Kinesiology Major Requirements and Career Information
Kinesiology is the study of the mechanics and movement of human bodies. An undergraduate degree in kinesiology may lead to careers in the fields of exercise science, personal training, sports training and rehabilitation.
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Kinesiology is often offered as a small portion of a larger degree program in sports medicine, physical therapy or a similar area. However, there are a few universities offering 4-year degree programs that focus specifically on kinesiology or the study of human movement. Such programs may lead to a career in the rehabilitative sciences or may act as a precursor to graduate studies in physical therapy, occupational therapy and sports medicine.
Students who choose a kinesiology major as part of their undergraduate studies may be required to take courses in biomechanics, motor learning, exercise physiology, human anatomy, nutrition, sports physiology, fitness testing and more. Some kinesiology degree programs require that students choose a particular area of focus, such as exercise science or fitness. Most programs also require that students complete a semester-long internship at a local health clinic, fitness facility or rehabilitation center.
Education Prerequisites
Students interested in declaring kinesiology as a major must first be accepted into a 4-year university program. This most often requires a high school diploma, as well as ACT and SAT scores. Students who have earned high grades in the natural sciences and mathematics may be given top consideration for entrance into a kinesiology program.
Program Coursework
Courses in bachelor's degree program in kinesiology combine classroom lectures with laboratory experience. Most students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and fitness centers. Some typical courses included in a kinesiology major are listed below:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Physiology of exercise
- Psychology of sport
- Motor development
- Motor control
- Experiential learning
- Neural bases of movement
- Exercise and body composition
- Assessment methods for kinesiology
Popular Career Options
There are several careers available for graduates of an undergraduate program in kinesiology. Many kinesiology students opt to earn a graduate degree in fields of rehabilitation and sports medicine. Others segue into entry-level positions in fitness and health science. Some popular career options are listed below:
- Personal trainer
- Fitness instructor
- Massage therapist
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Chiropractor
- Athletic director
- Athletic trainer
- Strength conditioning coach
- Exercise physiologist
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18 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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Bachelor
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- BS in Sport Management
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- BS in Management - Sport Management
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor of Science - Sport Management
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- BS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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Bachelor
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- BBA in Sports Management
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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- Georgia (1 campus)
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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School locations:
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