Consider a Kinesiology Degree If You Love Health & Fitness
Are you passionate about living an active lifestyle? If you were an athlete growing up and want to build a career you’ll genuinely enjoy, you should consider earning a degree in kinesiology.
So, what exactly is kinesiology? It’s the scientific study of human movement, blending a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and body mechanics.
I want to be completely transparent. In my career as a certified strength and conditioning coach and sports nutritionist, my foundation was built at Penn State, where I earned my degree in kinesiology many years ago. It was one of the best decisions I ever made, and this guide will show you why it might be the right one for you, too.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- A kinesiology degree opens doors to diverse careers in healthcare, fitness, and rehabilitation, including high-demand fields like physical therapy and athletic training.
- Salaries vary widely by career path, with professions like physical therapy offering median wages over $100,000, while others like personal training have a lower entry point but high growth potential.
- Top universities for kinesiology include the University of Michigan and the University of Florida, but many excellent programs exist at various price points.
- While a degree isn’t strictly required to be a personal trainer, it provides a much deeper scientific foundation than a certification alone and is often preferred by top-tier employers.
Why Consider Getting a Degree in Kinesiology?
A degree in kinesiology is incredibly versatile. The key is to figure out which direction aligns with your personal and professional goals. With this degree, you can pursue a number of exciting career paths.
- Physical Education Teacher
- Personal Trainer
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Physical Therapist
- Chiropractor
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
- Occupational Therapist
- Athletic Trainer
These are just a few of the most popular options. To find your fit, think about your passion. If helping kids and having summers off appeals to you, becoming a physical education teacher is a great route. If you’re drawn to elite performance, a career as a strength coach could be perfect. For those interested in recovery and rehabilitation, athletic training or physical therapy are excellent choices.
The job outlook for many of these fields is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for physical therapists will grow by 11% between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly, the demand for athletic trainers is expected to grow by 11% in the same period, driven by the need in sports programs at all levels.
You also need to consider your ideal work environment. Do you see yourself in a hospital or a private clinic? Would you prefer a bustling gym, or perhaps owning your own personal training studio? Do you want to work in a public or private school? If you’re still unsure, I suggest you read a kinesiology book to see if the core topics excite you.
A fantastic “insider” tip is to shadow professionals in the fields that interest you. Don’t just go for a day. Ask to observe for a full week to get a realistic feel for the daily responsibilities and challenges of the career. This firsthand experience is invaluable for making an informed decision.
Related Article: Skills vs. Education — Do You Need a College Degree Today?
It’s also crucial to understand that a kinesiology degree is often the first step. For specialized roles like physical therapy, you will need to pursue a graduate degree, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). However, the comprehensive knowledge from your kinesiology program provides the essential foundation for that advanced schooling.
What School(s) Should You Apply to For Kinesiology?
Choosing a college is a major decision with no single right answer. Universities across the country offer kinesiology programs, so you’ll need to narrow down your options based on factors like cost, location, and school size. Tuition can vary dramatically between in-state public universities and private institutions.
Many large universities have renowned kinesiology departments, but you can often get a similar high-quality education at a smaller school for a fraction of the cost. You need to decide if you want to stay in-state, live at home, or have the full on-campus experience elsewhere. Answering these questions will help you create a shortlist of potential schools.
While many excellent programs exist, some of the top-ranked schools for kinesiology and exercise science consistently include:
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: Often cited as a top program, its School of Kinesiology features 26 different labs and research centers.
- University of Florida: Known for its strong academic and professional preparation in areas like sports medicine and fitness training.
- Rice University: This program is noted for its focus on clinical practice and connections to local healthcare facilities and sports teams, offering great internship opportunities.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Offers robust bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs through its Department of Kinesiology and Community Health.
As I mentioned, I earned my degree from Penn State. While this isn’t a sponsored post, I can say from experience that my time there was incredible. The professors were fantastic, and I still keep in touch with some of them over a decade after graduating. The program gave me a deep well of knowledge that has been essential throughout my career.
Related Article: How Bodybuilding.com Can Propel Your Career Like It Did Mine
My degree in kinesiology provided the scientific background that allowed me to move from being a personal trainer to a strength and conditioning coach, then to a manager at a large supplement company, and now to owning my own businesses. That foundational knowledge is what helps me get results for my clients and continue to grow professionally.
How Much Should You Expect to Make After Graduation?
Once you graduate with a degree in kinesiology, your salary will depend heavily on the specific career path you choose. While one source, Salary.com, provides some salary averages, it’s helpful to look at the most recent data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for a clearer picture.
Here’s a breakdown of the median annual salaries for popular kinesiology-related careers based on May 2024 data from the BLS, which provides a more current financial outlook.
| Career Path | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist | $101,020 |
| Occupational Therapist | $98,060 (via BLS) |
| Athletic Trainer | $60,250 |
| Exercise Physiologist | $59,510 (via BLS) |
| Physical Education Teacher (K-12) | $67,410 (via BLS) |
| Personal Trainer / Fitness Instructor | $49,600 (via BLS) |
Remember, these figures are national medians. Your actual earnings can be higher or lower depending on your location, level of experience, specific certifications, and work ethic. For example, a personal trainer who hustles to build a strong client base can earn well into the six figures, far exceeding the median salary.
Do You Need a Kinesiology Degree to Become a Personal Trainer?
The short answer is no. You don’t technically need a degree to become a certified personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, or sports nutritionist. In my own career, I hold certifications in all those areas in addition to my kinesiology degree.
However, you will not get the same depth of “education” from reading a certification manual as you will from a four-year degree program. In my experience, preparing for my certification exams was incredibly simple compared to the academic rigor of my kinesiology coursework.
Generally, if you compare someone who is only certified with someone who holds a kinesiology degree, the individual with the degree will almost always have a more comprehensive understanding of the science behind human movement. The degree provides a “why” that certifications alone often miss.
If you choose to skip the degree to save money, you can still build a successful career. Highly respected certification bodies like ACE, NASM, ISSA, ACSM, or the NSCA offer quality programs. A certification from a provider like NASM can cost anywhere from around $900 for a basic self-study package to over $2,000 for more inclusive options. It’s a much smaller investment than a four-year degree, but it covers a fraction of the material.
Related Article: A Closer Look at Fitness Certifications
Ultimately, this article should give you a clearer idea of what a degree in kinesiology entails and whether it’s the right path for you to pursue.
FAQs
What is the difference between kinesiology and exercise science?
Kinesiology is the broad study of human movement in all its forms, while exercise science is a more focused sub-field that looks specifically at how the body responds and adapts to physical activity and exercise. Think of kinesiology as the umbrella, and exercise science as one of the key specialties underneath it.
Can you get a kinesiology degree online?
Yes, many universities now offer fully online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology or exercise science. Reputable online programs are available from schools like Oregon State University, East Central University, and Maryville University, offering flexibility for students who need to balance work and study.
What high school classes are best to prepare for a kinesiology major?
To build a strong foundation for a kinesiology degree, you should focus on science and health-related courses in high school. Prioritize classes like Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Physics. Strong coursework in math and English is also essential for success in any university program.
*Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links or ads, which means we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. These commissions help support the operation and maintenance of our website, allowing us to continue producing free valuable content. Your support is genuinely appreciated, whether you choose to use our links or not. Thank you for being a part of our community and enjoying our content.
PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING THIS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA TO HELP OTHERS LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC.
