilities and resources, Rutgers University provides the perfect environment for both learning and research. Obtaining a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology from Rutgers opens up a world of opportunity in sports performance, exercise physiology, research, rehabilitation, and academia. By studying at Rutgers, you will connect with like-minded peers, respected faculty, and industry professionals, forging valuable networks for collaboration, mentorship, and future job prospects.
William Paterson University | Wayne, NJ
Master of Science – Kinesiology
William Paterson University | Wayne, NJ
Master of Science – Kinesiology
Delivery Method: On Campus
Credits Required: 36
Concentrations: Exercise Science, Sport Administration
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $916
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $1,211
GRE (or GMAT) Required: Yes
Welcome to William Paterson University’s Kinesiology department, where their dedicated faculty members are committed to providing the highest quality education and mentorship. Their Master’s degree program in Kinesiology offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of human movement, exercise science, sports performance, and research methods. By enrolling in this program, students can expect to gain a deep understanding of the field and develop critical analytical and practical skills. At William Paterson University, they believe in the importance of hands-on experience and research opportunities. That’s why they provide their students with plenty of opportunities to engage in real-world research projects. These experiences not only enhance their problem-solving skills but also prepare them for successful careers or advanced academic pursuits. One of the biggest advantages of their program is their strong connections to local sports organizations and healthcare institutions. These connections provide their graduates with a wide range of career paths to choose from. Whether you’re interested in sports performance, fitness management, research, academia, or wellness consulting, their program will equip you with the necessary skills to excel in these competitive industries.
Exercise Science Degrees in New Jersey
With so many schools, universities, and health care providers, New Jersey is an excellent place to gain practical experience while completing a degree in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology. Rutgers is by far the largest university in the state to offer both a bachelor’s and offers Exercise Physiology through their Kinesiology department, but smaller and mid-sized schools are also worth a look for their specialized programs and top professors.
In this section:
Exercise Science Master’s Programs
Exercise Science Master’s Programs
Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ
Exercise Science and Physical Education
Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ
Exercise Science and Physical Education
Delivery Method: On Campus
Credits Required: 33
Local Tuition (per Credit Hour): $751
Out of State Tuition (per Credit Hour): $751
GRE (or GMAT) Required: No
Undergo advanced study opportunities in exercise science and physical education through Montclair State University’s graduate program in Exercise Science and Sport Studies. Deepen your expertise in health fitness, strength and conditioning, and clinical exercise physiology. Their program combines theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing graduates for successful careers in these fields. Discover their accelerated BS/MS program in Exercise Science, offering a streamlined five-year pathway to earning both degrees. Focused on practical application and skill development, this program equips students for future success in their chosen careers. At Montclair State University, the Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education provides comprehensive academic programs and practical experiences to enhance your understanding and application of exercise science and physical education principles.
Athletic Training in New Jersey
New Jersey has a number of exciting Athletic Training degree programs. Students in Seton Hall’s M.S. in Athletic Training program begin clinical rotations during their very first semester, starting the critical, hands-on learning process right away. If you’re looking for an AT program at a large, public institution, Montclair State University offers one of the larger programs in the state and the largest within the New Jersey public system.
Is New Jersey a Good Place to Live?
With the highest population density in the country, you’re never far from a city in New Jersey. That means even those who live in small and medium sized towns often can commute to work in cities. Known as “the Garden State” New Jersey has a higher percentage of land devoted to parks than any other state except Alaska, so there is plenty of green space where you can relax and connect with nature. The Jersey Shore offers stunning beaches, boating, and recreation. Whether your speed is museums, casinos, or long walks on the beach, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do here. The Ramapo mountains, New Jersey’s portion of the Appalachian Mountains, offers great places to camp, hike, and see fall foliage – an ideal setting for young people who are interested in outdoor park and recreation management.
New Jersey is home to several notable museums, highlighted by the New Jersey State Museum, the Newark Museum of Art, and the African American History Museum of Southern New Jersey. For entertainment, there are several large concert halls and sports arenas. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford’s Meadowlands Sports Complex is home to both the New York Giants and the New York Jets. It also serves as a world class concert venue where many of the world’s most popular musicians perform.
New Jersey has a diverse population, and this is reflected in the state’s culinary scene. You’ll find great restaurants here serving up authentic cuisine from just about any country or region you can think of.
Prior to Covid19 pandemic, 26.9% of New Jersey residents were gym members, the 6th highest in the nation. Life is still returning to normal, but that is a great indicator of the high level of interest in fitness and training in the state.
Working in New Jersey
New Jersey has a large employment sector for professionals working in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media occupations. The annual mean wage in this broad category is close to $70,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it one of the top states in the country for these professions. Athletic Trainers can expect to take home nearly $60,000 per year, again putting New Jersey among the states with the highest paid ATs. Minimum wage for direct care staff at long term care facilities is currently $15 an hour.
Education in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to many of the best public schools in the country. In addition, there are numerous high quality private schools serving k-12 students. In higher education, Princeton leads the state, and tops many lists of the best universities in the country. Rutgers and Seton Hall are highly regarded. Rutgers is often considered a “public ivy” due to the high quality of instruction and facilities. Students in New Jersey take on slightly more debt than the national average, but go on to earn higher salaries than the average, so investing in education here pays off. Highly skilled graduates with specialized degrees, such as Athletic Trainers and Exercise Physiologists go on to earn far more than the national average for college graduates annually.