What is a Bachelor of Kinesiology?
A bachelor of kinesiology is typically a four-year undergraduate degree that studies the mechanics of human movement and exercise. Topics covered in a kinesiology degree include the principles of motor skills, health and wellbeing, physiology, anatomy, psychology, and biomechanics.
What Can I Do With a Kinesiology Degree?
A kinesiology degree can lead to careers in fitness, recreation, and education. Common career paths for kinesiology graduates include athletic trainers, coaches, physical therapists, fitness and nutrition specialists, kinesiologists, and physical education teachers. Depending on the specific field they go into, graduates with kinesiology degrees can earn anywhere from $43,000 to $80,000 a year.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Houston — Victoria | Victoria, Texas |
| 2 | Western Washington University | Bellingham, Washington |
| 3 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| 4 | University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida |
| 5 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, North Dakota |
Best Value Kinesiology Degrees
We compiled a list of schools around the country that offer a kinesiology degree and ranked the top 27 schools. We used tuition and student to faculty ratio to rank the schools. Check out our rankings below to learn about the best value kinesiology degrees in the United States.
University of Houston — Victoria
The University of Houston — Victoria offers a bachelor of science in kinesiology. The goal of the kinesiology degree is moving and strengthening the mind and body of students and those they will serve. The program prepares students to become professionals in various specializations, including teaching physical education in a public school system, exercise sports science, pre-allied health, or sport management. The University of Houston — Victoria is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association for its kinesiology programs.
Western Washington University
The kinesiology degree at Western Washington University provides a concentrated study of human movement from mechanical, physiological, and pathological perspectives. The program is appropriate for students who plan to work in the fitness and exercise industry or any other field such as coaching or rehabilitation, where human movement and exercise prescription are the focus. Supporting courses from biology, chemistry, computer science, communications, health education, and physics are included to provide a more in-depth analysis of principles associated with human structure and function.
University of Utah
Students pursuing a kinesiology degree at the University of Utah can select from majors in kinesiology, emergency medical services, nuclear medicine, health and physical education teaching, and community health education. The curriculum combines health and kinesiology fundamentals along with a signature experience in community-based physical activity, fitness and wellness, or research.
University of Florida
The Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida is concerned with quality of life and the many aspects of human movement. Students study movement skills, capabilities, and ways to improve and maintain health, as they relate to the typical person as well as to disabled persons and high-level athletes.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers an on-campus and online kinesiology degree. Kinesiology students can choose to complete a 10-credit internship and gain direct practical experience to study human movement from cell to society or challenge themselves by earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology with just one extra year of study. Graduates will be prepared to teach physical education, coach athletics, or work in the growing fields of exercise, fitness, and sports performance.
University of Maryland
The kinesiology degree program at the University of Maryland — College Park provides a well-rounded, scholarly understanding of human movement and physical activity. The program addresses historical, cultural, developmental, and biophysical bases for participation in movement activities for people of all ages. Students gain an understanding of how human movement works, the factors that directly influence movement, and the benefits of an active, movement-oriented lifestyle.
Iowa State University
The Department of Kinesiology at Iowa State University strives to promote health and wellbeing by creating and disseminating knowledge about physical activity and healthy living through its kinesiology degree program. The expertise and interests of the nationally recognized faculty are diverse and reflect biomechanical, pedagogical, physiological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives of physical activity, exercise, and health.
Michigan State University
Kinesiology degree students at Michigan State University will take classes covering a variety of topics and areas of interest including kinesiology, motor control and development, sports business management, athletic training and sports medicine, the psychology and sociology of physical activity, sport and exercise physiology, and fitness leadership. Coursework is enhanced by hands-on lab experience, research opportunities, and a senior internship. The Department of Kinesiology has an articulation agreement with Central Michigan University that allows selected students to fast track into a doctor of physical therapy program.
University of Nevada — Las Vegas
The bachelor of science degree in kinesiology at the University of Nevada — Las Vegas focuses on the study of human performance. Students in the kinesiology degree program will study foundational sciences such as anatomical kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, and the social psychology of physical activity. Successful degree candidates will complete the set of core Kinesiology courses, the UNLV general education requirements, and a specialization in either allied health or comprehensive kinesiology.
University of Wisconsin
The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin — Madison offers exercise and movement science as a named option. Students in the kinesiology degree take coursework grounded in physiology, anatomy, physics, and kinesiology. The curriculum includes coursework, laboratory research opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences.
Northern Illinois University
Kinesiology degree students at Northern Illinois University take classes in teaching and research facilities across campus with state-of-the-art equipment. In addition to studying physiology, biomechanics, psychology, measurement, gerontology, and nutrition, students will learn by doing in clinical experiences and community outreach programs. Concentrations are available in wellness or performance.
University of Michigan
The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan offers three undergraduate kinesiology degree programs in applied exercise science, movement science, and sport management. The program provides access to a tight-knit alumni network and positive graduate outcomes, with 98% of undergraduate students employed or continuing their education after graduation.
California State University
The College of Health and Human Development at California State University — Fullerton offers a bachelor of science in kinesiology. The kinesiology degree program has a strong foundation in the natural and social sciences. Students gain knowledge and skills needed to provide scientifically grounded, community-focused, and ethically principled expertise to a diverse clientele, from children to older adults.
University of Kentucky
The kinesiology degree at the University of Kentucky involves the systematic study of the mechanisms underlying human movement, exercise, and physical activity. This unique degree offers science-based courses in the field of health and wellness as well as performance-based activity courses. Sub-disciplines include human physiology, anatomy, neuroscience, psychology, motor control, and biomechanics. Students also have the opportunity to complete 300 hours of internship experience to develop practical skills in a chosen profession.
Pennsylvania State University – Harrisburg
Kinesiology offers a comprehensive program of study in the science of human movement and is designed for students who want to prepare for professions involving physical activity and for graduate study in related areas. Penn State Harrisburg offers the Exercise Science Option, and requires a culminating practicum or research experience.
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island offers three specialization options for undergraduates in its kinesiology degree program. Students have access to opportunities to conduct research and get hands-on experience through internships and experiential learning.
Rice University
The Department of Kinesiology at Rice University offers a bachelor of arts in health sciences and a bachelor of arts in sports medicine and exercise physiology. The highly-recognized kinesiology degree program is committed to health promotion, disease prevention, and training in the sciences of health and human movement.
Miami University
The College of Education, Health and Society at Miami University — Oxford offers a bachelor of science in kinesiology and health. The kinesiology degree is for students interested in the scientific aspects of human movement. Skills learned in the classroom, laboratory, and internships include assessing and developing effective strategies for enhancing health, improving performance, preventing diseases related to sedentary behavior, and promoting the recovery of health in rehabilitation settings.
California State University — Northridge
The kinesiology degree at California State University — Northridge offers students a choice of six areas of focus for academic options, including athletic training, applied fitness, dance, exercise science, general studies, and physical education. The department is a learning-centered community that provides an integrated approach to the teaching, learning, and application of human movement.
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers a choice of concentrations to students in the kinesiology degree program, including applied exercise science, clinical exercise science, general kinesiology, and physical education teacher education. All students gain strong theoretical and problem-solving skills based on a comprehensive knowledge of movement and exercise science.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University offers concentrations in exercise science, fitness specialist, and pre-physical therapy as part of its kinesiology degree program. The academic foundation for the study of human movement is covered by courses that explore movement as it affects and is affected by physiological, psychological, developmental, sociocultural, and mechanical parameters.
Texas Tech University
Students completing this degree study the scientific foundations of exercise and physical activity. Students take courses in anatomical kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, motor behavior, physiological applications of nutrition, advanced strength and conditioning, and exercise and sport psychology. Students pursuing entry into allied health programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or medical school often choose this degree. They also offer an B.S. in Sport Management.
Georgia State University
Students pursuing a kinesiology degree at Georgia State University can choose from a focus in health and physical education, exercise science, and sport administration. The program boasts a 100% graduate employment rate.
Louisiana State University
The School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University offers a bachelor of science in kinesiology. Within the kinesiology degree, concentrations are available in fitness studies, human movement science, physical activity and health, pre-athletic training, and health and physical education teacher certification.
University of Massachusetts — Amherst
The School of Public Health & Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts — Amherst offers a major in kinesiology. The kinesiology degree builds on a foundation of basic science in the areas of biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and statistics. Courses apply these foundation requirements to the scientific study of human movement.
University of North Texas
The kinesiology degree at the University of North Texas provides a comprehensive understanding of kinesiology. Students can focus their studies on a choice of degree tracks, including allied health and pre-physical therapy, all-level teacher certification, athletic training, fitness leadership, and general kinesiology.
University of Illinois at Urbana
The College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a bachelor of science in kinesiology. The kinesiology degree will prepare students for careers in human movement-related fields and advanced professional or graduate study.
Still deciding? Use our Degree Finder tool to help you find the right kinesiology degree program.
Our Ranking Methodology
To determine how to rank each college, we researched and evaluated each school’s estimated yearly cost of tuition and student to faculty ratio. We used in-state and on-campus tuition rates where available. We took tuition rates directly from each school’s website and student to faculty ratio data from Google. We sorted each school first by the cost of tuition and then by student to faculty ratio, letting each value make up equal portions (50%) of the final rankings. Where schools were tied in the rankings, we gave additional weight to the cost of tuition.
If you work for one of the schools we ranked and you notice an error in the information we used to rank you, please feel free to contact us and let us know so we can make a correction.
