15 Career Paths in the Military With a Kinesiology Degree

Active duty service members and veterans know how much physical activity is involved in basic training and regular service. The physical demands of military-based athletic training can lead to injuries and other issues, increasing the need for exercise science program graduates.

Kinesiology majors study human movement, but students who complete these degree programs also study related fields, like physical therapy and personal training. The military isn't the only employer that sees value in hiring exercise physiology experts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 10% growth rate for kinesiologists by 2032, over three times the average for all professions.

Most kinesiologists earn bachelor's degrees, but some earn master's degrees in physical therapy or similar fields of study. All military branches have a degree requirement to become a commissioned officer, but they don't require certain degrees. A kinesiology degree can help you become an officer while providing valuable assistance to your fellow service members.

Top Military Careers for Kinesiology Degree Holders

Many kinesiologists pursue careers as fitness trainers, and physical therapists, or work with sports teams, but there are many career paths in the military for these scientists. These fitness instructors can work in every stage of military service ranging from ROTC programs to physical therapy through the Department of Veterans Affairs offices.

1. Kinesiologist

The main career path for these degree holders is kinesiology. Human movement is essential to military service, regardless of branch. From infantry and other frontline service members to members of the Air Force getting in and out of cockpits, there are plenty of stresses on joints and muscles. Kinesiologists in the military work to help these service members work through any injuries they develop during their service.

2. Exercise Physiologist

Members of the armed forces must maintain high levels of physical fitness. Exercise physiologists work in military fitness centers as personal trainers to help tailor plans toward individual service members to meet and exceed physical standards. These fitness specialists run physical education programs that align with military standards.

3. Strength and Conditioning Coach

Each branch has different physical requirements. The strength demands of the Marine Corps and the Navy differ from the Army and Air Force. Strength and conditioning coaches create specialized plans for individual members of these branches to help them complete the physical demands of their branch. Strength and conditioning coaches run military gyms and physical education programs with branch-specific concentrations.

4. Rehabilitation Specialist

Injuries happen in all lines of work and the military is no different. When service members are injured, they often require specialty care. Military kinesiologists understand the risks to the human body that go along with military service. These fitness specialists work with service members to develop rehab programs to allow them to return to service without long-term injuries.

5. Sports Scientist

Sports aren't always thought of as being connected to the military. The individual skills of a sports scientist can be applied to different activities in the military, as well as to the sports teams at the military academies.

6. Human Performance Specialist

Modern military service incorporates health sciences to maximize the human body's abilities. These specialists design plans to maintain high levels of physical health. These plans combine physical healthcare plans as well as diet and exercise regimes.

7. Fitness Program Manager

Maintaining fitness programs isn't as simple as selecting workouts. Fitness programs involve multiple different health plans including personalized diets and strength training. Military fitness programs require adherence to fitness standards set by individual branches.

8. Occupational Health Specialist

Occupational health specialists concentrate on a single occupation's health and fitness demands. Military branches have different physical demands, from frontline infantry to sailors and airmen. Occupational health specialists develop plans to help individuals maintain their physical well-being. However, they also look to improve situations where they can reduce risks.

9. Military Physical Training Instructor

Military physical training instructors coordinate group basic training to help establish fitness standards. These physical fitness programs are designed for large groups based on baseline physical standards for each branch.

10. Biomechanics Specialist

Biomechanics specialists in the military work to analyze human movement and look for ways to enhance ergonomics and help with motion improvement and pain reduction. The military also uses biomechanics specialists to consult and design prosthetics. These specialists understand the individual needs and demands of military service compared to other professions.

11. Performance Analyst

Performance analysts review service member's general performance and identify opportunities for improvement. These reviews benefit individual service members by removing health risks and other factors that can lead to injury or long-lasting pain. Performance analysts also set and maintain the fitness guidelines of their respective branches, ensuring that all service members perform at the highest levels.

12. Health and Wellness Coordinator

Health and wellness programs give guidelines and suggestions to help employees of different organizations maintain overall health. In the military, these coordinators advise on dietary and physical fitness programs for service members. These coordinators stay updated on new trends in physical well-being to make the best recommendations to their military clients.

13. Combat Readiness Specialist

Combat readiness requires physical fitness. These specialists design programs to help prepare active-duty service members for frontline combat through multiple physical fitness methods, including strength and conditioning programs. Combat readiness specialists require additional combat training compared to other motion-science roles in the military.

14. Injury Prevention Specialist

Many kinesiologists work to rehabilitate and treat injured service members, but some roles focus on injury prevention. These specialists work to review physical fitness practices, equipment design, and more to identify and eliminate physical health risks. This role combines an understanding of ergonomics and human movement to eliminate past inefficiencies in design and fitness practices.

15. Military Fitness Advisor

Military fitness advisors make recommendations about best health practices. These advisors review the changing trends and best practices of the larger fitness industry and see where improvements can be made to individual programs and fitness standards. Military fitness advisors help other kinesiologists create health and fitness plans. However, they aren't usually responsible for implementing these plans.

What Are the Benefits of a Kinesiology Degree in the Military?

Military members are often in motion, and kinesiology degrees give students an in-depth knowledge of human motion and how to maximize performance. The coursework allows students to analyze performance and create wellness plans that improve the military's fitness and abilities.