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“Like most industries, the field is turning towards technology and AI, but there is no replacement for human interaction. This means exercise programming will be less important for professionals, but human engagement and assessment will become more important.”
– Alex Rothstein, EdD, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Exercise Science, New York Institute of Technology
Kinesiology is the study of the human body’s movement, and in the United States, kinesiologists are considered allied health professionals. Kinesiology is at a fascinating intersection of several scientific fields that all come together in motion. As a field of study, it is not limited to certain parts of the human body, but to the body as a whole, as well as the interaction of its different appendages, muscles, and nerves.
Kinesiologists can work alongside professional athletes to help them perfect specific movements, or, just as likely, in laboratory or research environments focused on the body in activity. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of kinesiology, and the many different processes at play in body movement, this field of study should be particularly exciting to people who enjoy thinking on their feet and engaging in complex problem-solving.
The most widespread application of kinesiology is in the medical field, where practitioners help patients overcome injuries or correct issues related to body movement. As the majority of work takes some physical toll on the body, be it through excessive standing, sitting, or other repetitive motions, kinesiologists often play an important role in helping individuals deal with these movement-related problems that arise from day-to-day activity.
A kinesiologist is not a board-certified or licensed position, though it is often considered a component or stepping stone to a licensed medical profession. However, individuals who want to work as kinesiologists or build the necessary body of knowledge are strongly encouraged to earn a four-year degree from an accredited university to support those goals. Even without a licensing process in place for the title of “kinesiologist,” people who work in this capacity often have a major responsibility in advising patients or clients in how (not) to move. Further specializations allow one to define their own particular area of practice.
Becoming a kinesiologist with a widely accepted credential from an accredited university is fairly straightforward and offers interested individuals an ever-expanding array of opportunities. While the instructions below may not fit every individual use case, they should serve as a helpful guide in becoming a kinesiologist.
Meet the Expert: Alex Rothstein, MS, EdD, NSCA-CSCS, ACSM-EP-C, USAW, CISSN
Alex Rothstein is an assistant professor and program coordinator of exercise science at New York Institute of Technology School of Health Professions. He earned his BS in exercise science and his MS in sports science from Hofstra University. He earned his EdD in applied physiology from Teachers College at Columbia University.
Rothstein’s research interests focus primarily on promoting health and longevity through Indian Clubs, a dynamic upper-body training modality. He teaches courses in exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, resistance training, and aerobic conditioning. He is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist and an ACSM exercise physiologist with additional certifications in training modalities and populations such as kettlebell, ViPR, functional movement screening, US weightlifting, and pre/post natal training.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What’s something you wish more people understood about kinesiology and exercise science?
Professor Rothstein: I think my favorite answer to this question is that kinesiology and exercise science is not just about sports, and it is not just about exercise. It is about those things, but more broadly it is about assessing human physiology and how we can work to improve its function to achieve a goal. This could include someone with a physiological condition such as heart disease, as well as a great athlete who wants to jump higher and run further.
The kinesiology and exercise science fields offer a broad area for specialization but ultimately it comes back to human physiology and how to enhance or maintain it.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in this field?
Professor Rothstein: As you begin learning more and diving into the science, make sure to question as much as you can and practice talking about what you have learned. This will help you become better at talking about the science and it will help you find gaps in your knowledge that you can further develop.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Professor Rothstein: Like most industries, the field is turning towards technology and AI, but there is no replacement for human interaction. This means exercise programming will be less important for professionals, but human engagement and assessment will become more important.
Additionally, it is important to know how to interpret AI data to make recommendations and suggestions that best fit each individual.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Kinesiologist
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Receive an Equivalency Diploma (Four Years)
Nearly all universities require the completion of a high school diploma or its equivalent to apply for four-year degree programs, and those for kinesiology or exercise science are no exception. Prospective students may prepare themselves by taking advanced STEM courses when possible. Additionally, a high GPA is favorable for gaining admission into one of the more competitive programs.
Step 2: Obtain an Associate Degree (Two Years)
This second step is somewhat optional, as graduates of a four-year bachelor’s program will complete nearly identical coursework in obtaining their degree.
However, for applicants who wish to cut some costs in their university education, it may be preferable first to attend a community or city college in the area of their choice, and then transfer to an accredited four-year university for the relevant coursework for the remainder of their education. A concurrent or similar option is to complete core classes through correspondence or online courses at a community college to transfer to a four-year university.
Step 3: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree (Two to Four Years)
Individuals who wish to become kinesiologists are advised to obtain a four-year degree from an accredited university. This qualification will be the single biggest factor in improving their chances of employment in the field later on. There are quite a few degrees available today that qualify for a career in kinesiology, several of which are geared toward specific areas of interest.
Step 4: Pursue Additional Certifications (Timeline Varies)
While there is no single universal requirement, kinesiologists can pursue additional specialized certifications to establish a particular area of practice. Organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) offer certification for exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning specialists, and medical exercise specialists. Requirements for each vary.
New York Institute of Technology
New York Institute of Technology offers a bachelor of exercise science program that gives students the foundation for a wide range of sports, exercise, health, and wellness fields. The program consists of 121 to 124 credits and progressively introduces courses and provides graduates with expertise in kinesiology, aerobic conditioning, movement analysis, and more. Students have access to the clinics, facilities, and resources of New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and other health profession majors.
New York Tech also offers an advanced certificate in kinesiology (9 credits), which can be taken on its own or used as credit towards an MS in exercise and sports science (30 credits) — both options are available online or on-campus. Those interested in earning both their bachelor’s and their master’s have the option of applying to an accelerated (4+1) program.
- Location: Long Island, New York
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years (bachelor’s); One to two years (master’s)
Vermont State University (Formerly Northern Vermont University)
This University is located in rural northern Vermont and offers a bachelor of science in exercise science. VSU’s offering is geared towards people with an orientation to working in physical therapy, sports medicine and athletics instruction, but emphasizes a broad instruction base.
The university’s exercise science program is heavy on experience, and according to the school, its graduates can obtain their degrees with up to two years of concurrent work experience. VSU’s bachelor’s program also makes graduates eligible to participate in advanced certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine.
- Location: Johnson, Vermont
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
San Jose State University offers a bachelor’s of science program in kinesiology. It consists of approximately 60 credits, though the total varies based on specialization. Core classes cover subjects such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor development, motor learning, and measurement and evaluation. Specializations are available in the following areas: exercise and fitness specialist; rehabilitation science; inclusive physical activity in communities (IPAC); sport management & culture; transfer curriculum studies; and individual studies.
A second bachelor’s program is available in kinesiology with a preparation for teaching. This major is designed primarily for those interested in teaching physical education (PE) or adapted physical education (APE) at a PK-12 level.
San Jose State University gets consistently high rankings as one of the best regional universities in the country.
- Location: San Jose, California
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Texas A&M is another great choice for prospective students who want flexibility in their degree plan and want to find a kinesiology program that fits their profile and interests.
The university offers both a BS and an MS in kinesiology, each of which comes with a wide range of specializations. Specializations at the bachelor’s level include: exercise & sports science; basic exercise physiology; applied exercise physiology; motor behavior; and athletic training. Specializations at the master’s level include: performance physiology and strength & conditioning; clinical exercise physiology; sports pedagogy; exercise physiology; athletic training; and motor neuroscience.
- Location: College Station, Texas
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years (bachelor’s); Two years (master’s)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers both a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in kinesiology. The bachelor’s program provides a foundation in the study of human movement, preparing students for both advanced study and careers in health, fitness, sport, and education. Students may choose to specialize in one of four concentrations: health sciences; applied exercise science; biobehavioral health science; or teacher education.
The master’s program offers six areas of specialization: biobehavioral health; biomechanics and motor control; epidemiology of health and physical activity; exercise physiology; health diversity and cultural studies; and pedagogical kinesiology. A PhD program is also available in kinesiology.
UI’s degree plans feature quite a bit of liberal arts courses as well, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign heavily emphasizes tie-ins to its own and other graduate programs and connections to the healthcare field.
- Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years (bachelor’s); Two years (master’s); Five to seven years (PhD)
The KU bachelor’s degree in exercise science is built on a combination of “broad-based exercise science education” and hands-on experience through internships. Not only do students gain an understanding of the human body, they also gain the knowledge needed to work in the health-related field of their choice.
Graduates will be well-positioned to pursue further training, education, and practice in roles such as: exercise instructor, personal trainer, clinical exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, and sports scientist.
- Location: Lawrence, KS
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Degree Plans for Kinesiologists: BS vs BA
The primary difference between undergraduate degree plans that provide a successful pathway into a career in kinesiology is choosing a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA) degree program.
Although every institution is different, and there are no hard and fast rules in this still-emerging field, bachelor of arts degrees are usually administered through the school of liberal arts and feature humanities and civics courses in addition to the STEM curriculum.
Bachelor of science degree plans are more science-oriented, as the name suggests. Many BS degree plans will feature additional statistics and organic chemistry courses, which may not necessarily be found in a corresponding BA degree plan.
A second differentiation between degree plans that can lead to a successful kinesiology career is their actual title and emphasis. For example, a kinesiologist working today may have completed a degree with that exact title or have graduated with a diploma in exercise science. Physical education is another realm that intersects heavily with the principles of kinesiology, and some universities will also offer specific course packages aimed at prospective teachers.
Kinesiology Degree Accreditation
Because kinesiology is not a licensed profession, there is no one specific licensing or governing body to award licensure. However, this fact makes the institution from which kinesiology or exercise science degree holders graduate all the more important.
The process by which educational standards are monitored and certified in the United States is by accreditation, which occurs through regional bodies. Prospective students of kinesiology and related fields are strongly advised to ensure that their institution of choice is accredited by one of the following:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Higher Learning Commission
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- New England Commission of Higher Education
