Careers in Kinesiology | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

A degree from the Kinesiology undergraduate program can lead to a number of careers in the health care field, allied health, or in the fitness and health industry.

As a successful student, you will have a solid foundation in all of the sciences, specifically the human body and the study of physical activity in the context of human health and well-being. If you are interested in pursuing graduate school, you will find the education and experiences to help you prepare for graduate-level work.

Medical

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field or thinking of pre-med as a option, kinesiology may be a good fit for you. You will have the opportunity to gain a firm foundation in all of the sciences in relation to the human body as a whole, such as biology, psychology, neuroscience, physics, and chemistry, which is an excellent fit if you are interested in becoming:

a nurse
a physician assistant
a doctor

Allied Health

The kinesiology major offers you the opportunity to learn about the human body in relation to health, wellness, and fitness and is an excellent groundwork for those interested in careers in:

physical therapy
occupational therapy
cardiac rehabilitation support
chiropractic

Fitness and Wellness: Your knowledge and skill set as a successful student in Kinesiology may make you well suited for a career as an exercise specialist, a personal trainer, or a strength and conditioning coach. Many of these careers can be found in private and commercial fitness facilities, professional sports teams, non-profit organizations, corporate wellness sites, sports training facilities, adventure and outdoor camps, and military and/or governmental sites.