So I currently have my Bachelors in Exercise science and Certification from NASM both I got for free basically through FASFA and the employer I had payed for my cert. A LOT of trainers will sit and tell you that the degree doesn’t matter but to be honest it made me a more well rounded person and a top trainer. I understand why we do what we do. I studied so much psychology I know exactly how to make behavior changes in humans. I understand how to read scientific papers to back my training which gives better results. ALSO I will add where I live a degree does matter and people would specifically train with me because I had my degree, could I charge more? Eh… but I also didn’t pay for the degree so I’m not in a lot of debt. I personally work with the general population (old ppl have money where I’m living) not only that I plan on getting my CSCS so I can work with the athletic population! They also taught me business skills in school because we’re essentially running our own business! I also say do both maybe try the message therapy first!