Employability and Program Effectiveness of BSESS Graduates in the Philippines: A Tracer Study
Abstract
This study evaluated the employment outcomes and perceived effectiveness of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science (BSESS) program in preparing graduates for professional practice. Using a descriptive design, survey data from 46 graduates were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and weighted means. Respondents were predominantly aged 21-25, with near-equal gender distribution. Most were employed full-time (73.90%), and 52% secured jobs within six months; however, only 43.50 percent held positions directly related to their degree. Overall program effectiveness was rated 3.94 (Effective), with soft skills development scoring highest (4.22, Very Effective), followed by course relevance and instructional quality. Practical training and industry exposure received comparatively lower ratings. While the program effectively develops core competencies aligned with employability standards, enhancements in experiential learning, facilities, industry linkages, and career support are recommended to strengthen workforce alignment.
Downloads
References
Alford, S. & Teater, B., (2025). Quantitative research. In Handbook of Research Methods in Social Work (pp. 156–171). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035310173.00023
Aljohani, N.R., Aslam, A., Khadidos, A.O., & Hassan, S.U. (2022). Bridging the skill gap between the acquired university curriculum and the requirements of the job market: A data-driven analysis of scientific literature. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 7(3), 100190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2022.100190
Ashraf, A., Moazzam, M., Khan, M. N. (2024). The interdisciplinary curriculum alignment to enhance graduates' employability and universities’ sustainability. The International Journal of Management Education, 22(3), 101037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2024.101037
Atilano, Jr, E., Lopez, I.F., & Moreno, F. (2026). Governance and performance in public sector sports programs: A multi-case study of policy design, implementation and service delivery in State Universities and Colleges in Zamboanga City, Philippines. In COLLOQUIUM PROCEEDINGS 2026: Governance, Public Administration, and Policy Innovations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines (p. 218). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.33513.76648
Bates, C.A. (2024). Increasing employment outcomes for culturally diverse students through experiential learning in higher education (Doctoral dissertation, Northeastern University). https://repository.library.northeastern.edu/files/neu:4f23vw05q/fulltext.pdf
Beaudoin, C. (2025). Professional Development in Exercise Science: Transitioning to Opportunities. Taylor & Francis. https://www.routledge.com/Professional-Development-in-Exercise-Science-Transitioning-to-Opportunities/Beaudoin/p/book/9781032725628
Bull, D. A. (2025). Impact of curriculum misalignment and assessment practices on student learning outcomes in higher education: A PRISMA-guided qualitative content synthesis. International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, 13(3), 65–87. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16262451
Burgess, K.E., Bradley, E., Dray, K., Powell, S., Runswick, O. (2025). The state of research in teaching and learning in sport and exercise science: A scoping review. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 37, 100573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2025.100573
Burnett, C. A., & Taylor, Z. W. (2025). “That Student Experience Was Real”: How College Graduates of Color Benefit From Experiential Learning Through on-Campus Employment. Journal of Experiential Education, 48(2), 266–288. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259241285857
Cariaga, J.N., Garma, N.M., Gaspar, E.J.V., Guillermo, G.M., Gumaru, G.R.C., Jimenez, V., & Lappay, A.R.T. (2025). Tracer Study of Bachelor of Physical Education Graduates of Philippine Normal University, North Luzon, Philippines. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9, 7444–7459. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100577
Cereda, F. (2025). Internship experiences in exercise and sports science: A comprehensive analysis of learning outcomes and professional development. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 16(1), 235–258. https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2025vol16no1art2182
Chinnasee, C, Brady, W.S., Choosakul, C., Widiasmoro, N. (2025). Sport and exercise science: Its role in health behavior and health promotion. In: Pranee Liamputtong (Ed.): Handbook of Concepts in Health, Health Behavior and Environmental Health. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, pp. 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-0821-5_116-1
Esposito, G., Di Domenico, F, Ceruso, R., Aliberti, S, Raiola, G. (2024). Perceptions/opinions about the formation of the bachelor program in exercise and sports science by students aimed at the new professional profile of the basic kinesiologist. Sport Sciences for Health, 20(2), 659–664. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-023-01139-8
Ezeddine, G, Souissi, N., Abaidia, R., Masmoudi, L. et al. (2025). Game-based physical education: A pathway to increased student motivation and greater learning outcomes. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1531651. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1531651
Foley, K. K. (2025). Field Work in Exercise Science: Perspectives from Students and Community Professionals. Doctoral dissertation. North Carolina: The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/field-work-exercise-science-perspectives-students/docview/3212557950/se-2
Işikgöz, M. E., Şahbudak, M., Esentaş Melike, Öztunç, M. (2025). Challenges and successes in promoting gender equality through physical education and sports: A systematic review. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 2117. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23373-0
Junior, A.B., Martinez, B.A., Tano, I., Estacio, R., Arago, R., Bautista, G., & Bien, L. (2023). Acquired Skills of Graduates of a Local Philippine University and its Relevance to Their Present Job: A Tracer Survey. Diversitas Journal, 8(3), pp. 2656–2669. https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v8i3.2644
Karaiskos, L., Dimopoulou, I., Manasis, V., Drikos, S. (2025). Economic development and education: Exploring the dynamic relationship between education and employability in the sports sector. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 25(8), 1764–1777. https://efsupit.ro/images/stories/august2025/Art%20196.pdf
Liang, X. (2025). Evaluating the impact of innovative sports curriculum on student motivation and physical fitness. Journal of Education and Educational Policy Studies, 3(1), 29–33. https://doi.org/10.54254/3049-7248/2025.20557
Molina-García, N., González-Serrano, M.H., Ordiñana-Bellver, D. & Baena-Morales, S., (2024). Redefining education in sports sciences: A theoretical study for integrating competency-based learning for sustainable employment in Spain. Social Sciences, 13(5), 242. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13050242
Musa, S., Nurhayati, S. and Boriboon, G. (2025). The Effect of Internships on Graduates' Employability, Soft Skills, and Digital Competence. Educational Process: International Journal, 17, e2025306. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.17.306
Nozaleda, B.M., Saquing, J.B., Dayag-Tungpalan, M.L., Arao, H.F.B., Ramos, C.C. & Casauay, D.T. (2025). Understanding the link between graduate experiences and workforce integration in physical education and sports science. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 14(6), 4418–4431. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v14i6.34909
Orji, C.T. (2025). Employability Skills as a Foundation for Success: An Exploration of Youth Experiences in Skills Acquisition Programs. In Career Coaching and Employability Skills Acquisition (pp. 195–230). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-4014-1.ch008
Payeras, P.S., Soler-Prat, S., Matus-Castillo, C. & Hinojosa-Alcalde, I. (2026). Student-athletes at risk: faculty voices on gender-based violence and the need for structural change in physical activity and sport sciences programs. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 8, 1736683. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2026.1736683
Saquing, J.B., Nozaleda, B.M., Dayag-Tungpalan, M.L., Arao, H.F.B., Ramos, C.C., Casauay, D.T., Galindo, G.C. and Mamauag, C.M. (2025). From Classroom to Career: Evaluating Graduate Employability and Program Effectiveness in Physical Education and Sports Science. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(7), 841–868. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.7.41
Schnobrich-Davis, J., Bragg, C.B. & Soper, C. (2025). Engaging for the Future: Student Perspectives on Experiential Learning and Workforce Preparation. Journal of Experiential Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259251391349
Templin, T., Graber, K.C., & McCullagh, P. (2025). Careers in Sport, Fitness, and Exercise: A Guide to Kinesiology Professions. Human Kinetics. https://us.humankinetics.com/products/careers-in-sport-fitness-and-exercise-2nd-edition
Walton, C.C., Gwyther, K., Gao, C.X., Purcell, R., Rice, S.M. (2024). Evidence of gender imbalance across samples in sport and exercise psychology. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 17(2), 1337–1355. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2022.2150981
Zhou, J. & Deng, L. (2025). Exploring The Pathways Of Fit: Curriculum Design, Industry Collaboration, And AI-Driven Career Exploration In Sports Vocational Education. TPM–Testing, Psychometrics, Methodology in Applied Psychology, 32(S8), pp. 680–690. https://tpmap.org/submission/index.php/tpm/article/view/2704
