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Kinesiology Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Be part of the movement to promote health and fitness.

Health and fitness are critical concerns as rates of obesity, diabetes and other preventable medical problems continue to rise. With a Kinesiology degree online or on campus, you’ll be prepared to teach physical education, coach esports/athletics or work with people of all ages in the fast-growing fields of exercise, sports and fitness.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Why earn a Kinesiology degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


Exercise, physical activity, esports participation and competition positively affect human life physiologically, psychologically and socially. In this industry-relevant degree you will develop a holistic understanding of these impacts.

Align your bachelor of Kinesiology with your career aspirations. This online or on-campus Kinesiology degree offers secondary study streams in:

  • Teacher education to teach physical education in grades K–12.
  • Coach, train and manage sport and esport participants to improve fitness, wellness and performance.
  • Kinesiology applications to work in health and fitness or to pursue advanced degrees.
  • Allied health to pursue an advanced degree in physical therapy, occupational therapy or chiropractic.

As a Kinesiology degree you can:

  • Complete a 10-credit internship and gain direct practical experience to study human movement from cell to society.
  • Challenge yourself by earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in Kinesiology with just one extra year of study.

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On Campus or Online Kinesiology Degree

  • Our specialized exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories and Wellness Center are a great way to develop practical skills and experience the hands-on nature of this growing industry.

  • You will learn from world-class researchers. All of our faculty have PhDs and are some of the nation's leading scientists and high performance coaches. Our faculty offers a practical approach to learning, which means you will work on real-world projects and gain direct practical experience.

  • We are nationally connected. We have industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement and open opportunities for future employment.

  • Our students have had placements and internships with organizations including U.S. Department of Agriculture, YMCA, Choice Health and Fitness, Ralph Englestad Arena, and UND Athletics.

  • UND's Kinesiology program is a Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredited teacher education program.

  • Participate in the fast-growing Esports video gaming industry through our intramural and varsity programs.

What can you do with a Kinesiology degree?

58k

Median annual salary for exercise physiologists, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

14%

Projected job outlook for fitness trainers and instructors through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

With the health, fitness and wellness industries continuing to grow, employment prospects are promising. You may find work in the Esport/sports, fitness and rehabilitation, health, education or recreation industries.

Kinesiology Specializations

Exercise and Fitness

  • Exercise scientist: Uses biomechanics, physiology, psychology and performance analysis to assess and improve an individual's fitness, sporting performance and general health.
  • Personal trainer: Advises clients on exercise, health, and wellness; develops and delivers individual training programs.

Sports and Coaching

  • Strength and conditioning coach: Prepares athletes for high performance, affording them the greatest advantage in competition.
  • Sports or Esports coach: Provides expert training advice to athletes and analyzes their performance.
  • Sport or Esports development officer: Coordinates club and athlete participation in sports programs and improves the performance of individuals and teams.

Health and Wellness

  • Community and allied health worker: Supports the work of allied health professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists and chiropractors. Kinesiology is often a pre-major for these professions.
  • Health promotion officer: Plans and coordinates health promotion programs.

Education and Recreation

  • Physical educator: Develops health and exercise lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives and facilitates classroom learning.
  • Outdoor education and recreation instructor: Plans and coordinates outdoor group activities.

Career Paths for a Kinesiology Degree

UND Kinesiology alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • NCAA
  • NHL
  • NFL
  • Major health systems
  • Government agencies 
  • Private and public schools

Kinesiology Degree Courses

KIN 404. Adapted Physical Activity. 3 Credits.

A study of the physical and motor characteristics and needs of persons with disabilities across the lifespan. Application focuses on planning and implementing physical education and activity programs in school and/or community settings. S,SS.

KIN 440. Sport and Exercise Psychology. 3 Credits.

Examination of psychological constructs influencing sport performance and exercise behavior. S,SS.

KIN 241. Introduction to Coaching. 3 Credits.

An introduction and overview of relevant philosophy, sport psychology, sport pedagogy, sport physiology, sport medicine and sport management issues confronting coaches. Coaching is presented with emphasis on effective instructional techniques and coaching principles based upon scientific knowledge. F.

KIN 355. Applied Motor Development. 3 Credits.

Changes in motor performance which occur with age; physical and mental development as they relate to these changes. F,SS.

KIN 402. Exercise Physiology. 3 Credits.

This course will examine the acute and chronic effect of the type, intensity and duration of exercise on physiological functions. Corequisite: KIN 402L. F.

KIN 401. Sport Sociology. 3 Credits.

The critical exploration of the function of sports in American culture, in an interdisciplinary fashion, with a focus on the contemporary scene. F,SS.

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Best Online Kinesiology Bachelor's Programs

#3 Intelligent
#3 Best Health Degrees

#3 Premium Schools
#5 Forbes Advisor
#5 Best Value Schools

#9 CollegeValuesOnline
#15 Sports Management Degree Guide

UND is ranked by many as a Top 15 best online Kinesiology bachelor's program in the nation. We are well regarded for our educational quality, affordability, flexibility, and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

 

Online Kinesiology Degree

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

One of the reasons UND is ranked as one of the best online Kinesiology degrees in the nation is because we are a great value. All Kinesiology online students pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of their residency. Plus, the Kinesiology online degree is accredited and flexible. You never have to come to campus in this 100% online program.

Flexible Kinesiology Degree Online Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online Kinesiology Degree

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Military Friendly® School

Top Military Friendly School Badge Gold

UND is a top college for military affiliates. In fact, 1 in 7 students are veterans, active duty, spouses, or military dependents. 

  • Dedicated Support Services: You’ll have access to the Veteran & Military Services office, where you can get personalized help with VA benefits, advising, scholarships, and counseling resources.
  • Military Affiliated Peer Support (MAPS): At UND, you’ll find peer student support staff ready to guide you, offer encouragement, and connect you with the resources you need to achieve your academic and personal goals.
  • ROTC Programs: If you’re looking to grow as a leader, UND’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs provide you with hands-on leadership training and the opportunity to build lasting camaraderie.
  • Priority Registration: Individuals using VA funding benefit from priority course registration, ensuring you can build a schedule that fits your other commitments.
  • Spouse Support: UND is ranked in the Top 10 Military Spouse Friendly Schools, reflecting our strong support for spouses through flexible degree programs, advising and a welcoming campus culture.

FAQs

Kinesiology is the study of human movement, including the biomechanical, physiological and psychological aspects of physical activity and sports.

With a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, you can pursue careers in personal training, strength and conditioning, coaching, teaching, sport psychology, and/or exercise physiology. These paths often involve working in health education, sports training, rehabilitation or wellness promotion.

Absolutely, the Kinesiology bachelor's degree program at UND provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in medicine and related fields.

Yes, the program offers valuable internship opportunities through our national industry connections, fostering student engagement in research and community service, thus opening doors for future employment.

The Kinesiology bachelor's degree program at UND is designed to prepare students for professional certifications, enhancing their qualifications in the field.

UND provides kinesiology students with access to specialized exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories, along with the Wellness Center, offering hands-on experiences to develop practical skills in this dynamic industry.

Of course! The Kinesiology bachelor's degree program at UND can be completed 100% online, allowing students to access quality education from anywhere without the need to come to campus.

It's certainly up there as a rapidly growing field, projected to experience a 10% growth from 2022 to 2032, which notably exceeds the average growth rate across various industries.

Balancing Football, Kinesiology, and Giving Back

Jaden Norby isn't just a star tight end for the Fighting Hawks and Kinesiology major, he leads the school in volunteer hours.

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