Kinesiology? What Is It and What Can I Do With It?

A Health and Physical Education, Health and Human Performance, Health and Exercise Science – terms you are probably familiar with. But Kinesiology? When giving an explanation of what it is, the usual response is, “Oh, PE?” Yes, physical education is part of Kinesiology, but there are many more areas that are included in this academic discipline. Over the last 15 years many universities have changed their program name to Kinesiology, which is an all-encompassing umbrella term for the many disciplines within this field.

The American Kinesiology Association defines it as, “is an academic discipline which involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. It includes, but is not limited to, such areas of study as exercise science, sports management, athletic training and sports medicine, socio-cultural analyses of sports, sport and exercise psychology, fitness leadership, physical education-teacher education, and pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and other health related fields.”

Still many people don’t understand the depth and breadth of the discipline and all the many career possibilities a Kinesiology graduate can pursue. It’s true, the majority of majors in Kinesiology programs, or at least here at Louisiana Tech, are hoping to become physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physician assistants. But not everyone who applies to these allied health field programs will be accepted for various reasons. Many students do not wish to pursue a career in allied health but are unaware of what other careers are available. Hopefully this blog will enlighten the reader as to the many careers and paths a Kinesiology graduate can take.

The following is a list of possible career avenues compiled from the American Kinesiology Association and the recent seminar (you can click on many of them to find out more information about each):

Adapted Physical Activity

Aquatics Director

Athletic Administration in School or College
National High School Coaches Association
NCAA

Athletic Trainer

Biomechanist
American Society of Biomechanics
International Society of Biomechanics

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist

Chiropractic Physician

Coaching at School or College
National High School Coaches Association
NCAA

Corporate Wellness Programs

Director of Youth Camps/Sports Programs
Boys and Girls Club of America
YMCA
YWCA

Electrophysiology

Epidemiologist – Physical Activity
CDC
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System