What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is an academic discipline involving the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. As a Kinesiology graduate, your knowledge and skillset may be well suited for numerous careers, including the following:
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- exercise specialist
- personal trainer
- strength and conditioning coach
- sports management
- wellness consulting
- chiropractic
- physician assistant
- medical doctor
- exercise physiology
- cardiac rehabilitation
If you are interested in a career in the medical field or pursuing pre-medicine as an option, kinesiology may be a good fit for you. Not only will you gain a firm foundation in all of the biophysical sciences related to the human body, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and neuroscience, but you will also develop a valuable understanding and appreciation of the cultural, social scientific, and humanistic aspects of sport, exercise, health, wellness and physical activity, such as history, philosophy, and psychology of sport. You also will be prepared for a career in the field of allied health, such as physical or occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation support, or chiropractic.
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Why major in Kinesiology?
The central focus of the Kinesiology program is the study of physical activity as it ranges from basic mechanisms of human movement to the complex dynamics of physical activity in the context of human health and well-being. In addition, the program explores other facets of human health, including the psychological and social aspects of wellness.
The Kinesiology major offers a comprehensive program of study designed to prepare students for professions involving physical activity, exercise, and the science of human movement and its relationship to human health and disease, and for graduate study in related areas.
Kinesiology Options
Penn State Altoona's Kinesiology program offers three options within the major. The specific program option will help you reach your ultimate career goals.
- Movement Science option: The Movement Science option provides training in areas such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, neuroscience, sport history, and sport philosophy to understand the use of movement for prevention and diagnosis of chronic disease, rehabilitation, and treatment.
- Exercise Science option, Business Emphasis: The Exercise Science option with an emphasis on business includes courses in kinesiology and basic business skills such as accounting, marketing, and management.
- Exercise Science option, Science Emphasis: The Exercise Science option with an emphasis on science is designed to help you prepare for advanced study in graduate school in kinesiology and allied health fields.
Integrated Undergraduate/MPH Program Program
Earn Two Degrees in Five Years
Penn State’s kinesiology program in the Altoona College has an integrated program that allows qualified undergraduate students to earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in five calendar years of full-time academic study. The MPH degree is offered through the College of Medicine, Department of Public Health Science.
Learn more about the Integrated Undergraduate/MPH Program Program
Kinesiology Degree Contacts
Contact Tracey Elkin, the Kinesiology Degree Program Coordinator, or reach out to any of our Kinesiology faculty and staff.
