what is Kinesiology?

If you’re interested in the science and business behind sports, physical activity, health, and wellness, you may want to consider majoring in Kinesiology. Our faculty, students, and alumni help prevent injuries and speed up their recovery; improve movement and function across the lifespan; and use sport and physical activity to enhance our quality of life, community, and society at large.

Learn more about kinesiology research

WHY IS KINESIOLOGY IMPORTANT?

The way our bodies move affects everything we do. On micro and macro levels, activity can help prevent disease, promote physical and mental well-being, and increase the health of our society.

Sport impacts our communities both culturally and economically. It brings people together, inspires philanthropy and social justice, and drives regional, national, and international financial growth.


WHAT DO KINESIOLOGY STUDENTS STUDY?

People who study Kinesiology as undergraduate and graduate students at U-M focus on the ways that physical activity affects the body and our overall health and well-being. They also examine the impact and potential of sport as a business and cultural force. Our four academic programs — Applied Exercise Science, Athletic Training, Movement Science, and Sport Management — offer the following degrees:

Undergraduate degrees

  • BS Applied Exercise Science

  • BS Movement Science

  • BA Sport Management

Graduate degrees

  • MS Athletic Training

  • MS Movement Science

  • MS Sport Management

  • PhD Movement Science

  • PhD Sport Management

Learn more about our academic programs

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A KINESIOLOGY DEGREE?

The wide variety of careers held by Kinesiology graduates come with the responsibility of guiding students, patients, clients, businesses, and organizations to better health. Sample careers include*:

  • Academic program director
  • Administrative director/coordinator
  • Advertising, marketing, or brand management
  • Athletic director
  • Athletic trainer (high school, college, pro, clinic, industry, military)
  • Business or sport analytics
  • Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
  • CEO of fitness company
  • Certified health fitness specialist
  • Chief medical officer
  • Clinic director/coordinator
  • Clinical education coordinator
  • Corporate health & wellness director
  • Corporate or direct sales
  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Counselor
  • Dentist
  • Director of health education
  • Director/coordinator – sports medicine
  • Educational consultant
  • EMT
  • Exercise physiologist
  • Finance or accounting
  • Fitness entrepreneur
  • Health & fitness educator
  • Higher education administrator
  • Intraoperative neuromonitorist
  • Lawyer
  • Nutritionist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Operations or facilities management
  • Orthopedic surgeon
  • Pharmacist
  • Physical therapist
  • Physician
  • Physician assistant
  • Physician extender
  • Prehabilitation specialist
  • Professor/lecturer/instructor
  • Project management
  • Public or media relations
  • Real estate development
  • Registered dietitian
  • Rehabilitation technician
  • Research scientist
  • Sponsor relations
  • Sport psychologist

*Some careers may require an advanced degree

Learn more about Kinesiology careers