Kinesiology

Program Description

The B.S. in Kinesiology aligns with the values and strategic priorities of the College of Health that aims to prepare future leaders in challenging educational and occupational settings with a goal to improve the human healthspan. The Kinesiology major has three emphases: Exercise in Health and Disease, Movement Science, and Pre-Health Professions.

Exercise in Health and Disease emphasis:

Students in the Exercise in Health and Disease emphasis will gain the necessary content knowledge, critical thinking skills, and exercise programming skillset necessary to become a successful exercise professional, both in the applied and research contexts. Students will gain competence in working with all individuals (e.g., across the lifespan, apparently healthy, and individuals living with chronic disease). The skillset and knowledge attained from this emphasis are transferrable to other areas and positions in healthcare and health-related research.

Movement Science emphasis:

Students in the Movement Science Emphasis will gain a deeper, more structured understanding of how humans move, from neural control to mechanics, and how to assess movement in healthy and clinical populations. Students will gain transferable knowledge and skills in neurophysiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, and the analysis of human movement using new and emerging technology. These areas will enable students to pursue a wide range of future opportunities, including medical school, multidisciplinary graduate school programs, and industry.

Pre-Health Professions emphasis:

Students in the Pre-Health Professions emphasis will gain essential content in Kinesiology, addressing complex physiological, mechanical, sociological, psychological, and behavioral content through the lens of human movement.  The emphasis affords scheduling flexibility for students planning to pursue careers in healthcare, such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, dietetics, pharmacology, audiology, speech and language pathology, and recreational therapy.

The Student Experience

We encourage students to engage with their campus community through student cohort programs and events to enhance their career growth. Students can access these opportunities via Campus Connect by logging in with their CIS account. Our campus features various healthcare-related clubs, including Medical, Dental, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant clubs, which provide valuable networking and professional development opportunities. For those interested in volunteer work, the Bennion Center offers community-engaged learning courses, a volunteer registration form, certificates, a scholars program, and events covering a range of public health themes. As part of the Kinesiology program, students are expected to complete a capstone project, supervised internship, or research independent study, depending on their chosen emphasis. For more information, we recommend contacting an academic advisor in kinesiology.

Career Opportunities

We encourage students to conduct their research for their preferred graduate program or career path. Preparation is key, and notifying their advisor of their future endeavors assists with four-year course planning to reach a student's goals.

Examples of careers students in kinesiology often choose include: Athletic Trainer, Chiropractor, Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist, Kinesiology Researcher, Medical Doctor, Medical Sales, Personal Trainer, and many more! 

More Info

• Department of Health and Kinesiology
• College of Health
• Department Advising
• U Career Success

Catalog

• Kinesiology BS

Exploratory Classes

• KINES 2500 - Foundations of Kinesiology