Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Gain a better understanding of the human body with kinesiology.
Help People Move Forward
Discover the science behind human movement with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Concordia University Irvine. As a kinesiology major, you’ll explore how the body moves, why it moves, how it heals, and how movement can improve overall health.
Your coursework blends a strong scientific foundation with hands-on learning. Through a semester-long practicum and opportunities to choose an area of emphasis, you’ll tailor your kinesiology degree to fit your interests and career goals.
Career Relevant
Gain real-world skills for a life of service and leadership.
Collaborative Classes
Learn in classes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Opportunity Awaits
Access internship and career opportunities across Southern CA.
Getting Started
Studying kinesiology at Concordia goes beyond lectures. You’ll take part in labs, research projects, and community outreach while building practical skills you can apply right away. Our kinesiology labs are fully equipped for biomechanics, movement analysis, exercise physiology, sports psychology, motor control, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic modalities, and exercise science, allowing you to study movement in action.
This rigorous yet supportive program prepares you for careers in healthcare, wellness, fitness, and education. By working with real human subjects in lab, practicum, and research settings, you’ll graduate ready to put your knowledge into practice.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
- BIO246 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO247 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- KIN204 – Foundations of Motor Behavior
- KIN209 – Foundations of Kinesiology Research
- KIN220 – Foundations of Human Movement Studies
- KIN317 – Kinesiology
- KIN320 – Historical, Social, Cultural Foundations of Sport and P.E.
- KIN365 – Sport Psychology
- KIN403 – Biomechanics
- KIN406 – Exercise Physiology
- KIN410 – Statistics and Measurement
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Upon completion of your kinesiology degree, you’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate written communication skills
- Demonstrate effective oral communication skills
- Articulate, apply, and analyze scholarly resources to integrate best practices
- Recognize and evaluate current conditions and practices to formulate, create and implement an appropriate response
- Seek opportunities to serve the community through the vocation
- Demonstrate respect for people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs, and articulate and develop healthy lifestyle choices and practices
- Use the most current and effective evidence-based practices
- Model Christian leadership principles
Emphases
- Health and Human Performance
- Lifespan and Allied Health
- Physical Activity, Fitness, and Wellness
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses for each emphasis.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. In fact, 100% of our students receive some form of financial assistance! View tuition costs and fees for undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for full details on application and admission requirements.
Nationally Recognized Q&I Curriculum
Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum for all of its students. Our nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas curriculum (Q&I, for short) is carefully crafted so that you discover the purpose of a liberal arts education — to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
Internships
Every Kinesiology student completes at least 126 contact hours in a semester-long practicum. Practicums allow you to add experience to your resume before you graduate. That means you’ll be more prepared as you enter the workforce — and you’ll have the edge in the job market.
Career Outcomes
The demand for kinesiologists and related occupations is growing. For example, exercise physiologist roles are expected to grow 10% between 2023 and 2033, with about 1,600 job openings each year.
With a kinesiology degree, you’ll find career opportunities in settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy clinics
- Audiology offices
- Government and public health agencies
- Private fitness, wellness, or coaching practices
Academic Opportunities
As a kinesiology major, you can customize your studies by adding a second emphasis, a related minor, or even a dual major. You may also continue on to graduate study in Concordia’s master’s programs in Education, Coaching and Exercise Sciences, Public Health, or Coaching and Athletics Administration. Students in the Freshman Advantage program also receive preferential acceptance into Concordia’s Nursing Program.
Extracurricular Activities
Concordia University Irvine offers many opportunities for you to become involved with on-campus clubs and organizations.
- Behavioral Science Club
- CU Judo Club
- Phi Epsilon Kappa Honorary Fraternity
- Intramural Sports
- Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Program
- Sports Management Club
- Student Leadership
- Ultimate Frisbee Club
- Campus Ministries: abbeywest
Life at Concordia
Join a community where you’re free to explore your interests and pursuits, make relationships that last a lifetime, and develop your own relationship with God. What will you explore?
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
FAQs
What can you do with a kinesiology degree?
A kinesiology degree opens doors to many careers that focus on health, fitness, movement, and wellness. Depending on your path and additional education, options include:
- Teaching — from elementary health and physical education to higher education
- Research — through advanced study in kinesiology or health-related fields
- Medicine and healthcare — such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, athletic training, chiropractic, cardiac rehabilitation, and more
- Coaching — at all levels, including strength and conditioning, sport performance, and team coaching
- Fitness and wellness — roles like personal trainer, health coach, wellness specialist, or fitness facilities manager
- First response — such as Firefighting, Police, and Military roles
- Other opportunities — such as sport psychology, sportswriting, or sports history
What exactly does a kinesiologist do?
Kinesiologists study human movement and apply that knowledge to improve health and performance. With a kinesiology major, you could work in roles such as: athletic trainer, fitness instructor, lab technician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, coach, recreational therapist, specialized massage therapist, nurse ,wellness coach and more.
What is the difference between a physical therapist and a kinesiologist?
While both careers focus on improving physical health, they play different roles. A kinesiologist studies movement to enhance fitness, prevent injury, and promote wellness. A physical therapist helps people recover and restore function after injuries, surgeries, or other medical conditions.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm (viewed Dec. 3, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.