Kinesiology

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What is Kinesiology?

Kinesiology is the study of human movement. In this major, you’ll learn about exercise stress, movement efficiency, and fitness; coordination, control, and skill in physical activities; and physical growth, development, and body form throughout a lifetime. You’ll also study the instructional process of teaching or coaching and the social, cultural, and psychological aspects of participating in physical activities and sports. Finally, you’ll learn the effects of therapeutic techniques on those recovering from physical injuries. Gaining real-world experience through work and research, you’ll be prepared for careers in human movement-related fields or advanced professional or graduate study. You’ll choose from one of four concentrations:

Applied Exercise Science
Biobehavioral Health Science
Health Sciences
Teacher Education preK-12

Career Options

Athletic training
Coaching
Exercise physiology
Medical doctor
Occupational therapy
Personal training
Physical education
Physical therapy
Sports psychology

Post-Graduation Success¹

93% employed or continuing education

22% employed after graduation

71% attending graduate school

$40,500 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Carle Health, Athletico, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Orangetheory Fitness, StretchLab, Total Soccer, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, Good Vibe Nutrition, Vector Marketing, The Ultimate Tan View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, University of California, Los Angeles, Carnegie Mellon University View All

Program Resources

College of Applied Health Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strength and interest in science coursework
Demonstrated understanding of the major and career options
Commitment to activities, employment, or community involvement and/or leadership experiences

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.9 years to degree

97% returned for second year

89% graduated within 4 years

89% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,652
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $38,392

Non-Resident

Tuition: $36,328
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,408

International

Tuition: $37,370
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $62,450

Molecular and Cellular Biology - LAS

Recreation, Sport and Tourism - AHS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.