A degree in kinesiology, the scientific study of human movement, provides a gateway to a diverse range of career opportunities. Graduates find themselves prepared for roles across healthcare, corporate wellness, and athletic performance sectors. The curriculum equips students with a deep understanding of the human body. This versatility makes kinesiology an appealing field for those passionate about health, fitness, and human well-being.
What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the academic discipline focused on physical activity and its effect on health, society, and quality of life. A typical undergraduate program is built upon a strong scientific foundation, providing a comprehensive study of human movement. Students delve into the complexities of human anatomy and physiology, learning the structure and function of the body’s systems.
Another core area of study is biomechanics, which applies the principles of physics to analyze human motion. This helps students understand how forces influence movement efficiency and injury risk. Programs also emphasize motor control and learning, exploring how the nervous system governs and acquires physical skills.
The curriculum often includes exercise psychology, which examines the mental and emotional factors that influence physical activity and sports participation. This academic knowledge base prepares them for a wide array of professions centered on health and physical activity.
Direct Career Paths with a Bachelor’s Degree
Exercise Physiologist
An exercise physiologist designs and implements fitness programs for individuals, including those with chronic health conditions like heart or lung disease. They analyze a client’s medical history and conduct fitness assessments, such as stress tests, to determine the best exercise regimen. These professionals work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and wellness centers, helping people improve their overall health. The median annual salary for an exercise physiologist was reported as $58,160 in May 2024.
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Strength and conditioning coaches specialize in improving the athletic performance of individuals and teams. They design and supervise training programs focused on enhancing strength, speed, and endurance while minimizing injury risk. These coaches work in settings like university athletic departments, professional sports organizations, and private training facilities. The average salary for strength and conditioning coaches can range from approximately $60,527 to $84,575, with top earners in professional sports making over $100,000 annually.
Corporate Wellness Coordinator
A corporate wellness coordinator develops and manages health and wellness programs within a company. They organize fitness classes, conduct health assessments, and partner with other departments to foster a culture of well-being. These professionals work in an office environment, and their salary can range from $26,000 to $71,000, with an average of around $43,229 per year.
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers work one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their individual fitness goals. They design customized workout plans, provide instruction on proper exercise technique, and offer motivation and accountability. Personal trainers work in gyms, fitness centers, or may be self-employed, offering in-home or virtual training sessions. While a degree is beneficial, certifications from organizations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association are often pursued.
K-12 Physical Education Teacher
A K-12 physical education teacher educates students on the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. They develop lesson plans and instruct students in various sports, exercises, and health-related topics in a school setting. To work in public schools, a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field must be supplemented with a state-issued teaching license or certification. Median salaries for teachers vary by grade level, with elementary school teachers earning a median of $61,690 and high school teachers earning a median of $62,360.
Medical Device Sales Representative
A medical device sales representative sells medical equipment and products to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals. A kinesiology graduate’s in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and biomechanics is valuable for explaining and demonstrating specialized devices, such as orthopedic implants or surgical instruments. This role involves building relationships with medical staff, managing a sales territory, and providing product support, often including being present during surgical procedures. Average total compensation, including a base salary and commissions, can exceed $139,000 annually.
Careers Requiring Advanced Degrees
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries to improve their movement and manage pain. They examine patients and develop individualized treatment plans that may include exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques. To practice, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program is required, which takes three years to complete. After earning a DPT, graduates must pass a state licensure exam. The median annual salary for physical therapists was $101,020 in May 2024.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists (OTs) treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Becoming an OT requires a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree from an accredited program. All states require occupational therapists to be licensed, which involves passing the national certification exam. The median annual wage for this profession was $98,340 in May 2024.
Physician Assistant
A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who works as part of a team with a physician. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medication. Entry into this profession requires a master’s degree from an accredited PA program, which lasts about two to three years. Applicants often need a significant amount of direct patient care experience before applying to a program. The median annual salary for physician assistants was $133,260 in May 2024.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers (ATs) are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. They work with athletes at all levels, as well as in other settings like hospitals and clinics. A master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program is the standard educational requirement. Nearly all states require licensure or certification. The median annual wage for athletic trainers was $60,250 in May 2024.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine. To become a chiropractor, one must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited institution, a process that takes about four years after completing at least three years of undergraduate study. All states require chiropractors to be licensed, which includes passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam.
Key Skills Gained from a Kinesiology Degree
Students develop proficiency in patient and client assessment, learning how to evaluate human movement, function, and performance using scientific principles. This allows them to interpret data from fitness tests to make informed decisions. Based on these assessments, graduates are skilled in exercise prescription and program design. They learn to create tailored fitness and rehabilitation programs for diverse populations, from athletes seeking performance enhancement to patients recovering from injuries.
The curriculum also fosters strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are necessary for client counseling and education. Graduates can effectively relay complex information about health, physical activity, and wellness to individuals and groups, promoting behavioral change.
The Future Outlook for Kinesiology Careers
The career outlook for kinesiology graduates is strong, driven by a growing emphasis on preventative healthcare and wellness. This is increasing the need for professionals who can design programs that promote active and healthy lifestyles.
The aging of the population is a significant factor, creating more demand for therapeutic and rehabilitative services to help older adults maintain mobility and quality of life. In the corporate world, more companies are investing in employee wellness programs to improve productivity and reduce healthcare costs.
Advancements in sports science continue to fuel the need for experts in athletic training and performance optimization. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth for many associated careers, such as physical therapists and fitness trainers.