Kinesiology
Human movement, exercise science, sports medicine, and biomechanics.
Who It's For
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.
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
Common Coursework
Study mechanics, forces, energy, and motion — the foundation for understanding biomechanics.
Survey life science from cells to ecosystems — genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology.
Study atoms, bonding, reactions, and equilibrium — the foundational chemistry for all sciences.
Study every body system in detail — structure, function, and how organs work together.
Analyze forces on bones, joints, and tissues to design implants and understand movement.
Study how the body responds and adapts to exercise at the cellular and organ level.
Examine how the brain plans, executes, and refines movement skills through practice.
Design experiments and analyze data on human movement, exercise, and sports performance.
Analyze data using probability, distributions, and hypothesis tests for research and experiments.
Learn how diet fuels athletic performance — macronutrients, hydration, and meal timing strategies.
Study mental factors like motivation, anxiety, and focus that affect athletic performance.
Prevent, assess, and rehabilitate sports injuries using taping, bracing, and therapeutic exercises.
Design evidence-based training programs to build strength, power, speed, and endurance.
Common Next Steps
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Is Kinesiology right for you?
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