What is kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the study of human movement and its influence on health, performance and everyday function. This interdisciplinary field draws from a range of areas, including anatomy and physiology to biomechanics and psychology.
The study of kinesiology seeks to understand how physical activity can prevent injury, support rehabilitation and promote long-term well-being. Kinesiology majors gain a strong foundation in both scientific research and practical application. This area of study offers preparation for a variety of career paths and serves as a common entry point for advanced degree programs in health and medical sciences.
7 in-demand career paths for kinesiology majors
A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology is the first step toward many careers in health care, fitness and rehabilitation. Below are seven of the most in-demand roles, most all of which are currently projected to see at least faster-than-average growth over the coming decade.
Note, all of the roles in this field require advanced education, certification or licensure beyond the undergraduate level.
Included is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the median annual wage for the roles as of May 2024, and the projected growth in employment for them from 2023-2033.
- Physician assistant: Diagnose and treat patients under a physician’s supervision.
- $133,260
- Projected 28% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Physical therapist: Restore physical function and manage pain through rehabilitation plans.
- $101,020
- Projected 14% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Medical doctor: Diagnose, treat and help prevent injuries and illnesses in clinical or nonclinical settings.
- $239,200
- Projected 4% job growth (As fast as average)
- Athletic trainer: Support injury prevention, evaluation and recovery for active individuals.
- $60,250
- Projected 13% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Occupational therapist: Help people regain or build everyday skills necessary for their independence.
- $98,340
- Projected 11% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Chiropractor: Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions using hands-on techniques.
- $79,000
- Projected 10% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Exercise physiologist: Create fitness programs to manage chronic conditions and boost recovery.
- $73,850
- Projected 7% job growth (Faster than average)
Not sure which career path is right for you? Students in Arizona State University’s online kinesiology program take KIN 101 - Introduction to Kinesiology in their first semester. One of the first projects in the course is a career assignment. How it works:
- You’ll pick a first-choice and second-choice career.
- You’ll research these roles, looking into things such as average salary, average number of hours worked weekly, projected demand for the career, level of education required, and pros and cons of each career.
- Then, you’ll pick one of the careers to focus on for the rest of the project. For the one you choose, you’ll list your top three graduate schools for that career and do a deep dive into the requirements for each of them.
“Usually after doing this, students have a much better idea of what career is right for them,” noted Tannah Broman, a teaching professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University.
“Additionally, we’ll have guest speakers representing the most common future professions for our students. These professionals provide much needed insight into the reality of their career, which helps students in their decision-making process. We can also meet with students one-on-one to talk through their options and help them decide.”
Start your path to a career in kinesiology
ASU Online’s Bachelor of Science in kinesiology readies you to support health, recovery and performance through a deeper understanding of how the body moves. In this program, you’ll gain the skills to assess human movement, understand physical function and apply research to real-world challenges.
Coursework focuses on the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor control and psychology. You’ll also develop the ability to interpret data, solve complex problems and communicate scientific information clearly.
“Because we expect you to attend graduate school, we’re focused more on providing the theory you need,” explained Broman. “Your graduate program will teach you the skills you need. In this bachelor’s program, you’ll develop your ability to obtain and evaluate scientific research, and apply that research to determine the best course of treatment for your patients.”
“We often hear from former students who are very grateful we made them read, evaluate and apply so much research.”
Whether you want to pursue advanced health care studies or explore career paths in exercise science, this program provides you with the foundation you need to reach your goals.
