[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A kinesiology degree can help you build the specialized knowledge to work with patients of varying fitness abilities. You can help patients improve their overall well-being and mobility, or help athletes recover from injuries and improve performance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a degree in kinesiology can lead to a rewarding career using exercise techniques to improve people’s lives. If you’re an extrovert who loves fitness and is interested in a career in the health sciences, consider pursuing a degree in kinesiology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below, you’ll find kinesiology careers by degree level, average salaries, and what to consider before pursuing this degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is Kinesiology?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kinesiology is the study of the body’s movement. You’ll study how the human body performs in both sport and daily life and how to make performance safer, healthier, and more efficient.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a kinesiologist, you may focus on improving mobility to enhance a patient’s quality of life to perform everyday tasks or to optimize health and wellness outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kinesiology differs from physiotherapy in its focus and approach. Physiotherapists focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems, while kinesiology specialists use their knowledge in human physiology and movement to develop customized exercise programs and help patients recover mobility, improve their performance, or prevent injury.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Types of Kinesiology Concentrations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some kinesiology degree programs allow you to specialize in a specific area of the field, such as exercise science, physical education (PE), strength and conditioning, and health and wellness. Each concentration is designed to put you on a specific kinesiology career path:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the most common kinesiology degree concentrations include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Exercise Science (Physiology)[/hen-ui-text]: You can use your degree to build a career in exercise and fitness, helping people meet fitness goals. You can become a personal trainer and work one-on-one with clients or, with some experience, pursue a career as an exercise physiologist.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Health and Wellness[/hen-ui-text]: Kinesiology degrees can also translate to employment in the health and wellness field. Many gyms, public, and even corporate companies employ wellness consultants to help ensure workers’ happiness and healthy daily practices.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Physical Education and Coaching[/hen-ui-text]: A kinesiology degree is also relevant to PE and coaching. Many kinesiology majors work as coaches for schools or professional sports teams, helping athletes improve their performance.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Strength and Conditioning:[/hen-ui-text] This specialization teaches you the ins and outs of strength and conditioning training, preparing you to work with high school, collegiate, or professional athletes in sports performance clinics or in fitness centers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Sports Administration (Management): [/hen-ui-text]With a sports management concentration, you can combine kinesiology and business expertise to work in sports administration, run fitness facilities, or pursue other sports management careers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Kinesiology Degrees: From Associate to Doctorate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can pursue a kinesiology degree at every education level. At the bachelor’s level, you can obtain athletic trainer certification. At the graduate level, you can pursue research related to kinesiology and exercise science.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary-700″]Associate Degree in Kinesiology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs:[/hen-ui-text] Physical therapy aide, athletic coach, fitness instructor, fitness consultant[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in kinesiology is best if you’re interested in pursuing entry-level work in the fitness training industry. The degree generally takes 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether you take courses at a full- or part-time pace. Coursework explores introductory anatomy and physiology, exercise science, and psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Upon graduation, you can transition directly to working as fitness consultants, personal trainers, and fitness instructors. You can also work as a massage therapist or a physical therapy aide with additional training.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary-700″]Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs:[/hen-ui-text] PE teacher, strength and conditioning coach, kinesiologist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in kinesiology, which typically takes four years to complete, goes into further depth on studying human movement and exercise than an associate degree. You explore how fitness trainers, PE educators, and therapists use exercise as a form of medicine.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework covers topics like principles of motor skills, women’s health and exercise across the lifespan, and exercise physiology. Concentrations include exercise science, physical education, and health and fitness leadership.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s program is best suited if you want to become a certified athletic trainer or work as a PE teacher. With a bachelor’s degree, you can work in community recreation, educational, and clinical settings, pursuing more specialized roles than you could with only an associate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary-700″]Master’s Degree in Kinesiology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs:[/hen-ui-text] Athletic administrator, physical therapist, athletic director[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many future coaches, sports administrators, and certified trainers have master’s degrees in kinesiology, which usually take 2-3 years to earn. This degree covers the clinical aspects of exercise science, kinesiology, and physiology, along with advanced sports medicine topics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework explores advanced biomechanics of human motion, issues in athletic training, and the history and philosophy of sports. Concentrations include sports management, exercise physiology, and sports medicine.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s in kinesiology prepares you for employment as strength and training coaches, athletic program administrators, and exercise physiologists. The degree is often a minimum qualification for working as a coach or athletic administrator. You can also pursue postgraduate study in kinesiology and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/physical-therapist/”]physical therapy[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary-700″]Doctorate in Kinesiology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 4-5 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs:[/hen-ui-text] University professor, researcher, sports psychologist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in research, education, and other advanced topics in kinesiology, you can pursue a doctorate in the field. A doctoral degree in kinesiology takes about four years to complete and covers advanced topics in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and research methods for kinesiology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can pursue specializations like motor control, rehabilitation science, or sports psychology. The degree also requires a research-based dissertation. With a doctoral degree in kinesiology, you’ll be prepared for highly specialized roles such as sports psychologist, kinesiology research scientist, and university professor.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While many of these positions are in academia, sports psychologists can also work in the professional sports industry. The degree can also prepare you for executive-level sports administration careers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]9 Colleges Offering Kinesiology Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although programs in related fields like exercise science are commonly offered at the undergraduate level, bachelor’s degrees specifically in kinesiology are less widely available. Most institutions that offer kinesiology programs do so at the master’s or doctoral level. So, what colleges have kinesiology programs? And what colleges offer the best kinesiology programs?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Colleges Offering Kinesiology Degree Programs[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Colleges and Universities[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Program Offered at the Graduate Level?[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Fully Online Option?[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.tc.columbia.edu/biobehavioral-sciences/movement-science-and-education/#:~:text=in%20Kinesiology%20is%20a%20full,in%20the%20study%20of%20movement.” target=”_blank”]Columbia University in the City of New York[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges and Universities”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Graduate Level?”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://ehe.osu.edu/graduate/kinesiology” target=”_blank”]The Ohio State University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges and Universities”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Graduate Level?”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.westpoint.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/kinesiology-major” target=”_blank”]The United States Military Academy at West Point[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges and Universities”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Graduate Level?”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://catalog.utexas.edu/undergraduate/education/degrees-and-programs/bs-kinesiology-and-health/” target=”_blank”]The University of Texas at Austin[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges and Universities”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Graduate Level?”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.utrgv.edu/cohp/schools-and-departments/department-of-health-human-performance/” target=”_blank”]The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges and Universities”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Graduate Level?”]Yes, MS only[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://coe.uga.edu/directory/kinesiology/” target=”_blank”]University of Georgia[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges and Universities”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Graduate Level?”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.kines.umich.edu/academics/movement-science/undergraduate” target=”_blank”]University of Michigan[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges and Universities”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Graduate Level?”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://pt.usc.edu/programs/master-of-science-in-biokinesiology/” target=”_blank”]University of Southern California[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges and Universities”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Graduate Level?”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://guide.wisc.edu/undergraduate/education/kinesiology/kinesiology-bs/” target=”_blank”]University of Wisconsin–Madison[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges and Universities”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Undergraduate Level?”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Offered at the Graduate Level?”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Consider Before Applying to a Kinesiology Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When looking at accredited kinesiology programs, you’ll want to look for concentrations that best suit your career goals. You can also find programs that don’t require test scores or have lower GPA requirements, giving you more options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation for Kinesiology Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should ensure the accreditation status of your prospective kinesiology program before applying. Currently, CAAHEP handles [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.caahep.org/” target=”_blank”]programmatic accreditation[/hen-ui-link] for kinesiology degree programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending a kinesiology program with CAAHEP accreditation guarantees that you receive a high-quality, hard-science-based education. Graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited program is a prerequisite for professional certification as an athletic trainer.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Kinesiology Concentration Area[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many kinesiology degrees offer various concentrations to help you prepare for specific careers. If you have a specific career path in mind, it’s important to check that your prospective program offers your focus area. Common concentrations include athletic training, exercise physiology or science, and movement science.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admissions requirements vary by program and school, but most undergraduate programs require a GPA, test scores, and official transcripts. Internships or experience in kinesiology could be seen as an advantage, but it’s not typically required. Personal statements, an essay, and letters of recommendation can strengthen your application. Common application requirements for a bachelor’s in kinesiology include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Official transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A personal statement or essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For a graduate degree in kinesiology, application requirements can include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in a closely related field[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A minimum undergraduate GPA, as shown on official transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]GRE scores[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A personal statement or essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kinesiology is a versatile area of study that prepares you for many different career options. For some, the degree provides a credential to pursue work in physical education, while others find employment as athletic trainers or coaches. You may also treat kinesiology as a pre-med major.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following section details the most common career paths in the field, many of which relate directly to health services.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Kinesiology Careers[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]10 Kinesiology Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-33)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Fitness Trainers and Instructor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”]$46,180[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]14%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Post-Secondary Certificate or Associate’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Physical Therapist Assistant[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”]$60,050[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]19%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Recreation and Fitness Study Teacher[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”]$75,770[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]10%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Coach and Scout[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”]$45,920[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]9%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Exercise Physiologist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”]$58,160[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]10%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Kinesiologist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Kinesiologist/Salary” target=”_blank”]$58,780*[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Athletic Director[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Athletic_Director/Salary” target=”_blank”]$71,200*[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Athletic Trainer[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”]$60,250[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]13%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Physical Therapist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”]$101,020[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]14%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Recreation and Fitness Studies Professors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 Kinesiology Careers”]$75,890[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Kinesiology Degree Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kinesiology jobs offer modest earnings at the entry level, with the potential for greater earnings upon moving into administrative positions. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm” target=”_blank”]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) reports that fitness trainers and instructors earned a median salary of $46,180, while physical therapists made more than twice that at $101,020.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Entry-level kinesiology jobs remain in high demand. For instance, BLS data projects that employment for fitness trainers will grow by 14% from 2023 to 2033, substantially faster than the national average (4%).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does a Kinesiology Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median tuition cost of a four-year kinesiology degree in a traditional on-campus program is around $50,000, whereas a two-year online associate’s degree is just shy of $2,500. Online kinesiology degrees at the undergraduate levels cost less, on average, than on-campus programs, with online bachelor’s degrees costing nearly $2,000 less per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other factors that significantly impact the cost of your kinesiology degree include whether you attend a public or private college and whether you enroll part-time or full-time.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Median Annual Tuition Cost of Parks, Recreation, Fitness, and Kinesiology Degrees[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree Level[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Online Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Traditional, On-Campus Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]$1,172*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online Programs”]$1,993[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]$10,467[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online Programs”]$12,714[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online Programs”]$12,080*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Kinesiology Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much can you make with a kinesiology degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-earning jobs in kinesiology are administrative positions in sports, fitness, and health and wellness, such as sports managers, fitness managers, and athletic directors. However, how much you can make depends on where you work, your degree level, and any additional certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What’s the difference between kinesiology and physical therapy?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapy requires a doctoral degree and applies exercise, special equipment, hands-on treatment, and medical imaging to improve patient mobility and treat specific problems.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kinesiology also uses exercise activities to promote wellness, but it is more holistic, addressing general movement issues. Kinesiology does not require a doctoral degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a kinesiologist?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kinesiologists are healthcare professionals who study the science of human movement. Their goal is to improve their clients’ physical performance and well-being.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals examine the body’s biomechanical processes, exploring how managing those processes can contribute to human health. They then prescribe exercise-related practices as medicine for their clients.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a kinesiology degree worth it​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A degree in kinesiology may lead to a fulfilling career if you are interested in using exercise and movement education as a tool to help people. It can also help you to pursue coaching or fitness training to improve the health and well-being of clients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Undergraduate kinesiology degrees can also prepare you for various graduate degrees, including physiotherapy, biology, or related careers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do kinesiologists require licensure?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Currently, there is no widely recognized general licensure for kinesiology professionals. However, several career areas encompassed by kinesiology do have specific licensure requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For instance, athletic trainers need to obtain licensure to work. In nearly every state, athletic trainers must secure licensure by earning the certified athletic trainer credential from the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.bocatc.org/” target=”_blank”]Board of Certification[/hen-ui-link] or completing a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1500,1340″][/hen-ui-article-row]