Kinesiology and Exercise Science Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Kinesiology and Exercise Science major studies human movement, exercise and physical activity for health and performance. Kinesiology and exercise science majors study anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology and motor learning.

A Kinesiology and Exercise Science major includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, and fitness assessment and programming and more. You build skills such as fitness testing, exercise program design, coaching and motivation, and injury prevention. Typical degrees: bachelor's degree, with graduate degrees for clinical professions.

Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, fitness assessment and programming, and sports nutrition. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Kinesiology and Exercise Science is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s, and a doctoral or professional degree takes several more years beyond that. Part-time study takes longer.

Bachelor's degree, with graduate degrees for clinical professions. In the latest federal data, 157 colleges reported certificate awards, 274 colleges reported associate awards, 712 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, 230 colleges reported master’s awards, and 44 colleges reported doctoral awards.

Career paths connected to kinesiology and exercise science include exercise physiologist, personal trainer, athletic trainer, physical therapist assistant, physical therapist, sports coach, and recreational therapist. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include exercise physiologist (typical training: 4 years), personal trainer (typical training: 2–6 months for certification), athletic trainer (typical training: Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s), physical therapist assistant (typical training: 2 years), physical therapist (typical training: 7 years after high school), and sports coach (typical training: Varies: certifications to a degree plus experience).

Kinesiology and Exercise Science majors build skills such as fitness testing, exercise program design, coaching and motivation, injury prevention, and communication.

Good pairings include Nutrition (pairs exercise with diet, a natural fit for wellness careers), Psychology (helps you understand motivation and behavior change), and Business (useful if you plan to run a gym or training business).

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as exercise physiologist, personal trainer, and athletic trainer, and enjoy subjects like anatomy and physiology and biomechanics. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

1,046 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

California (159), Texas (81), New York (43), Ohio (42), and Illinois (40), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

924 of the colleges that offer kinesiology and exercise science also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Kinesiology and Exercise Science studies human movement, exercise and physical activity for health and performance. Nursing prepares you to assess, treat and educate patients as part of a healthcare team. Kinesiology and Exercise Science leads to careers such as exercise physiologist and personal trainer, while Nursing leads to careers such as registered nurse and licensed practical nurse.

Kinesiology and Exercise Science studies human movement, exercise and physical activity for health and performance. Healthcare Administration teaches you to manage the business side of hospitals, clinics and health systems. Kinesiology and Exercise Science leads to careers such as exercise physiologist and personal trainer, while Healthcare Administration leads to careers such as medical and health services manager and medical administrative assistant.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to kinesiology and exercise science, such as Exercise Physiologist Training.