Kinesiology

A classroom of athletic trainers looks at sheets of paper in a weight room.

Known as the scientific study of human movement, Kinesiology combines knowledge from multiple disciplines—such as anatomy, physiology, and psychology—to better understand and analyze movement patterns, muscular function, joint mechanics, and more. 

The flexible curriculum focuses on human movement and development, with the ability to choose from two concentrations within the Kinesiology major: Pre-Professional and Applied Human Performance. 

Students in the Pre-Professional track have an interest in pursuing advanced education in athletic training or physical therapy, while the Applied Human Performance concentration specializes in personal training, strength, and conditioning. Students interested in coaching can also easily pair the Kinesiology major with the existing Sport Coaching minor, as only six additional credit hours or two additional courses are needed to fulfill that minor. 

This robust curriculum emphasizes the development of effective instructional skills and practices that are needed when working with clients and athletes. The Kinesiology major also offers plenty of opportunities for experiential learning in human-centered, real-life contexts. 

This major is designed for students who want to pursue a career in professions involving physical activity settings, athletic training, human performance in sport, athletic coaching, fitness, wellness, and more. 

126 Total Credit Hours (Includes Butler University Core Requirements)

Kinesiology Core Courses 

  • PE 128, Introduction to Physical Activity, Sport, Health and Wellness Education–3 credits
  • PE 147, Prevention and Treatment of Injuries–3 credits
  • BSHS 215, Medical Terminology–2 hours
  • PE 233 Sport Pedagogy Invasion Games or PE 234, Sport Pedagogy/Wall Games–3 credits
  • PE 240, Foundations of Fitness and Nutrition–3 credits
  • BI 257, Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab–5 credits
  • PE 261, Theory and Practice of Coaching–3 credits
  • PE 253, Motor Learning–3 credits
  • PE 321, Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Activity, Sport, and Exercise–3 credits
  • PE 322, Topics in Sport Performance–3 credits
  • PE 323, Kinesiology–3 credits
  • PE 324, Exercise Physiology–3 credits
  • PE 326, Sport and Performance Psychology–3 credits
  • ED 398, Multilingual Learners–3 credits
  • PE 438, Strength and Conditioning Training–3 credits
  • PE 432, Introduction to Research Methods in Kinesiology and Sport–3 credits
  • PE 445, Internship in Kinesiology–6 credits

Concentration Area Courses (can choose none, one, or two)

Pre-Professional

  • BI 105, Intro to Biology–3 credits
  • CH 105, General Chemistry–4 credits
  • PH 17, Elementary Physics–4 credits
  • MA 162, Elementary Stats or AI 210, Statistically Speaking–3 credits
  • SW 250, Psychological Inquiry–3 credits
  • BSHS 334, Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab 1–5 credits
  • BSHS 335, Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab 2–5 credits

Applied Human Performance

  • PE 251, Personal Training & ACE Curriculum–3 credits
  • PE 350, Techniques and Skills in Strength & Conditioning Training–3 credit
  • PE 351, Instructional Practices for Human Performance–3 credit
  • PE 352, Exercise Testing and Prescription–3 credits

Elective Course Sampling (need to meet 126 credits for graduation)

  • PWB 109, Mindfulness in Everyday Life–1 credit
  • BSHS 210, Topics in Health and Wellness, Build a Better Bulldog–3 credits
  • SW 251, Determinants of Well-being–3 credits
  • BSHS 310, Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals–3 credits
  • ED 453, Perspectives in Leadership–4 credits
  • BSHS 495, Hot Topics in Healthcare–2 hours
  • ED 572, Fundamentals in Counseling–3 hours

 

 

Kinesiology FAQs

Yes, Kinesiology is a STEM major. It is a medical field-related degree and is tied closely to health science. Students at Butler majoring in Kinesiology participate in the study and scientific inquiry of concepts pertaining to movement, exercise, and physical well-being.

Graduates from Butler with a Kinesiology degree are educated and prepared for various post-graduate opportunities and exciting career pathways in the health field. Some of these jobs include but are not limited to:

  • Kinesiologist
  • Fitness Instructor
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Dietitian
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist