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Kinesiology

College of Applied Health Sciences

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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.

Career Options

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

Post-Graduation Success1

81% employed or continuing education

35% employed after graduation

46% attending graduate school

$37,578 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: ATI Physical Therapy, Gold’s Gym, Stryker View All

Sample grad school destinations: Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Rosalind Franklin 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 Guide

Graduation & Retention2

3.9 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

76% four-year graduation rate

89% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $13,112
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $36,262

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $32,232
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $55,722

International

  • Tuition: $33,180
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $56,670

Related Majors

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 My Next Move website.

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.

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