What Can You Do With A Kinesiology Degree?
Whether you’re considering higher education for the first time or you’re going back to school later in life, the number and variety of degree options available can be staggering. Some educational tracks from psychology to English are straightforward and as understandable as they’ve always been.
But degree offerings have changed, evolved, and grown over time. Some paths of study are more intriguing but also a bit less straightforward. Kinesiology is one of those newer degrees that garners interest but also leaves students-to-be with questions about what to expect.
What can you do with a kinesiology degree? What career can you get with a kinesiology degree? What even is kinesiology, exactly, anyway? With these answers and more, here’s what you can expect from pursuing a degree in kinesiology.
What is kinesiology?
What is kinesiology in the first place? Kinesiology is the study anatomy, physiology, and psychology—to better understand and analyze movement patterns, muscular function, joint mechanics, and more. Even with the definition, you might still be left wondering, what does kinesiology actually mean?
When it comes to studying and working in kinesiology, the Kinesiology Association defines the practice as a holistic therapy that, through testing muscle response, tests the motor response of the central nervous system. Through this process, practitioners can determine, address, and treat imbalances in the body.
In practice, kinesiologists focus on the scientific study of movement of the human body and how physical activities (often sports) impact our bodies, quality of life, health, and overall wellness.
Types of kinesiology degrees
For those wondering whether or not kinesiology is the major for them, the answer is that it depends. There are a number of ways to study and obtain degrees in kinesiology.
Levels of kinesiology degrees
- An associate degree in kinesiology generally takes one to two years to obtain for those interested in entry-level work in fitness and training fields
- A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology takes, on average, four years to obtain for those interested in more advanced fitness, training, and sports-related careers
- A master’s degree in kinesiology generally takes an additional two years to complete after a bachelor’s degree and combines additional theoretical training with practical experience
- A doctorate in kinesiology takes three to four or more additional years to obtain and is best suited for those who are interested in careers in academics, research, or clinical practice
Within most degree levels, there’s also a range of specializations available. Many kinesiology students will focus their studies on fields like exercise science or physiology, sports medicine and athletic training, or biomechanics and pre-physical therapy. Often students will transition their kinesiology degrees into careers in physical therapy, which is one of the most popular and common tracks to becoming a physical therapist.
If you’re wondering if you can be a physical therapist with a kinesiology degree, the answer is that it depends on the level of your kinesiology degree. Each physical therapy program will have its own requirements, but generally it’s necessary to have at least a bachelor’s degree before pursuing a certification or degree in physical therapy.
Kinesiology degree requirements
From associate to doctorate, each degree level is going to come with its own kinesiology degree requirements. However, the foundational elements of kinesiology degrees remain the same; it’s just the depth of study that varies.
For high school students who know they’re interested in studying kinesiology in college, the best approach is focusing on math and science subjects like chemistry, biology, and calculus. For those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, most programs will focus on specific prerequisites that cover both theoretical knowledge and putting that information into practice across health and wellness, lifestyle, and sports and exercise.
Careers with a kinesiology degree
When considering a field of study, one of the most important and common questions prospective students have is about career opportunities in kinesiology. There is a range of jobs to get with a kinesiology degree, largely depending on the level of study. The careers available with a kinesiology degree are going to be vastly different for someone with a bachelor’s degree compared to someone with a doctorate degree.
The list of kinesiology degree jobs to pursue is also dependent on personal preference. If you’re interested in being a personal trainer and working in a gym, then you’re interested in a kinesiology career that can be supported by just two years of higher education. If you want to work in academia and conduct cutting-edge research as a kinesiologist, then the kinesiology career track for you is one that requires a doctorate degree.
Here are some of the most common careers for students with a kinesiology degree:
Kinesiology degree jobs
- Personal trainer is one of the most common careers for people with an associate degree in kinesiology. Working as a personal trainer includes either working at a gym or as a self-employed personal trainer to help clients define and meet their fitness and exercise goals.
- Athletic trainer is a popular career option for those with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. Athletic trainers typically work with athletes at high schools, colleges and universities, and even sports leagues or complexes. Athletic trainers are on-site at games to attend to injuries and conduct concussion tests, while also working during training and practices to help athletes prevent future injuries.
- Prosthetist is a career track pursued by many with master’s degrees in kinesiology. Specializing in both the designing and fitting of prosthetics and orthopedics devices, prosthetists assess their patients’ mobility needs and determine the best solutions.
- Physical Therapist is a popular job for people with doctorate degrees in kinesiology. Physical therapists help people recover from injuries and minimize the pain that can come with chronic illnesses by helping patients exercise effectively.
What else can you do with a kinesiology degree?
The best thing about kinesiology degree jobs, however, is that there’s plenty of career paths to choose from beyond the typical tracks. Kinesiology degrees parlay into a range of sports, exercise, fitness, and wellness careers. The study of the human body, how it moves, and its impacts can translate into careers that range from choreography to yoga instruction, nutrition, ergonomics, and more.
At Butler University, we offer a flexible Kinesiology major curriculum that focuses on human movement and development spread across two concentrations, Pre-Professional and Applied Human Performance. The Pre-Professional track is geared towards students with an interest in pursuing advanced education in athletic training or physical therapy. The Applied Human Performance track focuses on skills like personal training, strength, and conditioning that chart towards careers that often don’t require additional education.
A popular minor that many Butler students pair with a kinesiology major is the Sport Coaching minor that can be obtained with just two additional courses.
Are you ready to get started on an exciting career in kinesiology? Schedule a visit, get more information by joining our mailing list, or apply today!