Find the Best Kinesiology Degree Programs

Welcome to Kinesiology Degrees (KinesiologyDegrees.org), an online resource dedicated to helping students find undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Kinesiology and Exercise Science (plus related fields).

We have reviewed hundreds of kinesiology degree programs, including reviewing CAAHME accredited kinesiology, kinesiotherapy, and exercise science degrees. In this guide you can review the different degree programs available, including online programs, and find campus-based kinesiology degree programs (we organize universities by state). Start here:

Kinesiology degrees by level:

• Bachelors in Kinesiology degrees (available online)
• Masters in Kinesiology degrees (available online)
• PhD/Doctor of Kinesiology degrees (available online)

Kinesiology degrees by program:

• Kineseiology degrees
• Exercise Science degrees
• Health Science degrees
• Nutrition degrees
• Fitness Science degrees
• Physical therapy degree programs
• Health Promotion programs
• Sport Science degrees

What is Kinesiology?

Kinesiology is the study of movement. We often think about kinesiologists being focused solely on the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system is the system in our human anatomy that is made up of our bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. This is true to an extent - kinesiologists do have a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system, but they know much more than this. They are educated on the intricacies of how and why movement happens.

To have this deep understanding, they need to be educated in other systems of the body as well. Kinesiologists understand how the body should move in an ideal situation; this helps them to use this knowledge to help address imbalances.

Can you get a Kinesiology degree online?

The short answer is yes, you can earn a kinesiology degree online, at all degree levels actually. The foundation for a sufficient kinesiology career stems from having a basic understanding of how the human body moves and why, which can be studied purely online. Since this field of study typically results in a hands-on career, most online programs will require in-person, practical experiences at some point in the degree process, but those are courses are designed to accommodate the student's location and needs.

What is the best degree for Kinesiology?

When considering the best degree, it is important to fully understand your personal goals. If you are seeking advanced skills, research-based careers, and higher salaries, pursuing a doctorate-level degree may help you accomplish those goals. If you know you want to gain the skills to be a fitness instructor or college athletic director, you may need to pursue a Master's-level program with specific concentrations or certifications. Consider your personal aspirations and what you are looking for in a university program, and make your decision based on those priorities.

Typical coursework you might take in a kinesiology degree

Courses within many Kinesiology degrees focus on human anatomy and physiology, the movement of the human body, the application of human body movement to sports, disabilities, and daily living, research methodologies and statistics, biomechanics, and many other specialized courses.

What can you do with a Kinesiology degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who obtain a Kinesiology degree (depending on the level and specialization of the degree) can do nearly any job from teaching in a related field to becoming a kinesiotherapist, exercise physiologist, physical or occupational therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, and many more. There are also varying degrees and advancements within these careers.

Types of kinesiology degrees

Exercise Science Degree

An Exercise Science degree specifically focuses on health professions and sports science. Available online and usually offered in a Bachelor’s of Exercise Science or Master of Exercise Science.

Health Promotion and Behavioral Science Degree

A health promotion or behavioral science degree focuses on theory, epidemiology, health program planning, and evaluation.

Applied Movement Science Degree

In Applied Movement Science degree programs, students pursuing this field will learn how to apply kinesiology principles to hands-on careers like personal training, physical education, etc.

Health Sciences Degree

Physical Therapy Degree

Nutrition Degree

Physical Therapy Degree

Sports Management

students learn to manage athletes, sport organizations, and sports events.

Physical Culture and Sports

The Physical Culture and Sports specialization is centralized around the history, sociology, philosophy, and ethics related to physical activity and sports culture.

Kinesiology degrees by state

A little history on Kinesiology

Aristotle, the “Father of Kinesiology”, laid an important foundation in this field with his work titled, “De Motu Animalium” (meaning “On the Motion of Animals”). Over the centuries, our understanding of human movement has developed through various forms of research like muscle testing and George Goodheart’s introduction of Applied Kinesiology. In today’s world, kinesiology is used in various fields, including healthcare, injury prevention, athletic performance, adaptive and biomechanical technologies for the disabled, and more.