The kinesiology major focuses on exercise, movement, nutrition, and disease prevention. While preparing you for clinical health-related fields. This major also provides a solid foundation for further graduate study.
Kinesiology may be the right degree for you if you
- enjoy learning about health and body mechanics
- like serving others
- desire a career in health and fitness or clinical health-related fields
Why study kinesiology at Northwestern?
As Christians, we recognize that every individual is wonderfully designed (Psalm 139:14), made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and that we are called to be good stewards of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). At Northwestern, we recognize that there is a wide range of careers that allow us to lead others in practicing that stewardship. Prospective students who have an interest in the wellness industry but not necessarily the medical field should consider health-related careers in nutrition, fitness, or sports.
Graduates with a degree in Kinesiology are prepared for jobs such as physical or occupational therapy, athletic training, research, and so much more. Beyond equipping you with the knowledge you need to be successful in these health and fitness careers, you will learn biblical principles like ethics and Christ-like leadership – things you won’t find at a secular institution.
Careers in kinesiology are very diverse and do not stop at sports or athletics jobs. With the growth of the aging population there is an increasing need for elder care. There are growing needs in the field of workplace health and safety, jobs as nutritionists and dietitians, or recreational therapists who work in hospital or clinic settings. The kinesiology degree also prepares you for potential Master’s and Doctorate-level degrees.
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You are able to choose from the following tracks
In this track you’ll learn how to educate and help people improve their personal health. Typical work environments include fitness centers, health clubs, universities, hospitals, non-profit organizations, private businesses, or public health institutions.
This kinesiology track is where health meets business. Equipped with a business minor, you will be able to work in the public and/or private sector of healthcare.
A pre-therapy track sets you up for a career in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training. This track includes coursework that focuses on injury prevention, evaluation, movement, and rehabilitation. Plus, all prerequisite coursework for advanced graduate schools.
I grew up around sports medicine and fell in love with that practice and being around athletes. Athletic training is a servant job: it's working with athletes through the highs and lows and you get to build a relationship that is unbroken. I just knew right away that this is what I wanted to do.
Careers in kinesiology
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in kinesiology.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Exercise specialist
- Dietetics
- Health and wellness coach
- Weight loss center specialist
- Group exercise instructor
- Strength and conditioning coaching
- Coach or referee
- Fitness instructor
- Recreation director
- Corporate health programs
- Fitness, pharmaceutical or exercise sales
- Physical therapy
- Exercise physiologist
- Chiropractor
- Biomechanics
What will I learn?
You will learn to analyze, think critically, and execute. No matter which track you choose, you will be prepared for a career in health and fitness.
KIN 3035
Sports Marketing
The relevant areas of marketing are applied to sport applications for spectator and participative sport organizations. Special emphasis is placed on strategic planning, product analysis, and the development and presentation of marketing packages. It is important that sport management students understand the vital role of marketing within the sport industry. Marketing may take several forms in sport businesses. Students must be able to differentiate between use of marketing to sell sport products and/or services (marketing of sport) from the use of sport and sport personality marketing to sell general or sport-related products or services (marketing through sport).
KIN 3045
Sports Ethics
This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop moral, ethical, biblical, and philosophical values and skills in the area of sports ethics. Through reasoning and case studies, students will explore and clarify their career goals and sharpen their critical thinking skills for analyzing ethical issues and generating possible solutions to those issues in sports management.
HPE 3015
Adapted Fitness and Activity
A study of exceptional physical and mental conditions that affect body movement and motor development. Course material will also cover techniques and principles directed to a teacher or trainer of fitness and sport for special populations and/or students with physical disabilities.
HPE 4305
Health and Fitness Evaluation and Diagnosis
The professional preparation in the fitness field as well as the theory and practice of evaluating physical fitness for the purpose of prescribing cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training exercise to all age groups, both healthy persons and those with medical concerns.
BIO 3157
Human Anatomy
A study of the structure of the cells, tissues and organs of the various organ systems of the human body. Included are the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive, circulator, nervous, endocrine, excretory and reproductive systems. A $200 laboratory fee required.
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Discover the Department of Kinesiology, Sports Management, & Physical Education
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
