Kinesiology Degree Program
A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) prepares you for a meaningful career bettering the health and lives of others in your communities. You can also take your education to the next level by pursuing a graduate degree.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Kinesiology Overview
This program is designed for individuals interested in human movement to assume roles in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, doctors’ offices, private businesses, schools and colleges.
Our approach is effective
You will choose from one of two concentrations: leadership or health. In our small, open classrooms, you’ll receive personalized interaction with your professors, have many opportunities to work collaboratively with classmates and gain hands-on experience. Our faculty members hold advanced degrees and have diverse experience in education, research and industry fields.
Not only will your coursework explore the specifics of kinesiology, it will also include a strong foundation in the liberal arts, providing you with a well-rounded education.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Acquire specific knowledge relevant to promoting holistic health and wellness.
- Communicate effectively utilizing written expression, verbal skills, and the use of media technology.
- Apply critical thinking skills and evidence-based findings to analyze current kinesiology trends.
- Provide services through the design, utilization of resources and evaluation of programs that promote health and wellness through physical movement.
- Display leadership and advocacy that promotes inclusion of individuals in health and wellness through physical movement.
- Demonstrate professionalism and uphold ethical standards related to the promotion of kinesiology.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the overall employment of kinesiology related personnel is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations. This growth will be driven by efforts to improve health outcomes and to reduce healthcare costs by teaching people healthy behaviors and explaining how to use available healthcare services.
Graduates emerge prepared to pursue a variety of careers in kinesiology such as:
- Exercise physiologist
- Personal health coach
- Health educator
- Athletic coach
- Fitness trainer/instructor
- Program instructor
- Health care navigator
- Life coach
- Activity/program instructor
- Team leader
- Physical education teacher
- Sports coordinator
- Community health educator
- Addiction and rehabilitation worker
- Athletic director
- Wellness advisor
- Wellness promoter for businesses, colleges or insurance companies
With additional graduate education, students may pursue careers such as:
- College professor
- Occupational therapist
- Physical therapist
- Chiropractor
Check out our blog 8 careers you can have with a kinesiology degree
What is kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the study of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement. A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College addresses the physiological and mechanical systems of the body. A primary focus is the treatment of injuries and the prevention of injuries, disease and a focus on health and wellness. SMWC doesn’t just teach you the basics of kinesiology, though. The College takes it a step further and overlays our values-based curriculum with strong leadership components. So, you aren’t just learning about kinesiology; you’re learning to be a leader in the field of kinesiology.
Why get a degree in kinesiology?
A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology can give you many options upon graduation. You will learn about relaxation of the body, correcting the alignment and posture of the body, increasing muscle strength, exercise training and more. Kinesiology degrees have been growing in popularity. And as medicine starts to understand more about how the kinesiology of the body affects overall health, kinesiology’s importance in the medical field continues to grow as well.
What jobs can you get with a kinesiology degree?
You might be wondering, “What kind of jobs can I get with a degree in kinesiology?” If you have a passion for exercise, exercise science, the human body and the focus on health and wellness, kinesiology may be the right degree for you. You can choose to continue your graduate studies or enter the workplace upon graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for kinesiologists will increase by around 27% through 2024. Among these careers are:
- Personal Trainer
- Health and Wellness Representative
- Fitness Instructor
- Healthcare Coordinator
Explore more careers in kinesiology on the blog. And if you want to create an entirely made-for-you degree, pair a kinesiology degree with a double major or minor in things like sport management, teaching, psychology or Spanish to create an even more interesting set of career options.
What is the average annual salary of someone with a kinesiology degree?
As you look at starting salaries, keep in mind that the cost of living and opportunities to move with a career or industry sector should also factor into your decision. For instance, Indiana is known for job growth due to the low cost of living. Your dollar simply goes further here.
National: $64,000