Kinesiology Classes and Colleges
With a degree in kinesiology, you can help others find joy in physical activity, whether as a physical education teacher, personal trainer or coach. Read on to find out about classes and degree programs available in this field.
What You Need to Know
Kinesiology associate's degree programs with concentrations in exercise science or personal training are available at some 2-year colleges. Many kinesiology departments also offer bachelor's and graduate degree programs designed for students who want to work in athletic training or administration.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degrees</b> </td><td> Associate of Applied Science in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Concentration in Health and Physical Education, Master of Science in Kinesiology, Ph.D. In Kinesiology</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Certificates</b> </td><td> Strength and Conditioning Certificate, Certificate in Exercise Science</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Classes</b> </td><td> Weight training and physical conditioning, physiology of exercise, resistance training, adapted aquatics, applied sport psychology, group exercise instruction</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatClassesCanITakeInAnUndergraduateDegreeProgram">What Classes Can I Take in an Undergraduate Degree Program?</h3><p>Coursework for an associate's degree program can include a variety of introductory classes. You could also learn how to prevent injuries in a clinical practicum. The curriculum for a bachelor's degree program can vary based on your area of concentration. For example, if you choose a concentration in exercise science, you might take classes in biomechanics and fitness assessment. If you choose a track in physical education, your classes can include topics in team sports and adapted physical activity. Here are some additional undergraduate classes you might be taking:
</p><ul><li>Coaching
</li><li>Anatomy and physiology
</li><li>Fitness and physical education
</li><li>Sports theory
</li><li>Nutrition
</li><li>Strength training
</li><li>Teaching methods
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAboutGraduateDegrees">What About Graduate Degrees?</h3><p>Master's degree program options are available to those who would like to work as athletic administrators or coaches. Earning a Ph.D. degree might be of interest if you're considering a teaching or research career at the collegiate level. Concentrations more commonly available to graduate students include sports administration, ergonomics and biomechanics. You might also consider graduate studies in fields such as physical and occupational therapy.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesCanITakeInAGraduateDegreeProgram">What Classes Can I Take in a Graduate Degree Program?</h3><p>Coursework for master's and doctoral degree programs also vary according to your area of interest. You might take classes in advanced topics in addition to independent research, which is a common component of these graduate programs. The following graduate classes might be available:
</p><ul><li>Sports psychology
</li><li>Athlete conditioning
</li><li>Motor control
</li><li>Exercise prescription
</li><li>Human performance
</li><li>Ergonomics
</li><li>Sport nutrition
</li><li>Endocrinology
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithAKinesiologyDegree">What Can I Do With a Kinesiology Degree?</h3><p>Associate's degree programs are typically designed to prepare you to become a certified personal trainer or to pursue an entry-level employment in physical therapy. With a bachelor's degree, you could have the option of pursuing concentrations in exercise science, physical education or dance science. These programs can prepare you for a job as an athletic trainer or physical education teacher.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnAnyOfTheseDegreesOnline">Can I Earn Any of These Degrees Online?</h3><p>You might be able to find some online bachelor's degree programs in kinesiology, but these are rare. Distance learning master's degree programs are more readily available. You can often complete coursework for these programs entirely online. Consider these schools that offer kinesiology classes, some of which may be online:
</p><ul><li>The University of Rhode Island (Kingston)
</li><li>Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
</li><li>Georgia Southern University (Savannah)
</li><li>Texas A&M University (College Station)
</li><li>James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA)
</li><li>Ohlone College (Fremont/Newark, CA)
</li><li>Normandale Community College (Bloomington, MN)
</li><li>University of Minnesota (Minneapolis)
</li><li>Fresno Pacific University (CA)</li></ul>