We move our bodies every day. If you are injured and cannot move a body part properly, you will go to see a kinesiologist. Kinesiologists study the movement of the human body through anatomy, biomechanics, and other related subjects. If you are thinking about getting a kinesiology degree, then follow this guide to find out what you can expect.
What Is a Kinesiology Degree?
Kinesiologists study human movement and the mechanics behind it. When studying kinesiology, you will learn skills such as: exercise training, muscle strength and joint mobility. These studies will prepare you for a job in a variety of careers that involve physical well-being.
Let’s take a look at what you will learn from studying kinesiology, the types of classes you will take, and the best schools to attend. First, let’s review the schools with the best kinesiology programs.
Best Kinesiology Degree Programs
Rice University
Rice University is a private university located in Houston, Texas. Its kinesiology department offers two different degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology.
Bachelors of Arts in Health Sciences
The Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences program is designed for students who want to learn the mechanisms of health promotion and disease prevention, as well as their impact on public health. In this degree, you will take kinesiology classes to better understand the field you are going into. Some of the program’s classes include:
- Human Physiology
- Understanding Cancer
- Exercise Epidemiology
- Medical Anthropology
Bachelors of Arts in Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology
In this degree program, you will learn the science and mechanics of the movement of the human body and exercise. This course is meant for students who are looking to get into exercise science, physical therapy, or another related field. Some of the courses you will take include:
- Foundations of Kinesiology
- Movement Disorders
- Sports Injury: Evaluation, Management & Treatment
- Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology & Preventive Medicine
The University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is a public university located in Kingston, Rhode Island. It offers a great Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in which you can specialize in one area. Kinesiology majors can choose to focus on exercise science or can enter the Early Contingent Physical Therapy program.
Bachelor’s in Exercise Science
Students who are looking to specialize in exercise science can choose between two routes of study. They can choose the applied track, which is for students who want to work as personal trainers, in wellness centers and hospitals, or other fitness areas.
Students may also choose the pre-professional track, which is for those seeking a career in physical therapy, as a physician’s assistant, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, or in a related field.
Some of the courses you will take in this degree are:
- Weight training and physical conditioning
- Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology
- Exercise is Medicine
- Research Methods and Design in Kinesiology
- Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
Bachelor’s of Kinesiology – Early Contingent Physical Therapy
Students must apply for this program to participate. If you qualify, you will receive your Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and DPT in Physical Therapy within six years.
Along with the courses listed above under the the exercise science major, you will also take classes including:
- Fitness Programs for Individuals with Chronic Disease
- Fitness Appraisal and Guidance
- Human Neuroscience
- Biomechanics & Pathokinesiology
Ohio State University
Ohio State University is a public university in Columbus, Ohio. Its Kinesiology Department offers several majors including a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Sport, and Physical Activity and a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Exercise Science.
These kinesiology programs are tailored for students who are considering a career in a variety of fields, and provide plenty of opportunities for participants to research their areas of interest.
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Sport, and Physical Activity
This degree is under their kinesiology department because physical educators in the program teach students the importance of exercise and how to their body the right way. In this degree, you will learn a lot about kinesiology, and will have the opportunity to specialize in one of two areas.
The first area of specialization is to become a physical education (PE) teacher. In this path of study, you will receive your teacher certification through the State of Ohio. You will be qualified to teach physical education to students from preschool to 12th grade.
The classes you will take to become a PE teacher include:
- Concepts of Fitness and Wellness
- Lifespan Motor Development
- Introduction to Adapted Physical Activity
- Sociocultural Issues in Sport, Recreation & Physical Education
- Coaching the Young Athlete
Alternatively, you can choose to become a physical activity and coaching specialist. As a professional in this field, you will develop programs outside of school for students who are playing a sport or receiving other athletic training.
The classes you will take for this specialization include:
- Mental Performance for Youth Sports
- Leadership and Programming in Sports Industry
- Lifespan of Human Development
- Survey of Sports Medicine
Kinesiology Degree Career Prospects
There are multiple career paths that you will qualify for after obtaining a kinesiology degree. Below are some of the jobs available:
- Occupational Therapist
- Athletic Trainer
- PE Teacher
- Fitness Instructor
- Physical Therapist
- Sports Manager
Is a Kinesiology Degree in Your Future?
If you want to learn about the mechanics of how the body moves and are interested in entering any of the fields listed above, a kinesiology degree may be perfect for you. You could become a PE teacher, occupational therapist, athletic trainer, and more.
Kinesiology Degree FAQ
What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the study of human body movement and the mechanics behind it.
Can I become a gym teacher with a Kinesiology degree?
Yes. Some people who study kinesiology go on to teach physical education in schools.
How much does an athletic trainer get paid?
An athletic trainer in the United States makes an average of $48,440 per year.
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Is this a good field to get into?
Yes, it is. If you are looking to do any of the careers listed above, pursuing a kinesiology degree is a great place to start.
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