Kinesiology

(including health fitness instructor, exercise physiology, and public health physical activity behavior)

Kinesiology is the study of physical activity across a range of tasks including exercise, daily living, play, sports, and work. Coursework integrates biological and behavioral approaches using biomechanical, physiological, and sociological perspectives to study physical activity from cell to society. This life science discipline emphasizes breadth and depth of content, scientific methodology, and intellectualism for lifelong learning, thinking, and action. Kinesiology promotes an understanding of the need for movement for physical and psychological health. Students may earn a BA or BS degree in Kinesiology or BS dual degrees with majors in Nutrition and Kinesiology. Graduates seek careers in corporate and community settings in fitness and wellness and in hospital settings in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Many students enter graduate and professional schools to prepare for careers in dietetics, physical therapy, pharmacy, medicine, biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, sport sociology, and other related fields.

Related career titles

Aquatics program coordinator
Biomedical scientist*
Camp director
Chiropractor*
Coach
Community health worker
College/University professor*
Corporate wellness consultant
Dentist*
Exercise program administrator
Fitness specialist
Geriatric recreational activities coordinator
Health Educator
Health and nutrition consultant
Health club manager
Health promotions specialist
Medical assistant
Nurse*
Occupational therapy*
Outdoor recreation director
Orthopedic Medicine*
Personal trainer
Physical Therapist*
Physician's assistant*
Public health worker
Recreational Manager
Recreational therapist*
Rehabilitation specialist*
Sports counselor*
Sports program supervisor
Strength and conditioning coach
Summer camp administrator
Surgical technician*
Therapy Pool Manager

*Additional training needed for these occupations

Resources available at the Career Center*

Careers for Health Nuts and Others Who Like to Stay Fit
Careers for Sports Nuts and Other Athletic Types
Careers in Medicine
Careers in Recreation
Career Opportunities in the Sports Industry
Opportunities in Physical Therapy Careers
Opportunities in Recreation and Leisure Careers
Opportunities in Sports and Fitness Careers
Opportunities in Sports Medicine Careers

*Books are available for checkout.

Kinesiology

Related career titles

Resources available at the Career Center*

Related kinesiology links