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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
Close-up of a volleyball during a kinesiology class

Kinesiology

Explore Penn State Altoona's Kinesiology program by clicking through the links in the menu. If you don't see the menu, click on the "Open" button on the left-hand side of your screen.

Contact the Kinesiology Program Coordinator to learn more

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.

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.

Kinesiology

  • Request Information about Kinesiology
  • Kinesiology Options
    • Exercise Science Option, Business Emphasis
    • Exercise Science Option, Science Emphasis
    • Movement Science Option
  • Degree Requirements
  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Kinesiology Courses
  • Physical Activity Courses
  • Internships and Practicum Courses
    • KINES 295B: Careers and Observations in Kinesiology
    • KINES 395B: Leadership Practicum in Kinesiology
    • KINES 495B: Movement Science Practicum in Kinesiology
    • KINES 495C: Exercise Science Practicum in Kinesiology
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Facilities
  • Kinesiology Faculty and Staff
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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

Find Out More

See Also

  • Penn State Department of Kinesiology
  • Health Professions
  • Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences
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Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • College Leadership
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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