Recreation and Fitness Professors
Overview
Recreation and fitness professors teach college students about sports science, exercise physiology, and recreational programming. They create course materials and syllabi, grade assignments and exams, and help students plan their academic paths toward careers in fitness, sports management, or recreation therapy. These professors use modern technology to deliver courses both in-person and online, conduct research on topics like exercise benefits or community wellness programs, and collaborate with colleagues to keep their programs current with industry trends. Many also serve on college committees and stay connected with fitness industry developments to prepare students for real-world careers.

Did you know?
Most postsecondary teaching positions require a master's degree or doctorate, with strong competition for tenure-track positions at American universities.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$71,184.88 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Management of Personnel Resources
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Prepare students to act as sports coaches.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department heads.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as anatomy, therapeutic recreation, and conditioning theory.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirements
Most postsecondary teaching positions require a master's degree or doctorate, with strong competition for tenure-track positions at American universities.
Growing Market Demand
The increasing focus on health and wellness in American society is driving demand for qualified educators in recreation and fitness studies programs.
Diverse Employment Settings
Opportunities exist across community colleges, four-year universities, and professional training institutions, offering flexibility in career paths and geographic locations.