What Can You Do with a Kinesiology Degree? (2024)

What Kind of Accreditation Should My Degree Program Have?

The Accreditation is a status of the educational institution or a separate program and means that the university or separate program or discipline matches to the standards and requirements set forth by the Department of Education.

Accreditation is also known as a stamp of approval, showing the high quality of education in a university or a high level of studying program or course, which is given by an accrediting agency.

Furthermore only accredited universities and schools can be financed from the state government.

There is no doubt that your employer will pay attention to the authority of your educational institution and the existence of required program accreditation.

The accreditation is given by the accrediting agencies that have competence from the Department of Education to approve the quality of education in educational institutions.

Two types of accrediting agencies, regional and national accrediting agencies, decide whether the universities and programs of study deserve the stamp of approval.

Typically, the approval of a regional accrediting agency is better for the university, as it assures the credibility and reputation of the latter.

Among the most reputable regional agencies to approve the quality of the study are:

The Higher Learning Commission
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Additionally, there are two kinds of accreditation; they are program accreditation and institutional accreditation.

Specific Program Accreditation is not required while getting a kinesiology degree.

However, exist some accrediting groups orientated on kinesiology and exercises health.

A stamp of approval from any of below mentioned accrediting groups will mean that the university or program sticks to a certain set of criteria and standards.

The approval may also be an indication of credibility and authority of the university, however, it is nor mandatory.

These groups include:

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
The American Kinesiology Association
The Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (COAES)
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

What Kinds of Kinesiology Degrees Are There?

Associate’s Degree in Kinesiology

To get the basic knowledge about the kinesiology as a study of body movement you need to complete your associate degree in kinesiology.

Within the program, you will learn the basics of anatomy, biology, and basic health.

You will also take courses in first aid, exercise science and coaching.

The associate program takes two years to complete and requires 60 credits to get.

During the course, you will also take disciplines of general liberal arts and humanities.

The associate degree course will prepare you to work in the fields of fitness and certain health environment immediately after you finish it.

After you finish the course you can consider some popular career options, including personal trainer,

fitness instructor, athletics coach, and physical therapy aide.

To become an associate you will take such courses:

Nutritional Science
Introduction to Sports Medicine
Biomechanics
Introduction to Exercise Science
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Communication and Coaching

Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology

During the bachelor’s degree course in Kinesiology, you will take courses related to psychology, science, and practice of exercise.

Moreover, you will get profound knowledge in strength training, nutrition, conditioning, aging and the connection between motor skills and your body, and also the brain.

You will also take practice, involving hands-on with therapies, techniques, and medication.

In addition, you will enhance your skills in massage therapy, physical education, and sports management.

Your bachelor’s program will require 120 credits to get and 4 years to study.

After you get a degree, you will get a chance to provide athletic training support to a professional sports organization or separate sportsmen.

Also, you will get a chance to work in a clinical rehabilitation facility or instruct fitness.

You will take such courses as:

Advanced Biomechanics
Physical Culture and Sports
Pathology, Injury, and Rehabilitation
Health Promotion monad Behavioral Science
Exercise Science
The Business of Sports
The Science of Applied Movement
Sports Psychology

What’s the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Kinesiology?

A bachelor of arts (BA) degree combines disciplines targeted at liberal arts and humanities courses.

On the other hand, a bachelor of science (BS) program in Kinesiology will focus your attention to the advanced science topics.

Master’s Degree in Kinesiology

It will take you two years to complete the master’s degree program.

Such degree is an advanced degree orientated on athletic training, sports administration or physical education.

During getting of a master’s degree in Kinesiology, you will advance your knowledge and credentials in a professional area.

For most high positions in the sphere of sports and kinesiology, the degree of the master is essential.

Eventually, you will have an opportunity to work at the school, higher education, youth league, or even professional level.

Courses that you will take are named below:

Teaching Methodologies
Exercise Technology
The Psychology of Rehabilitation
Sports, Business, and Ethics
Athletic Talent Scouting
Evidence-Based Sports Medicine
Occupational Therapy
Sports Management and Administration

Ph.D. of Kinesiology

A Ph.D. in Kinesiology is a doctoral-level degree which gives you the chance to do research in kinesiology.

The Ph.D. program takes four years to complete, working in a laboratory and practical setting.

During the study, you will get a scientific understanding of human physical health, body movement, and athletic performance, and also many other potential areas.

Moreover, you will do research and work on the writing of a dissertation on any interesting topic.

You will get the opportunity to study and add new vision into any scientific subject like rehabilitation, sports psychology and ergonomics, and the others.

After you get the Ph.D. degree you will be able to teach students, instruct at the university level, or work for a private, government or non-profit research groups.

Within the courses you will study disciplines, named below:

Exercise Physiology
Sports Psychology
Healthcare Technology and Administration
Research Methods
Innovations in Sports Technology
Applied Research if Movement

What Kind of Licensing or Certification Do You Need?

The Certifications are quite important in kinesiology.

Although, there are some jobs in fields like coaching, fitness and health outreach, which you can do without a certification.

However, your opportunities for promotion and a high salary will also depend on the level of your education.

Moreover, a certification in Kinesiology will allow you to begin work at the rehabilitation, clinical level in physical therapy or healthcare settings.

To get a certification you will need to complete the bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, practice for one year and passing a licensing exam.

Some additional licenses or certifications may also be required, for example, in fields like physical therapy and physical education, occupational therapy.