Kinesiology

HealthBachelor's4 Years

Human movement, exercise science, sports medicine, and biomechanics.

Who It's For

Good Fit

You love sports, exercise, and understanding how the human body moves. If you are physically active, interested in anatomy and biomechanics, and want a career in sports medicine, physical therapy, athletic training, or fitness, kinesiology aligns your passions with your studies. Students who enjoy both the science of movement and hands-on work with athletes or patients thrive here.

×Consider Alternatives

If you are primarily interested in playing sports rather than studying the science behind them, kinesiology's heavy anatomy and physiology coursework may surprise you. Students who dislike biology or prefer desk-based work should consider other health-related degrees.

How Your High School Classes Connect

How much each subject matters in this degree

Biology
Core
Chemistry
Helpful
Physics
Helpful
Math
Helpful
English
Minor

Common Coursework

General Physics
ModerateReq

Study mechanics, forces, energy, and motion — the foundation for understanding biomechanics.

General Biology
ModerateReq

Survey life science from cells to ecosystems — genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology.

General Chemistry
ModerateReq

Study atoms, bonding, reactions, and equilibrium — the foundational chemistry for all sciences.

Anatomy & Physiology I & II
DemandingReq

Study every body system in detail — structure, function, and how organs work together.

Biomechanics
ToughReq

Analyze forces on bones, joints, and tissues to design implants and understand movement.

Exercise Physiology
ToughReq

Study how the body responds and adapts to exercise at the cellular and organ level.

Motor Learning & Control
ModerateReq

Examine how the brain plans, executes, and refines movement skills through practice.

Research Methods in Kinesiology
ModerateReq

Design experiments and analyze data on human movement, exercise, and sports performance.

Statistics
ModerateReq

Analyze data using probability, distributions, and hypothesis tests for research and experiments.

Sports Nutrition
ModerateElec

Learn how diet fuels athletic performance — macronutrients, hydration, and meal timing strategies.

Sport Psychology
ModerateElec

Study mental factors like motivation, anxiety, and focus that affect athletic performance.

Athletic Training
ModerateElec

Prevent, assess, and rehabilitate sports injuries using taping, bracing, and therapeutic exercises.

Strength & Conditioning
ModerateElec

Design evidence-based training programs to build strength, power, speed, and endurance.

Common Next Steps

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)Master's in Exercise ScienceMaster's in Athletic Training

Brightest = most common path

Job Market Outlook

6/9related careers have positive growth outlook
Strong Growth×4Stable×3Moderate Growth×2

Is Kinesiology right for you?

Take our free 20-minute assessment to find out if kinesiology matches your personality, interests, and strengths.

Take the Free Assessment