Quick Highlights:
- University of Maryland and Rice University offer top bachelor’s in exercise science and kinesiology degree programs.
- The highest paying kinesiology degree jobs are usually in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sports medicine.
- Kinesiology helps you understand how the body moves and works, which is important for careers in health, fitness, and sports.
Exercise science and kinesiology are fields that study how the human body moves and functions during physical activity. These areas of study can lead to exciting careers in sports, fitness, and healthcare. If you’re interested in learning about exercise, human movement, and how to help people stay healthy and active, getting a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or kinesiology could be a great choice. This article will explore the 10 best programs for these degrees, giving you information to help you decide if this path is right for you.
This ranking was created in July 2024 and the data was accurate at time of publication.
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What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology?
A bachelor’s degree in exercise science and kinesiology is a four-year college program that teaches students about how the human body works during physical activity. This degree combines science, health, and fitness topics. Students learn about muscles, bones, and how the body moves. They also study nutrition, exercise techniques, and ways to prevent injuries. The program often includes hands-on learning, like working with athletes or in fitness centers. Graduates can pursue careers in fields such as:
- personal training
- physical therapy
- sports coaching
- health education
This degree is perfect for people who enjoy science and want to help others improve their health and physical performance.
What are the Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Exercise Science and Kinesiology?
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Related (Bachelor’s):
Per Credit Hour Tuition and Average Net Tuition Disclaimer: The tuition amounts given are estimates and subject to change.
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Kinesiology. This program teaches students about human movement and how physical activity affects health for people of all ages. The University of Maryland created the first Kinesiology degree in the United States in 1974. This long history shows their expertise in the field.
Kinesiology is one of the largest majors at the university. Many students transfer into this program from other schools or majors. To graduate, students need to complete 120 credits.
The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Sports and fitness
- Health promotion
- Physical therapy
- Exercise science
- Sports management
Students can choose from interesting courses like Sporting Hollywood and The Cybernetic Human. The university also offers three related minors:
- Biomechanics and Motor Control
- Exercise Physiology
- Sport, Commerce, and Culture
After graduating, students are prepared for various careers in health and fitness fields. Some go on to further education, while others start working right away.
This program might be a good fit if you are interested in sports, exercise, or helping people stay healthy through physical activity.
Rice University
Rice University offers a Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology major through its Department of Kinesiology. This program gives students a strong background in science and how the human body works during movement and exercise. The major is great for students who want to go on to graduate school or work in health-related fields. It can lead to careers in medicine, physical therapy, or fitness and sports.
Here are some key points about the program:
- It’s a STEM-designated major, which means it focuses on science and technology
- Graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts degree
- The program is housed in the Department of Kinesiology
- Classes are held in Tudor Fieldhouse on Rice’s campus
- Rice University has partnered with Houston Methodist to create a Center for Human Performance
Students in this major learn about:
- Basic science principles
- How the human body moves
- Exercise and physical performance
After finishing this degree, students can:
- Continue their education in graduate school
- Work in healthcare fields
- Start careers in fitness or sports industries
University of Michigan
The Applied Exercise Science at the University of Michigan teaches students about how movement affects the human body. Students learn about fitness, health, and how to help people of all ages perform better physically.
This program is for undergraduate students. It offers a mix of science classes and hands-on learning. Students can customize their studies to match their interests and career goals.
Key points about the program:
- Students must complete 250 hours of field work and internships
- The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1
- Classes cover topics like human physiology, fitness, and health promotion
- Graduates often work as wellness coordinators, exercise instructors, coaches, or clinical exercise physiologists
- Some graduates go on to study public health or business
After graduation:
- 68% of recent graduates found full-time jobs
- 23% continued their education
- 4.5% had part-time jobs, internships, or did service work
The program also includes research opportunities. Students can study how physical activity affects our bodies and minds, helps children develop, and creates healthier communities. This degree can lead to various careers in health and fitness. It prepares students to help others live healthier lives through exercise and movement.
Arizona State University
The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology program at Arizona State University is a rigorous program that provides students with a well-rounded understanding of topics like health, anatomy, psychology, and injury prevention.
Students learn about all parts of human movement, including how muscles, bones, and nerves work together. The program is science-based and gives students a full understanding of exercise and movement.
Here are some key points about the program:
- It’s offered at the Downtown Phoenix campus and Lake Havasu
- There are chances to work one on one with teachers on research projects
- Students can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in about 5 years
- The program prepares students for jobs in health and medicine
- There are opportunities to study in other countries
Graduates from this program often go on to further study. They may become doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, or work in other health-related jobs.
The program is part of ASU’s College of Health Solutions. ASU is known for having top-ranked programs and giving students chances to do research. The school aims to include many different types of students and help them succeed.
Indiana University
The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Indiana University Bloomington offers two main areas of study.
- Exercise Science: This is great for students who want to become physical therapists, doctors, or athletic trainers. It focuses on science and lets you choose from four special tracks.
- Sport Marketing and Management: This combines sports and business. It’s perfect for students who want to work in the sports industry.
Both programs give you hands-on experience. You’ll work with teachers on research projects and do an internship in your area of interest.
Here are some key points about the Kinesiology degree:
- It’s offered by the School of Public Health
- You can choose between Exercise Science or Sport Marketing and Management
- Both majors prepare you for graduate school or starting your career
- You get practical experience through research and internships
- The program helps you get ready for various jobs in health, fitness, and sports
This degree is a good fit for students who like science, sports, or both. It gives you many options for your future career.
Miami University Oxford
Miami University offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health. This program focuses on understanding how and why humans move. Students learn about the body’s systems and how they work together during physical activity.
The program prepares students for careers in health and fitness. Graduates can work as physical therapists, athletic trainers, or fitness coordinators. They can also pursue careers in medicine or research.
Key features of the program include:
- Hands-on learning in state-of-the-art labs
- Research opportunities with professors
- Student clubs related to kinesiology and health
- High acceptance rates to physical therapy and medical schools
Students take courses in subjects like:
- Chemistry and physics
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Biomechanics
- Exercise physiology
Miami University provides strong support to help students succeed. They offer resources for admission, enrollment, and academic success.
University of Utah
The University of Utah offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Health & Kinesiology. This program includes hands-on experience in community fitness, wellness, and research.
The degree is great for students interested in careers like corporate fitness, physical education, community health, and strength training. It’s also good preparation for graduate school in fields like physical therapy, medicine, and public health.
Here are some key points about the program:
- There are different tracks to choose from, including Community Health Education, Worksite Wellness, and Emergency Medical Services.
- Students can also focus on Health & Physical Education Teaching or Kinesiology.
- The program offers training for careers like ACSM Cancer Exercise Trainer and Nuclear Medicine.
- There are three minors available: Health, Health Teaching, and Occupational Safety and Health.
- The university provides career services to help students with job searches and interview prep.
Students in this program learn skills that can lead to many different health-related jobs. They also get support from advisors and career coaches throughout their time at the university.
University of Houston
The Health & Kinesiology program at the University of Houston offers a Bachelor of Science degree. This program is great for students interested in careers like:
- Corporate fitness
- Physical education
- Community health education
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Strength and conditioning
The program also prepares students for graduate school. Graduates can pursue advanced degrees in areas such as:
- Physical therapy
- Medicine
- Physician assistant programs
- Occupational therapy
- Public health
Students can choose from different tracks:
- Community Health Education & Worksite Wellness
- Emergency Medical Services
- Health & Physical Education Teaching
- Kinesiology
- Nuclear Medicine
The university also offers three minors related to this field:
- Health
- Health Teaching
- Occupational Safety and Health
Students benefit from services provided by the U Career Success Center. They offer coaching, resources, and events to help with job searches and interview prep.
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health. This degree has five different focus areas you can choose from including:
- Applied Movement Science
- Exercise Science
- Health Promotion and Behavioral Science
- Physical Culture and Sports Studies
- Sport Management
The degree requires 120 credit hours. At least 36 of these hours must be upper-level courses. Students also need to complete the university’s general education requirements. These include classes in writing, math, and cultural studies.
Graduates are well prepared for jobs in fitness, health, sports, or for graduate school. If you’re interested in how the human body moves or how to keep people healthy, this might be a good choice for you.
Texas A&M University
The Kinesiology BS degree at Texas A&M offers a program track in Applied Exercise Physiology track. This program teaches students about how the body works during exercise.
Students in this track learn skills to work in health-related jobs. They might work in heart and lung rehabilitation programs or as personal trainers. The program also prepares students for further education in fields like physical therapy or medicine.
The degree takes four years to complete. Students take classes in biology, chemistry, and physics. They also study specific kinesiology topics like exercise testing and how to help athletes stay healthy.
Here are some key points about the program:
- Students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate.
- The program includes hands-on labs and an internship.
- Students can choose from different elective courses to fit their interests.
- The degree requires some general education courses in subjects like history and government.
- Students must maintain good grades, especially in core kinesiology classes.
This program is a good fit for students who enjoy science and want to help people improve their health through exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a BS in kinesiology is worth it if you’re interested in the science of human movement and want to help people improve their health and fitness. With this degree, you can work in many fields like physical therapy, sports training, and wellness coaching. It offers good job opportunities and a chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Yes, kinesiology is a useful major. It helps you understand how the body moves and works, which is important for careers in health, fitness, and sports. With a kinesiology degree, you can work in jobs like physical therapy, sports coaching, and personal training. It’s a practical major if you want to help people stay healthy and active.
The jobs that make the most money with a kinesiology degree are usually in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sports medicine. These careers often require additional education, like a master’s or doctoral degree, but they offer high salaries and good job stability. Working as a physical therapist, for example, can be very rewarding both financially and personally.