What Is a Kinesiology Degree?

With more than 3.5 million children and teens injured each year while playing organized sports — nearly one-third of all childhood injuries, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine — it’s no wonder people are interested in a kinesiology education and careers in movement science. So, what is a kinesiology degree, and how do program graduates help athletes and others reduce pain, improve performance, and enhance overall health? 

This guide explores kinesiology degree programs and potential careers in the field to help students understand the skills they’ll gain and the opportunities available after graduation.

What Does a Kinesiology Degree Program Entail?

Kinesiology, at its core, refers to the scientific study of movement. In the context of higher education, it’s an interdisciplinary field that examines how and why people move, the effects of movement on the body, and ways to improve performance or recovery. Subfields include biomechanics (how the body’s structure affects movement), exercise physiology (how the body responds to physical activity), motor development (how movement skills evolve across the lifespan), and sports medicine (preventing and treating injuries). 

A kinesiology degree is a blending of theory with practice. Students gain a foundation in the science of movement while building hands-on skills to support people of all ages, from helping infants develop motor coordination to guiding athletes through injury rehabilitation. Coursework and applied learning prepare graduates to design fitness programs, evaluate movement techniques, and address health or performance challenges in real-world settings.

Key learning outcomes of a kinesiology degree program include:

• Mastery of core kinesiology theories in practical settings
• Proficiency in teaching, leadership, and facilitation within kinesiology settings
• Practical experience through supervised, hands-on experience
• Competence in assessing sports facilities and programs for risk and safety, with the ability to recommend mitigation strategies
• Expertise in designing fitness programs tailored to specific health and wellness goals

Subject Areas and Sample Coursework

Kinesiology is a diverse field that covers many different areas of movement, such as sports psychology, motor skill development, and biomechanics. Kinesiology programs often start with a broad study in related fields, along with liberal arts and physical education courses. Courses may include: 

• Human Biology
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Kinesiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Care and Prevention of Injuries
• Social Sciences

Students then move into courses directly under the kinesiology umbrella, covering areas such as sport and movement psychology, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. 

Because many kinesiology careers involve hands-on treatment or instruction, programs often require field experience. Some kinesiology degree programs also include courses that focus on teaching physical activities, preparing graduates to lead programs in areas such as team sports or rhythmic gymnastics. 

Professions for Kinesiology Degree Holders

A kinesiology degree is a versatile credential that can lead to careers in fitness, rehabilitation, healthcare, and sports performance. While some careers only require a bachelor’s degree, applicants for other roles may need additional education that builds on the foundations of undergraduate study. 

The median annual salaries and career outlook for the positions below come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2024 data.

Exercise Physiologist

Exercise physiologists develop physical activity programs to improve patients’ health and quality of life, often targeting needs such as cardiovascular fitness. This career offers flexibility, with some professionals working in hospitals, others self-employed, and some balancing full-time and part-time roles.

• Required education, certification, and licensing: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification
  • State licensing, where required
• Median annual salary: $58,160
• Job growth (2024–2034): 9%, faster than average 

Fitness Manager

Fitness managers oversee operations at gyms, fitness centers, or wellness programs. They combine exercise science expertise with leadership and business skills to supervise staff, design fitness offerings, and ensure safe, effective programming for clients.

• Required education, certification, and licensing:
  • Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field
  • American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification, among others, is often preferred
• Median annual salary: $77,180 (for Entertainment and Recreation Managers)
• Job growth (2024–2034): 8%, faster than average

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help injured individuals or those with illnesses or disabilities develop, recover, and maintain the physical skills needed for daily life. They partner with clients to restore independence and improve overall well-being.

• Required education, certification, and licensing: 
  • Master’s degree in occupational therapy
  • Occupational therapist license
• Median annual salary: $98,340
• Job growth (2024–2034): 14%, significantly faster than average 

Help the Human Body with a Kinesiology Degree

Kinesiology professionals support a wide range of individuals, from young children developing motor skills to championship athletes recovering from injury, by helping them move, heal, and perform at their best. 

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Kinesiology program from New England College (NEC) enables students to dive into the theories of kinesiology and apply them in real-world settings. They study with expert faculty and gain hands-on experience in hospitals, fitness centers, and athletic training facilities. Opportunities include teaching physical activities such as skiing, assisting personal trainers, and working under certified athletic trainers at the NEC Athletic Training Room. 

Start your journey with NEC’s kinesiology program and prepare to make a lasting difference in people’s health and lives.

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