What is Kinesiology major? Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the physiological and psychological consequences of movement and exercise on health and well-being. Many doors open up for those with a background in kinesiology. Sports medicine, sports science, and allied health and wellness are just some fields where kinesiology graduates find work. There are a lot of employment options available to them. Keep reading as we delve deeper into the distinctive nature of kinesiology degrees, what to do with a kinesiology degree and the many benefits associated with pursuing such a degree.
What Is A Kinesiology Major?
Studying the anatomical, physiological, neurological, and psychological aspects of human movement is what is kinesiology major consists of. Students are exposed to a testing system that can be used to pinpoint lagging muscle groups. Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement and its physical and mental health effects. Students learn how to promote or restore patients’ physical mobility by integrating a holistic perspective with ideas from Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Psychology. Degrees in kinesiology are in demand because of the multiple opportunities in fields including health (both physical and mental), fitness, sport, and recreation.
Kinesiology aims to accomplish the following nine objectives:
- Relaxation
- Facilitating a greater range of motion in joints
- Improving alignment and posture
- Strengthening Muscles
- Endurance Training
- Harmony, equilibrium, and control
- Working out in the Gym
- Training of the lungs
- Retraining of the senses
Cost Of Acquiring A Kinesiology Degree
The cost of studying a kinesiology degree varies based on the level of education and the type of institution. The table below provides the average tuition costs for kinesiology degrees at various levels and types of institutions.
| Degree | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
| Associate Degree | $3,570 | $9,970 | $10,270 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $7,344 | $27,020 | $37,650 |
| Master’s Degree | $8,950 | $10,408 | $29,960 |
| Doctoral Degree | $10,830 | $17,270 | $42,920 |
What Are The Primary Areas Of Specialisation Within Kinesiology?
Within this field, several areas of specialisation focus on specific aspects of human movement, such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor control. Understanding what is kinesiology major can help you know the specialisation within Kinesiology, and you can choose a career path that aligns with your interests and goals. Upon completing a kinesiology degree, graduates have the option to specialise in the following areas:
- Exercise Science: This specialisation enables graduates to become sports coaches, trainers, or teachers. They instruct individuals on ways to stay in shape, perform physical exercises, and participate in sports.
- Kinesiology & Physical Therapy: Graduates with this specialisation are experts in massage, reflex therapy, lymphatic drainage, and other techniques. They aid individuals in maintaining their physical and mental health.
- Fitness & Nutrition: Professionals who specialise in this area learn how to prevent allergies and combine supplements, vitamins, and physical activity to assist patients in maintaining a sound mind and body.
What Are The Kinesiology Jobs With The Highest Salary?
If you’re thinking about what can you do with a kinesiology degree, you may be wondering which jobs in the field offer the highest salaries. The following Kinesiology careers are popular in the US, with average salaries as per PayScale:
- Athletic Trainer – $44,000 per year
Athletic trainers collaborate with physicians to prevent, identify, and treat injuries in individuals of all ages, especially athletes.
- Chiropractor – $58,500 per year
Chiropractors treat health issues arising from musculoskeletal and nervous system problems by providing diagnoses and appropriate treatment.
- Massage Therapist – $43,000 per year
Massage therapists apply touch and massage techniques to the soft-tissue muscles of the body to reduce pain, promote healing, relieve stress, and induce relaxation in their clients.
- Physical Therapist – $70,500 per year
Physical therapists (PTs) help diagnose and treat individuals with health problems that hinder their mobility or prevent them from performing daily activities.
- Recreational Therapist – $44,000 per year
Therapeutic recreation specialists help patients improve by engaging them in fun activities like art, sports, and games.
- Occupational Therapist – $80,000 per year
Occupational therapists use daily activities to treat injured or disabled individuals, helping them recover and improve the basic skills necessary for work or daily living.
Different Kinds Of Kinesiology Degrees
Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels are all available in the field of kinesiology. Although bachelor’s degree programmes are more common, those with a master’s or doctoral degree in kinesiology are more likely to be involved in teaching, research, or advanced kinesiotherapy. Are you wondering what can I do with a kinesiology degree? Then there are various career options like personal trainer, fitness consultant, exercise physiologist, dietitian etc. And you can pursue a specific degree to help you achieve your dream career. Here’s a list of the different types of kinesiology degrees and their key features:
1. Associate Degree in Kinesiology
- The average time to complete is about two years.
- Provides foundation knowledge and skills in kinesiology.
- Introduction to theory and strategy, history, research, and current trends in Kinesiology.
- Courses in human anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and first aid/CPR.
- Entry-level jobs: physician’s assistant, occupational therapist, sports manager.
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology
- The average time to complete is about four years.
- In-depth study of human anatomy and exercise physiology anatomy.
- Courses in functional kinesiology, applied exercise physiology, and applied biomechanics.
- Can work in entry-level jobs in fields relating to courses and some unrelated fields.
- Learning to coach certain sports and individuals for personal training.
- Athletic trainers, cardiac rehabilitation therapists, and corporate wellness trainers are all examples of good entry-level careers.
3. Master’s Degree in Kinesiology
- The average time to complete this course is two years.
- Conduct research as part of degree acquisition.
- Clinical exercise physiologists, wellness coaches, and strength and conditioning specialists are all highly level positions one can go in after Master’s degree.
4. Doctoral Degree in Kinesiology
- The average time to complete is almost three years.
- Prepares for research and teaching in the field of academics.
- Investigation of questions about kinesiology and understanding of research methods.
- In-depth discussions of biomechanics, athletic training and sports medicine, exercise physiology, psychology of physical activity and motor control.
- High-level positions: research analyst, postsecondary instructor.
5. Certificate in Kinesiology
- The average time to complete this course is 1 semester.
- Designed for those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills for employment and don’t want to go for any bachelor’s programme.
- The basic entry level jobs include sports coach, athletic trainer aide, and personal trainer.
Requirements For Kinesiology Degrees
To enrol in a kinesiology programme and explore what is kinesiology major at the college or university level, you must meet specific requirements. These prerequisites are usually standard for all kinesiology programmes and should be handy. If you need help, you can contact the appropriate offices to obtain the necessary documentation.
Admission Requirements
- Proof of graduation: A high school diploma or transcripts from previous schools if attended multiple schools.
- Transcript: Submit high school and previous college/university transcripts. The general acceptance GPA is 2.0, but additional coursework or probation may be arranged unless met.
- Coursework: Biology, physics, and chemistry aptitude required. Advanced high school courses in these subjects, as well as English, are beneficial.
- SAT or ACT score: SAT subject tests and essays are no longer required. The ACT continues to be offered. Colleges and universities may have different ACT score requirements, so be sure to check with them first.
- English language proficiency: Any higher education institution would require international students to demonstrate a good understanding of the English language. Taking the IELTS or TOEFL is one way to do this.
Skill Requirements
- Communication Skills: Kinesiology practitioners must communicate effectively with patients and keep accurate records. They also need to motivate patients and provide progress reports. Therefore, practitioners must be excellent communicators to help patients understand why they must undergo treatment.
- Fitness and Health Knowledge: It is necessary to know about health and fitness to become a good kinesiologist. Although we learn about this in school, trends may change in so many years, so they might find helpful new research. So, they must stay updated with health trends and research that can affect their practice.
- Physical Fitness: Kinesiology practitioners should be physically fit to keep up with the demands of their work, which involves assisting patients with exercises and movements.
What Can You Do With A Kinesiology Major?: Kinesiology Internships
After learning about “what is kinesiology major” lets see the scope of internships offered in Kinesiology. Kinesiology internships allow interns to use their strengths and develop their knowledge in a hands-on environment.
- Graduates can do internships in hospitals, schools, and health and wellness companies.
- A supervisor will guide you during your internship to integrate your curricular preparation into the internship setting.
- You will be supervised and assisted by kinesiology faculty from your curricular area.
- Throughout the internship, you will submit papers and reports to your supervisor.
- Critiques, feedback, and suggestions will be offered during the fieldwork through on-site visits and/or telephone conversations.
Conclusion
The answer to ‘what is kinesiology major’ is a multifaceted study of how human motion affects physical and mental health. With the growing awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles, the demand for Kinesiology professionals is expected to increase in the coming years.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further