Kinesiology is the scientific discipline dedicated to the study of human movement and its impact on health, performance, and function across the lifespan. A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in this field establishes a comprehensive understanding of how the body moves, adapts, and performs under various conditions. This degree serves as a versatile credential, opening pathways to immediate entry into the health and wellness workforce or providing a robust academic foundation for pursuing advanced clinical and research degrees. Graduates can shape careers in diverse settings, ranging from corporate environments and community health programs to specialized sports performance laboratories and clinical rehabilitation facilities.
Foundational Knowledge Gained
The Kinesiology curriculum provides a rigorous, science-based education that integrates multiple fields to explain the mechanics and physiology of human activity. Students gain an in-depth understanding of human anatomy and physiology, detailing the structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. This biological knowledge forms the basis for analyzing all forms of movement.
A core component of the degree is exercise physiology, which examines how the body responds and adapts to physical stress, including the metabolic, hormonal, and respiratory changes that occur during and after exercise. This specialization is fundamental for designing safe and effective physical activity programs. Graduates also study biomechanics, applying the laws of physics and mechanics to analyze human motion and understand the forces acting on the body.
The study of motor control and learning focuses on the neurological and behavioral aspects of movement, including how the central nervous system plans, executes, and refines motor skills. This sub-discipline explores the processes by which individuals acquire new physical abilities or recover movement following injury or disease.
Direct Career Paths After Graduation
Fitness and Wellness Coach
Fitness and Wellness Coaches often work in commercial gyms, private training studios, or community recreation centers. Training in exercise physiology and biomechanics enables these professionals to design individualized and scientifically sound training regimens for clients seeking general fitness or sport-specific goals. While certification is common, the bachelor’s degree is often accepted as the primary qualification for entry-level positions. Coaches perform fitness assessments, provide instruction on proper exercise technique, and offer guidance on behavior change strategies to foster long-term adherence.
Health Educator and Promoter
Health Educators and Promoters work in public health departments, non-profit organizations, or community outreach programs. These roles focus on designing and implementing educational programs aimed at improving population health outcomes through lifestyle interventions. Professionals develop materials and conduct workshops on topics such as injury prevention, physical activity guidelines, and managing chronic diseases through exercise. Their understanding of behavioral science, combined with knowledge of exercise and nutrition, allows them to craft effective messaging and programs.
Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy Aide
Working as an aide is a common entry-level position that provides clinical experience for graduates planning to pursue advanced degrees in allied health. In this supportive, non-licensed role, the graduate assists licensed therapists by managing the clinic flow and preparing the treatment environment. Duties include cleaning and setting up equipment, transporting patients, and performing routine clerical tasks like scheduling and inventory management. Aides may also assist with basic prescribed treatments, such as applying heat or ice packs, or helping monitor a patient’s form during simple exercises, all under the direct supervision of a licensed therapist.
Biomechanics and Human Performance Technician
Graduates interested in the technical application of movement science can find roles as technicians in research laboratories, specialized sports facilities, or product development companies. These positions focus on the precise measurement and analysis of human motion using specialized equipment. A technician’s work involves setting up and operating motion capture systems, electromyography (EMG) equipment, and force plates to collect objective data on movement patterns. The data collected is then used to optimize athletic technique, design protective equipment, or contribute to academic research.
Corporate Wellness Specialist
The Corporate Wellness Specialist works within large companies to manage employee health and productivity programs. This role involves designing initiatives that address the health challenges of a sedentary workforce. Responsibilities include conducting health risk assessments, organizing fitness challenges, and designing and managing onsite fitness facilities or recreational programs. Specialists often perform ergonomic assessments of workstations, applying biomechanical knowledge to reduce musculoskeletal injury risk.
Roles Requiring Specialized Certification
Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS)
A Strength and Conditioning Coach works with athletes to improve physical performance, reduce injury risk, and enhance sport-specific skills. While the bachelor’s degree provides foundational knowledge, working with high-level athletes typically requires the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential. This certification, administered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), validates the ability to design and implement comprehensive resistance training and conditioning programs. The role demands an advanced understanding of periodization, exercise technique, and nutritional strategies specific to competitive sport.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
A Clinical Exercise Physiologist works in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital, cardiac rehabilitation center, or chronic disease management clinic. This role requires a specific certification, such as the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). These professionals use exercise physiology knowledge to perform graded exercise testing and develop tailored exercise prescriptions for individuals with chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or pulmonary conditions. The goal is to manage the patient’s disease, improve functional capacity, and promote long-term health behavior change.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Technician
The Orthotics and Prosthetics Technician role is a highly technical, hands-on position that requires specialized training and often certification. These technicians are responsible for the fabrication, assembly, and repair of custom-made medical devices, including artificial limbs (prostheses) and supportive braces (orthoses). They work closely with a certified Orthotist or Prosthetist, utilizing tools, materials, and machinery to ensure the final product meets the patient’s anatomical and functional specifications.
Advanced Education and Clinical Pathways
Physical Therapist (DPT)
The Kinesiology degree is a common and effective undergraduate preparation for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Kinesiology coursework often includes all the required science prerequisites, such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics, aligning with DPT admission requirements. The focus on human movement, musculoskeletal function, and rehabilitation principles provides an advantage in understanding the advanced concepts of physical therapy practice. Graduates often fulfill the clinical observation hours needed for DPT application while working as a Physical Therapy Aide.
Occupational Therapist (OTD or MOT)
The Kinesiology background is a strong foundation for pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. While Physical Therapy focuses on improving mobility and function, Occupational Therapy focuses on helping patients engage in daily activities, or “occupations.” The Kinesiology emphasis on motor control, human development, and the psychological aspects of physical activity prepares graduates to understand the functional limitations and adaptations required for OT practice.
Physician Assistant and Medical School
For students interested in becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) or a physician (MD or DO), the Kinesiology degree is a viable pre-medical path. The science requirements within a Kinesiology degree, often including organic chemistry and biochemistry, satisfy the academic prerequisites for medical and PA schools. The degree’s focus on clinical anatomy, human performance, and exercise prescription provides a framework for understanding the mechanisms of disease and the role of lifestyle in patient health.
Education and Research
Kinesiology graduates who want to contribute to the academic or scientific understanding of human movement often pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a sub-discipline like Exercise Science, Biomechanics, or Motor Neuroscience. Advanced study prepares individuals for careers in academia, where they teach and conduct specialized research. Research roles involve investigating topics such as the neural basis of movement, the efficacy of exercise interventions for chronic diseases, or the optimization of sports performance technology.