What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
Updated April 10, 2024
What is Kinesiology?
A kinesiology degree can lead to a rewarding career spent using exercise techniques to improve people's lives. If you're an extrovert with a love of fitness and a career in the health sciences interests you, consider pursuing a degree in kinesiology. Kinesiology is the study of the body's movement. Kinesiology specialists use their knowledge of human physiology and movement to help recover patients' mobility and improve their lives through exercise.
Read on to learn more about how earning a kinesiology degree can launch your career in an expanding and fulfilling field.
What Kinds of Kinesiology Degrees Are There?
Aspiring professionals can pursue kinesiology degrees at every education level. Learners at the bachelor's level can obtain athletic trainer certification, while others enter doctoral programs to pursue research related to kinesiology and exercise science.
Associate Degree in Kinesiology
An associate in kinesiology is best suited to those pursing entry-level work in the fitness training industry. The degree generally takes 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether you take courses at a full- or part-time pace. Coursework explores introductory anatomy and physiology, exercise science, and psychology.
Graduates of kinesiology associate programs can transition directly to working as fitness consultants, personal trainers, and fitness instructors. With additional training, they can also work as massage therapists and physical therapists.
Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology
A bachelor's in kinesiology, which typically takes four years to complete, goes into further depth on the study of human movement and exercise than an associate degree. Students explore how fitness trainers, physical education educators, and therapists use exercise as a form of medicine.
Coursework covers topics like principles of motor skills, women's health and exercise across the lifespan, and exercise physiology. Concentrations include integrative physiology, physical education, and health and fitness leadership.
A bachelor's program is best suited to students who want to become certified athletic trainers or work as physical education teachers. Bachelor's degree-holders can work in community recreation and clinical settings, pursuing more specialized, education-related roles than fitness trainers who only hold associate degrees.
Best Kinesiology Programs
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT - 4 years
- Campus
Brigham Young University, a private research university, is based in Provo, Utah. Its undergraduate and graduate degrees are comprehensive and cover many academic fields. The programs at BYU are tailored to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in competitive industries.
The school enrolls 36,461 students and provides a vibrant and diverse campus community that promotes academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The admission rate at the university is 69%, and the graduation rate is 75%.
Tuition rates vary based on the degree level. Annual tuition for undergraduates averages $5,970, while graduate degree-seekers pay an average of $7,510 per year for their tuition
Brigham Young University provides a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. About 71% of learners receive some form of financial aid, and 13% of enrollees use loans to finance their education.
#2 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ohio State University, a public research university, is located in Columbus. The school provides undergraduate and graduate degree options, such as a master of science in kinesiology. Students at OSU can expect to receive field-specific training that prepares them to excel in today's demanding kinesiology field.
With 61,369 enrollees, this institution offers a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. At this institution, there is one faculty member for every 19 participants. The admission rate is 68%, and the graduation rate is 87%.
The cost of tuition varies depending on whether the learner is a state resident. Graduate degree-seekers pay $11,560 per year for in-state tuition and $36,276 for out-of-state tuition.
Scholarships, grants, and loans are among the financial aid options available to students. The average financial aid package comes to $8,412. About 84% of enrollees receive some form of financial aid, while 34% take out loans to finance their education.
#3 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Columbia University in the City of New York, a private research university, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of academic fields. The school's Ph.D. in kinesiology provides graduates with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the evolving industry.
The school's 30,135 enrollees benefit from a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The institution has one professor for every six attendees. The selective university has a 7% admission rate and a 96% graduation rate.
Undergraduates pay an average of $57,864 in annual tuition. Columbia University in the City of New York provides financial assistance in various forms, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. About 58% of students receive some form of financial aid, and 19% of learners take out loans to finance their education.
#4 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Michigan, a public research university in Ann Arbor, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across many academic fields. Individuals pursuing their bachelor of science in applied exercise science at U-M can expect to receive comprehensive training that prepares them to thrive in the workforce.
The school educates 47,907 enrollees and provides its learners with a vibrant and diverse campus community that promotes academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. At this institution, there is one faculty member for every 11 attendees. The admission rate is 26%, while the graduation rate is 93%.
Tuition varies depending on whether the student is a state resident. For undergraduates, annual in-state tuition costs $16,520, while out-of-state tuition is $53,669.
Scholarships, grants, and loans are among the financial aid options available to degree-seekers. The average financial aid package amounts to $13,113. About 66% of students receive some form of financial aid, and 29% of learners take out loans to finance their education.
#5 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas at Austin, a public research university, delivers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school's Ph.D. in exercise physiology provides graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in kinesiology-related careers.
With a student population of 50,476, the university offers a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. At this institution, there is one faculty member for every 17 attendees. The school has a 32% admission rate and an 88% graduation rate.
Enrollees' residency status determines their tuition rates. For graduate degree-seekers, annual in-state tuition averages $12,028, while out-of-state tuition costs $22,886 on average.
The University of Texas at Austin provides a variety of financial aid options for learners, including scholarships, grants, and loans. On average, financial aid awarded is about $10,474. Nearly 66% of students are granted some form of financial assistance, and 30% borrow money to cover their tuition fees.
#6 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Southern California, a private research university, is based in Los Angeles. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a master of science in biokinesiology. The MS program equips graduates with the skills needed to excel in the competitive kinesiology industry.
The student population, comprising 46,287 learners, benefits from a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. At this institution, there is one faculty member for every nine participants. The admission rate is 16%, and the graduation rate is 92%.
Graduate students pay $47,880 per year for tuition, regardless of residency status. The University of Southern California provides a variety of financial aid options for degree-seekers, including scholarships, grants, and loans. About 70% of students receive some form of financial aid, and 26% of enrollees use loans to finance their education.
#7 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Wisconsin–Madison
Madison, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide array of academic fields. The university's bachelor of science in kinesiology program empowers participants with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the evolving industry.
The school caters to 44,640 students and provides a vibrant and diverse campus community that promotes academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The institution has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16-to-1. The admission rate is 57%, and the graduation rate is 88%.
The tuition rate is based on the enrollee's residency status. For undergraduates, the yearly cost of in-state tuition is $9,273, and out-of-state tuition costs $37,161.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison provides a variety of financial aid options for learners, including scholarships, grants, and loans. On average, financial aid awarded amounts to $12,307. About 58% of degree-seekers receive some form of financial aid, and 27% take out loans to finance their education.
#8 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The United States Military Academy at West Point
West Point, NY - 4 years
- Campus
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a public research university located in New York. The school offers undergraduate degrees in a variety of academic fields, including kinesiology. Participants can expect to receive comprehensive training that prepares them to thrive in today's competitive kinesiology field.
The school caters to 4,536 students and provides a vibrant and diverse campus community that promotes academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The institution has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7-to-1. The admission rate is 9%, while the graduation rate is 85%.
the United States Military Academy at West Point provides financial assistance in various forms, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Prospective applicants can learn more about the options available to them, along with the eligibility requirements, by contact the financial aid office.
#9 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degree options in a variety of academic fields. The university's master of science in kinesiology helps students gain the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the evolving kinesiology field.
With 39,147 enrollees, this institution offers a vibrant and diverse campus community that strives for academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The student-to-faculty ratio at this institution is 17-to-1. The school has a 48% admission rate and an 87% graduation rate.
Tuition costs vary depending on whether the learner is an in-state or out-of-state resident. The yearly cost of tuition for graduate degree-seekers is $8,878 for in-state students and $25,186 for their out-of-state peers.
The University of Georgia provides financial assistance in various forms, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. The average financial aid amount awarded is $10,765. About 92% of students receive some form of financial aid, and 30% of learners take out loans to finance their education.
#10 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, a public research university, can be found in Edinburg. The school's undergraduate and graduate programs are comprehensive and cover many academic fields, including kinesiology. Individuals pursuing the bachelor of science in kinesiology can expect to receive high-level training that prepares them to excel in the kinesiology field.
With a student population of 32,441, the school provides a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. At this institution, there is one faculty member for every 21 attendees. The admission rate is 82%, and the graduation rate is 47%.
Tuition rates vary depending on whether the enrollee is a state resident. For undergraduates, annual in-state tuition costs $7,233, while out-of-state tuition is $17,049.
Learners at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have access to financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. The average financial aid package comes to $9,910. Approximately 95% of degree-seekers receive assistance to pay for their education, and 34% take out loans.
#11 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Virginia, a public research university, is based in Charlottesville. The school provides undergraduate and graduate degree options that span many academic fields. Students pursuing the B.S.Ed. in kinesiology can expect to receive comprehensive training in the field.
With a student population of 25,628, the university offers a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15-to-1. The admission rate is 23%, and the graduation rate is 94%.
The cost of tuition differs depending on whether the degree-seeker is a state resident. Annual in-state tuition for undergraduates is $15,772, whereas out-of-state tuition costs $49,819.
Financial aid options at the University of Virginia include scholarships, grants, and loans. On average, $15,051 in financial aid is awarded. About 60% of enrollees receive some form of financial aid, and 25% take out loans to finance their education.
#12 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in many academic fields. Students pursuing the bachelor of science in kinesiology can expect to receive comprehensive training that prepares them to thrive in the kinesiology field.
The school caters to 52,679 attendees and provides them with a vibrant and diverse campus community that promotes academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. At this institution, there is one faculty member for every 20 participants. The admission rate is 63%, and the graduation rate is 86%.
The cost of tuition varies depending on whether the enrollee is a state resident. The annual cost of undergraduate tuition is $14,317 for in-state learners and $33,824 for their out-of-state peers.
Scholarships, grants, and loans are among the financial aid options available to degree-seekers. The average financial aid awarded is $16,785. Nearly 70% of students receive some form of financial assistance, and 34% borrow money to cover their tuition fees.
#13 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, a public research institution, is based in Minneapolis. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in many academic fields. Individuals pursuing the kinesiology Ph.D. can expect to receive exceptional training that prepares them for high-level roles in the field.
With a student population of 52,017, the school provides a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The student-to-faculty ratio at this institution is 17-to-1. The admission rate is 70%, while the graduation rate is 84%.
Each enrollee's residency status determines their tuition rate. Graduate degree-seekers pay an average of $17,580 for in-state tuition or $27,204 for out-of-state tuition each year.
Scholarships, grants, and loans are among the financial aid options offered to learners. The average financial aid package comes to $9,917. About 80% of students receive some form of financial funding, and 37% take out loans to finance their education.
#14 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Texas A&M University is a public research university located in College Station that delivers undergraduate and graduate programs. The bachelor of science in kinesiology program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field.
With a student population of 70,418, the university offers a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The student-to-faculty ratio at this institution is 19-to-1. The school has a 63% admission rate and an 83% graduation rate.
Tuition rates vary based on the enrollee's residency status. For undergraduate learners, annual in-state tuition costs $8,395, while out-of-state tuition is $36,849 per year.
Degree-seekers at Texas A&M University can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans. The average amount of financial aid awarded is $10,039. Approximately 81% of students receive financial assistance, and 30% of learners take out loans.
#15 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Utah is a public research university located in Salt Lake City. The school provides undergraduate programs in many disciplines, including a bachelor of science in health and kinesiology. The bachelor's program equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive industry.
With a student population of 33,081, the school provides students with a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The student-to-faculty ratio at this institution is 17-to-1. The admission rate is 79%, and the graduation rate is 67%.
The university offers varied tuition rates based on residency status. Annual undergraduate tuition costs $7,412 for in-state students and $26,017 for their out-of-state peers.
The University of Utah provides a variety of financial aid options for learners, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The average financial aid amount awarded is $7,560. Nearly 87% of degree-seekers are granted some form of financial assistance, and 28% of enrollees borrow money to cover their tuition fees.
#16 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida International University is a public research university located in Miami. The school provides undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a master's in kinesiology and exercise science. The MS program prepares attendees to succeed in the challenging exercise science industry.
The student population comprises 58,836 learners, who benefit from a vibrant and diverse campus community fostering academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The student-to-faculty ratio at this institution is 25-to-1. The admission rate is 58%, while the graduation rate is 67%.
FIU offers different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state residents. Graduate degree-seekers pay $8,912 for in-state tuition or $21,393 for out-of-state tuition each year.
Florida International University provides financial assistance in various forms, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. The average financial aid package amounts to $9,917. Approximately 94% of students receive assistance to pay for their education, and 26% of learners take out loans.
#17 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
Rutgers University–New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rutgers University–New Brunswick is a public research university located in New Jersey. The school offers a bachelor of science in exercise science that helps enrollees gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive industry.
The school enrolls 50,411 students and provides them with a vibrant and diverse campus community that promotes academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The student-to-faculty ratio at this institution is 16-to-1. The admission rate is 67%, while the graduation rate is 84%.
Each learner's residency status determines their tuition rate. For undergraduates, the yearly cost of in-state tuition is $12,230, and out-of-state tuition costs $29,012.
Degree-seekers at Rutgers University–New Brunswick have access to financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. The average financial aid awarded is $14,289. Approximately 66% of students receive assistance to pay for their education, and 45% of enrollees take out loans.
#18 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of Saint Katherine
San Marcos, CA - 4 years
- Campus
The University of Saint Katherine is a private research institution located in San Marcos, California. Undergraduate degrees are available in many academic fields, including kinesiology. The bachelor of science in kinesiology equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the challenging exercise science industry.
The school educates 249 attendees and provides a vibrant and diverse campus community that promotes academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1.
In-state and out-of-state degree-seekers pay the same tuition rate. Undergraduate tuition costs $24,900 per year.
The University of Saint Katherine provides a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Nearly 100% of enrollees receive some form of financial assistance, and 70% borrow money to cover tuition fees.
#19 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Laie, HI - 4 years
- Campus
Brigham Young University–Hawaii, a private research institution, is based in Laie. The school offers a bachelor of science in exercise and sport science. Enrollees can expect to receive exceptional training that prepares them to excel in the demanding field.
With a student population of 3,180, the school provides students with a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. The student-to-faculty ratio at this institution is 16-to-1. The school has a 75% admission rate and a 67% graduation rate.
The annual cost of tuition for undergraduate degree-seekers is $5,890, regardless of state residency.
Attendees of Brigham Young University–Hawaii have access to financial aid options including scholarships and loans. About 79% of students receive some form of financial aid, and 12% of learners take out loans to finance their education.
#20 What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
The University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of South Florida is a public research university located in Tampa. The school's undergraduate and graduate programs are comprehensive and cover many academic fields. The master of science in exercise science provides attendees with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive field.
With a student population of 50,626, the institution offers a vibrant and diverse campus community that fosters academic excellence, social engagement, and personal growth. At this institution, there is one faculty member for every 22 participants. The admission rate is 49%, while the graduation rate is 74%.
Each student's residency status determines their tuition rate. For graduate degree-seekers, in-state tuition costs $8,350 per year, while out-of-state tuition costs $19,048.
Learners at the University of South Florida can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans. The average financial aid package amounts to $10,924. Approximately 92% of students receive financial assistance to pay for their education, and 31% of enrollees take out loans.
How We Rank Schools
Expert staff at TheBestSchools.org ranked kinesiology education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
We reserve the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This ranking is from 2023. For more about how we evaluate and rank education programs, read our full ranking methodology.
Featured Online Kinesiology Programs
Master's Degree in Kinesiology
Many future coaches, sports administrators, and certified trainers have master's degrees in kinesiology, which usually take 2-3 years to earn. This degree covers the clinical aspects of exercise science, kinesiology, and physiology, along with advanced sports medicine topics.
Coursework explores advanced biomechanics of human motion, issues in athletic training, and the history and philosophy of sports. Concentrations include sports management, exercise physiology, and sports medicine.
A master's in kinesiology prepares learners for employment as strength and training coaches, athletic program administrators, and exercise physiologists. The degree is often a minimum qualification for working as a coach or athletic administrator. Graduates can also pursue postgraduate study in kinesiology and physical therapy.
Doctoral Degree in Kinesiology
Students interested in research, education, and other advanced topics in kinesiology can pursue doctoral degrees in kinesiology. A doctoral kinesiology degree takes four years to complete and covers advanced topics in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and research methods for kinesiology.
Students can pursue specializations like motor control, rehabilitation science, or sports psychology. The degree also requires a research-based dissertation. Graduates with doctoral degrees in kinesiology are prepared for highly specialized work as sports psychologists, kinesiology research scientists, and university professors.
While many of these positions are in academia, sports psychologists can also work in the professional sports industry. The degree can also prepare graduates for executive-level sports administration careers.
Kinesiology Licensure
At the moment, there is no widely recognized general licensure for kinesiology professionals. However, several career areas encompassed by kinesiology do have specific licensure requirements.
For instance, athletic trainers need to obtain licensure to work. In nearly every state, athletic trainers must secure licensure by earning the certified athletic trainer credential from the Board of Certification or completing a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Many undergraduate kinesiology majors eventually pursue work as physical therapists, which requires a doctoral degree and licensure. However, students pursuing this route need doctorates in physical therapy. A doctorate in kinesiology does not prepare graduates for physical therapy licensure.
What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
Kinesiology is a versatile area of study that prepares professionals for many different career options. For some, the degree provides a credential to pursue work in physical education, while others find employment as athletic directors. Some undergraduates treat kinesiology as a pre-med major.
The following section details the most common career paths chosen by kinesiology degree-holders, many of which relate directly to health services.
Kinesiology Specializations and Career Paths
Kinesiology careers are usually related to fitness, sports, or health and wellness. Here are some common career paths for kinesiology graduates.
Exercise and Fitness
Most kinesiology graduates use their degrees to build careers in exercise and fitness, helping people meet fitness goals. Many graduates become personal trainers, working one-on-one with clients. Graduates with more experience might want to pursue careers as exercise physiologists, helping people recover from injuries or illnesses.
- Personal Trainer: Personal trainers help clients meet fitness goals through exercise and lifestyle changes.
- Fitness Instructor: These professionals teach exercise routines to large groups of clients at health clubs, gyms, and similar settings.
- Fitness Manager: These managers direct the activities of employees at health clubs, gyms, and similar settings.
- Exercise Physiologist: Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise regimens for people recovering from injuries and illnesses.
- Club Manager: Club managers own or operate health clubs and gyms, often designing the services offered and directing employee activities.
Sports and Coaching
A kinesiology degree is also relevant to the field of sports and coaching. Many kinesiology majors work for professional sports teams as coaches, where their knowledge of human bodily capability comes in handy. They may also work as athletic directors, overseeing budget and management concerns for schools' athletic departments.
- Assistant Coach: These coaches fulfill administrative and supervisory duties, working underneath a head coach. They may specialized in a particular skill related to their sport.
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: A strength and conditioning coach designs and supervises strength and conditioning programs for athletes, either as individuals or as a group.
- Head Coach: These professionals are the main strategists for their teams, providing support to their players, building training and recruiting programs, and designing effective plays for game day.
- Certified Athletic Trainer: A certified athletic trainer collaborates with sports physicians to help athletes recover from injuries and improve their fitness.
- Athletic Director: These professionals coordinate and oversee all athletic activities of an organization, such as a postsecondary school, public nonprofit, or club.
Health and Wellness
Kinesiology degrees can also translate to employment in the health and wellness field. Many corporate and public companies employ wellness consultants to help ensure workers' happiness. A kinesiology major's foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and nutrition allows them to educate and directly help people by fostering healthy daily practices.
- Corporate Wellness Coordinator: Wellness coordinators and consultants coordinate physical activities for the benefit of a company's employees. This can include organizing wellness retreats or implementing employee exercise programs.
- Community Health Worker: These workers usually find employment in nonprofits and health services organizations, conducting outreach for underserved populations.
- Health Coach: A health coach advises clients on how to foster healthy habits in their everyday lives.
- Public Health Educator: These professionals educate communities on healthy life habits and practices, often working in schools, nonprofits, and health service centers.
- Health Services Manager: A health services manager performs administrative duties for health services centers, departments, or clinics.
What Kind of Salary Can I Earn With a Kinesiology Degree?
Kinesiology jobs offer modest earnings at the entry level, with the potential for greater earnings upon moving into administrative positions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that fitness trainers and instructors earned a median salary of $45,380, while sports managers made more than twice that at $120,100.
Entry-level kinesiology jobs remain in high demand. For instance, BLS data projects that employment for fitness trainers will grow by 14% from 2022-2032 — substantially faster than the national average.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (2022-2032) |
Typical Degree Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness Trainers and Instructors | $45,380 | 14% | High School Diploma or Equivalent |
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,890 | 9% | Bachelor's |
| Athletic Trainers | $53,840 | 14% | Bachelor's |
| Exercise Physiologists | $51,350 | 10% | Bachelor's |
| Sports Managers | $120,100 | 4% | Bachelor's |
Advanced Degree Career Paths
Your options for what to do with your kinesiology degree will expand if you are open to pursuing education outside of kinesiology. The following career paths require additional education beyond a kinesiology degree, though they use the same building blocks.
Rehabilitation
Many kinesiology majors pursue work in rehabilitation therapy as physical therapists, occupational therapists, or chiropractors.
- Physical Therapist: These professionals help people manage and overcome injuries and chronic conditions using exercise, special equipment, and massage therapy. You need a doctorate in physical therapy to work as a licensed physical therapist.
- Occupational Therapist: This type of therapist helps clients manage limited mobility due to chronic conditions and disability. Candidates need a master's in occupational therapy to work as a licensed occupational therapist.
- Chiropractor: A chiropractor manipulates the spinal column and other joints to help restore people to proper skeletal alignment and health. A doctor of chiropractics degree is required to work as a licensed chiropractor.
Nutrition
Because kinesiology and nutrition both fall under the health sciences classification, many kinesiology graduates transition into becoming nutritionists, dietitians, and nutrition therapists.
- Nutritionists: These professionals advise people on dietary strategies to help build healthy lifestyles. They usually hold bachelor's degrees in nutrition and must complete clinical requirements to obtain licensure.
- Dietitian: Dietitians help people who are struggling to maintain a healthy weight. These specialists need bachelor's degrees in dietetics and completed clinical hours to obtain licensure.
- Nutritional Therapist: These therapists help people improve their mental and physical health by assessing their nutritional needs. They usually hold bachelor's degrees in nutrition and must complete clinical hours to obtain licensure.
Medicine
A kinesiology degree can serve as a pre-med qualification for certain careers in medicine, such as sports medicine, sports psychology, and pharmacology.
- Sports Physicians: A sports physician treats athletes recovering from serious injuries. They must earn a doctor of medicine degree to practice.
- Sports Psychologists: Sports psychologists help athletes cope with stress and the pressures of high-level competition. They need a doctoral degree in psychology to practice.
- Pharmacist: Pharmacists advise patients on the safe use of medical drugs. These health providers need doctoral degrees in pharmacology to practice.
Teaching
Kinesiology degree graduates can also find work as educators in a variety of settings, usually in physical education or related subjects.
- Physical Education Teacher: A physical education teacher teaches K-12 students about sports, safe exercise, and team values. Most physical education teachers need teaching licensure to teach K-12, especially in public schools.
- University Professor: Earning a postgraduate kinesiology degree can lead to employment as a university professor specializing in kinesiology. These professors need teaching licenses, and they usually have doctoral degrees in kinesiology.
- Outdoor Adventure Teacher: These teachers help people enjoy recreational outdoor activities while safely staying within their limits. They need extensive outdoor experience and fitness to work in this position.
Accreditation for Kinesiology Programs
All students should ensure the accreditation status of their prospective programs before applying. Currently, CAAHEP handles programmatic accreditation for kinesiology programs. Attending a kinesiology program with CAAHEP accreditation guarantees that you receive a high-quality, hard-science-based education. Graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited program is a prerequisite for professional certification as an athletic trainer.
Questions About Kinesiology Degrees
What Does a Kinesiologist Do?
Kinesiologists study the biomechanical processes of the body, exploring how managing those processes can contribute to human health. They then prescribe exercise-related practices as medicine for their clients.
What's the Difference Between Kinesiology and Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy requires a doctoral degree and applies exercise, use of special equipment, hands-on therapy, and medical imaging to improve patient mobility and treat specific problems. Kinesiology also uses exercise activities to promote wellness, but it is more holistic, addressing general movement issues. Kinesiology does not require a doctoral degree.
Is a Degree in Kinesiology Worth It?
If using exercise and movement education as a tool to help people interests you, a degree in kinesiology may lead to a fulfilling career.
Is a Degree in Kinesiology Hard?
Earning a kinesiology degree does not involve as much of the hard sciences as other health science degrees, but it does require an interest in human anatomy and biology. Successful kinesiology majors usually have a good grasp on social science and work well with people.
What Kinesiology Jobs Make the Most Money?
The highest-earning jobs in kinesiology are administrative positions in sports, fitness, and health and wellness, such as sports managers, fitness managers, and athletic directors.
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