What Can You Do with a Kinesiology Degree? Top Career Opportunities and More

Are you fascinated by how the human body works? Ever wonder how athletes achieve peak performance or how physical therapy aids recovery? If that’s so, you might be interested in a kinesiology degree.

But what can you do with a kinesiology degree? If you dream of working with top athletes, helping patients regain mobility, or boosting workplace wellness, a kinesiology degree offers a variety of career opportunities. But is it the right fit for you? Let’s explore the possibilities.

• Careers with a Kinesiology Degree
• Entry-Level Jobs for Kinesiology Majors
• What Does a Kinesiologist Do?
• How to Become a Kinesiologist
• Best Schools for a Kinesiology Degree
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Careers with a Kinesiology Degree

So, what can you do with a kinesiology degree? The good news is, there are many career paths. Here are a few popular options:

Physical therapist

If you’re thinking about what you can do with a kinesiology degree, physical therapy should be at the top of your list. This role is about helping patients recover from surgeries, manage chronic pain, and regain mobility after injuries. Imagine guiding someone through the steps to walk again, or working with athletes who want to get back in the game after tearing an ACL. It’s a job that brings a lot of satisfaction, especially when you see your patients make progress.

To become a physical therapist, you’ll need to continue your education with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which usually takes about three more years after earning your bachelor’s in kinesiology. You’ll also need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) to be licensed.

Starting salaries are generally around $97,720 per year, but they can reach up to $130,870, especially if you specialize in sports rehab or work in high-end clinics. You might find yourself working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports clinics, or even on the sidelines of professional teams like the New York Yankees. Given that demand for physical therapists is projected to grow by 14% by 2033, this career offers plenty of job security.

Exercise physiologist

If you’re more interested in the science of exercise and health, becoming an exercise physiologist could be your thing. When thinking about what you can do with a kinesiology degree, this career is one that lets you work closely with clients to design exercise programs tailored to improve their health.

You’d be working with people recovering from surgeries, dealing with chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes, or simply looking to enhance their physical fitness. Imagine working in a cardiac rehab center, guiding patients through safe exercise routines that improve their cardiovascular health—pretty impactful, right?

You’ll need your kinesiology degree to get started, but certification as a Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) will help you stand out in the field. Exercise physiologists typically start at about $53,200 per year, but with experience, you could earn upwards of $78,000 yearly, especially if you work in hospitals or high-end wellness centers.

Employment opportunities are everywhere, from medical centers to wellness companies like Fitbit and Peloton. As people become more health-conscious, the field is expected to grow by 10% by 2033.

Athletic trainer

If sports are your thing, becoming an athletic trainer is a fantastic answer to what you can do with a kinesiology degree. As an athletic trainer, you’ll be right there on the field, court, or rink, helping athletes stay in peak condition and quickly treating injuries when they happen. You might work with high school teams, college athletes, or even professionals. Picture yourself as the person who’s called in during halftime to patch up a player or tape an ankle. That’s a pretty big deal.

Most athletic trainers need to complete a master’s degree in athletic training, which takes another two years after your undergrad in kinesiology. You’ll also need to get certified by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). Salaries typically start around $52,000 per year, but you could make more—sometimes over $80,000 annually—if you land a job with a well-known college team or a professional sports organization.

There’s even room to work with special performers like the athletes in Cirque du Soleil or stunt teams in the film industry. With a job growth rate projected at 13% by 2033, athletic training is a stable career path that keeps you close to the action.

Occupational therapist

Occupational therapy is another fulfilling path for those still asking what you can do with a kinesiology degree. As an occupational therapist, you’ll help patients develop or regain the skills needed for daily living.

This could mean helping someone relearn how to brush their teeth after a stroke or guiding a child with autism through sensory exercises that make school and play easier. It’s about giving people their independence back, one small victory at a time.

To become an occupational therapist, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes 2-3 years after your undergraduate degree. You’ll also have to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to practice.

The average salary for an occupational therapist is about $90,800 yearly, but if you specialize in areas like pediatric therapy or neuro-rehabilitation, you could earn over $130,000 per year. You’ll find jobs in hospitals, schools, mental health centers, and private practices. The demand for occupational therapists is growing at a rate of 11% by 2033, which makes it one of the more secure career options for kinesiology grads.

So, there you have it. Whether you see yourself on the sidelines of a major sports event, guiding someone through recovery, or even running a gym, what you can do with a kinesiology degree is anything but limited. This degree can take you from classrooms to clinics, courts, and beyond. The best part? You get to help people live healthier, more active lives—what’s cooler than that?

Entry-Level Jobs for Kinesiology Majors

If you’re a recent grad, you’re probably wondering about entry-level jobs for kinesiology majors. Here’s what you might consider:

• Rehabilitation assistant. You’ll help physical and occupational therapists in their daily tasks, guiding patients through exercises and documenting progress.
• Personal trainer. With a kinesiology degree, you’ll have a strong foundation for this role, whether it’s in a gym or as a freelancer.
• Wellness coordinator. You could work in corporate settings, assisting with wellness programs for employees, focusing on injury prevention and overall health.
• Strength and conditioning coach. Working with teams or athletes, you’ll design training programs to improve strength and agility.
• Medical assistant. You can work in clinics, supporting medical staff and helping patients with rehabilitation exercises.

Most of these entry-level roles pay between $35,000 and $60,000 annually. They’re great starting points that offer hands-on experience in movement and wellness.

What Does a Kinesiologist Do?

The next question you might have is, what does a kinesiologist do? Kinesiologists are experts in body mechanics and movement, using their knowledge to help people improve physical performance or recover from injuries.

Kinesiologists often assess patients’ movement abilities, identify areas of weakness or pain, and design exercise programs to address these issues. You might find kinesiologists in various settings, including:

• Rehabilitation clinics. Here, kinesiologists assist patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, or neurological conditions. They create tailored exercise routines and monitor progress, showing what you can do with a kinesiology degree in a healthcare setting.
• Sports facilities. In this setting, kinesiologists work directly with athletes and help them improve performance, prevent injuries, and maintain overall fitness.
• Corporate wellness programs. Kinesiologists often develop exercise and wellness plans for employees to boost productivity and reduce workplace injuries.
• Research laboratories. Kinesiologists contribute to scientific studies on human movement, while working alongside physiologists and other medical professionals.

These are just a couple of options for what you can do with a kinesiology degree. From working with patients and athletes to doing research, kinesiologists have a hands-on role in improving people’s health.

How to Become a Kinesiologist

So, you’ve got your eye on becoming a kinesiologist? The road to becoming one isn’t overly complicated, but it does take some dedication. Let’s break down the steps to get you started.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology

First things first—you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or something similar. This is your entry point into what you can do with a kinesiology degree. During this four-year program, you’ll study the basics, like anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise psychology. It’s where you learn how the body moves, how muscles work, and how exercise impacts overall health.

This is also your chance to explore different paths. Want to see what you can do with a kinesiology degree in the sports world? Take electives like sports biomechanics or strength training. More interested in rehabilitation? Try courses like therapeutic exercise or motor behavior. These choices help you figure out what you can do with a kinesiology degree based on your interests.

Step 2: Get hands-on experience

Learning from textbooks is one thing, but the real learning happens when you get out there and do the work. Internships, volunteering, and part-time gigs are the best way to see what you can do with a kinesiology degree in action. From working in a physical therapy clinic or assisting a sports team to helping at a rehab center, this hands-on experience helps you build skills and make professional connections.

Most kinesiology programs require clinical hours, which means you’ll be getting hands-on experience by default. Use this time wisely—shadow professionals, conduct fitness assessments, and assist in rehab sessions. This is where you really figure out what you can do with a kinesiology degree in different settings.

Step 3: Consider getting certified

So, do you have to get certified? Not always, but it sure helps. If you’re wondering how to stand out in the job market, certification is one of the best ways to show what you can do with a kinesiology degree. Becoming a Certified Kinesiologist (CK) or a CSCS can boost your credibility, especially if you’re leaning toward sports performance or clinical roles.

Each certification usually involves an exam covering topics like biomechanics, exercise program design, and health assessments. It’s not a requirement for every job, but it can make a big difference in what you can do with your kinesiology degree.

Step 4: Go for a master’s degree (optional)

Got your bachelor’s, some experience, and maybe even a certification? You can start working as a kinesiologist right away. But if you’re aiming for more specialized roles, consider pursuing a master’s degree. This advanced degree expands what you can do with a kinesiology degree and also lets you focus on specialties like neuromuscular physiology, motor control, or sports biomechanics.

A master’s degree usually takes about two years and offers opportunities for research, teaching, and working in specialized clinical roles. It’s also a good option if you want to work with specific populations, like seniors, athletes, or people with disabilities.

Becoming a kinesiologist isn’t just about earning a degree and calling it a day. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, getting hands-on experience, and exploring all you can do with a kinesiology degree.

Best Schools for a Kinesiology Degree

Looking to make the most of your kinesiology degree? Picking the right school can make all the difference. If you’re dreaming of working with pro athletes, getting into rehab, or leading groundbreaking research, finding the right program is key.

Some schools in the U.S. really stand out when it comes to kinesiology. They offer top-notch facilities, killer internships, and serious career connections. So, let’s check out some of the best places to earn a kinesiology degree and why they’re perfect for shaping your future in this exciting field.

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology is a standout choice if you’re aiming to earn a kinesiology degree. It’s ranked as the #1 Doctoral Program in Kinesiology by the National Academy of Kinesiology and #2 in the U.S. for both sport management and kinesiology/physical therapy by Niche. If you’re looking for a school that leads the way in research, teaching, and hands-on opportunities, Michigan is hard to beat.

What really sets Michigan apart is its focus on preparing students for success. A whopping 99% of its kinesiology undergrads are either employed or pursuing further education shortly after graduation, based on a 2022 survey with an 80% response rate from 290 bachelor’s graduates.

The program covers all the essentials—biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor behavior—while offering cutting-edge research facilities and strong interdisciplinary collaboration with the university’s medical and engineering schools.

You can expect to gain hands-on experience through internships, whether it’s with local sports teams, rehabilitation clinics, or corporate wellness programs. It’s one of the best places to explore what you can do with a kinesiology degree as it offers a clear path from classroom to career in fields like athletic training, sports management, and physical therapy.

University of Southern California (USC)

The University of Southern California is a top choice if you’re looking to maximize what you can do with a kinesiology degree. USC’s Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy offers one of the most well-rounded programs in the country, with its PhD program ranked 12th in the nation by the National Academy of Kinesiology. Plus, its physical therapy program is ranked #6 and its occupational therapy program is ranked #5, which makes it a major player in the field of kinesiology.

USC’s program gets into areas like sports performance, biomechanics, and rehabilitation, offering both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. You’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities, including motion analysis labs, gait labs, and partnerships with professional teams like the Los Angeles Lakers. USC gives you plenty of opportunities to explore what you can do with a kinesiology degree.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the best places to earn a kinesiology degree. The National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK) ranks UNC’s Human Movement Science PhD program among the top five doctoral programs in the U.S., which makes it a top contender for anyone serious about studying kinesiology. Additionally, UNC’s programs are highly regarded by U.S. News & World Report, ranking #5 in occupational therapy and #11 in physical therapy.

The Department of Exercise and Sport Science at UNC covers everything from sports medicine and human performance to injury rehabilitation. You’ll benefit from cutting-edge research facilities like the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes, which focuses on long-term athlete health. The program also offers hands-on opportunities, with students often interning with top NCAA teams and gaining real-world experience in sports medicine, performance improvement, and rehab.

University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Education is another top choice for earning a kinesiology degree. Ranked #9 in research by the National Academy of Kinesiology, UT Austin’s program is known for its strong focus on health promotion, exercise science, and physical culture. With cutting-edge research facilities, the school is a major hub for breakthroughs in these areas, which makes it a great place to explore what you can do with a kinesiology degree.

You’ll benefit from unique resources like the Fitness Institute of Texas and the Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports, where you can get into research projects on athletic performance, exercise physiology, and more.

If you’re curious about what you can do with a kinesiology degree, UT Austin’s comprehensive program provides a clear path to careers in athletic coaching, sports management, rehabilitation, or even advanced research roles. With its location in a bustling city, UT Austin also offers plenty of job prospects and networking opportunities for kinesiology graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some popular careers with a kinesiology degree?

With a kinesiology degree, you can pursue various careers in fields like healthcare, sports, and wellness. Some popular roles include physical therapist, athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, and occupational therapist. You could also explore roles in corporate wellness programs, fitness coaching, or even research positions.

2. What does a kinesiologist do on a typical workday?

Depending on the work setting, they might assess patients’ movement abilities, identify pain points, and develop personalized exercise plans. In sports settings, they often work directly with athletes to enhance performance, while in clinical or rehab environments, they help patients regain strength and mobility after injuries. Kinesiologists can also work in research labs, contributing to studies on biomechanics or neuromotor control.

3. What are some entry-level jobs for kinesiology majors?

There are plenty of entry-level jobs available for kinesiology majors. You might start as a rehab assistant, fitness trainer, wellness coordinator, or personal trainer. Other options include roles like exercise technician or clinical aide, where you assist healthcare professionals in developing exercise routines for patients. These roles offer valuable hands-on experience, giving you a chance to apply your knowledge of human movement and exercise science in real-world settings.

4. How can I become a kinesiologist?

If you’re wondering how to become a kinesiologist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field like exercise science. After earning your degree, gaining hands-on experience through internships or part-time roles is essential to building your skills. While not always required, certifications like the CK or CSCS can enhance your credibility. For those seeking higher-level roles, pursuing a master’s degree can open up more advanced career opportunities.

5. Is kinesiology a good major for career growth?

Yes, kinesiology is a good major for those interested in health, fitness, and human performance. It offers a wide range of career opportunities in healthcare, sports, and wellness. The demand for professionals in fields like physical therapy, athletic training, and exercise physiology continues to grow, which makes kinesiology a good and stable major. The hands-on nature of kinesiology, combined with its focus on improving physical health, makes it a good major choice for many students.

Takeaways

So, what can you do with a kinesiology degree? Here’s a quick rundown to help you figure out your next steps:

• Kinesiology is a very versatile degree that leads to careers in physical therapy, athletic training, wellness coaching, and more. If you want to work with athletes or help patients recover, the options are endless.
• The best schools for kinesiology, like the University of Michigan, USC, UNC Chapel Hill, and UT Austin, offer strong research programs, hands-on learning, and high job placement rates. Choosing the right program can set you up for a successful career, especially in competitive fields like physical therapy and sports medicine.
• Entry-level jobs for kinesiology majors, like rehab assistant or fitness trainer, are great starting points. They provide valuable experience and help you build skills for more advanced roles down the line.
• Earning certifications or pursuing a master’s degree can take your career to the next level. It’s worth considering if you want to specialize in areas like sports performance or rehabilitation.
• Not sure which school or career path fits you best? Consider working with a college admissions consultant for personalized advice. Let AdmissionSight guide you through the process, so you can feel confident about your future.