• Athletic Training
• Exercise & Sport Science
• Physical Education

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities in Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the scientific study of the anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of body movement, especially in humans. From its historical roots in physical education and medicine, kinesiology encompasses the sub-discipline fields of human biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise and sport psychology and sociology, history, and philosophy of sport.

Students pursuing degrees in each of the majors offered in the Department of Kinesiology are well prepared for future careers and graduate study.

ATHLETIC TRAINING

Students pursuing the CAATE accredited athletic training major are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination to become certified athletic trainers. Certified athletic trainers (AT) are health care professionals who specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. 

As part of a complete health care team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents. Certified athletic trainers can be found almost anywhere people are physically active.  The most common employment settings include secondary schools, colleges/universities, physician’s clinics, outpatient rehabilitation settings, military, industrial and commercial settings, and professional sports. For more information about athletic training, please visit the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) at www.nata.org

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students completing the physical education major are able to teach in K-12 curriculums in North Carolina and may qualify for licensure in other states.

EXERCISE AND SPORTS STUDIES

Exercise Science is the study of the functional adaptations to physical activity/exercise. Undergraduate programs are typically broad based and include general study in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and fitness programming. Potential careers include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Group Exercise Instructor – Leads exercise sessions for a group of participants (i.e., general population or special populations). Examples of group exercise instruction include land-or water-based general classes, dance/step aerobics, chair aerobics, cycling, Pilates, yoga, and cycling. Can be employed in a variety of settings including commercial fitness centers, employee fitness programs, and/or hospitals. Minimal requirements should be an undergraduate degree in a health-related field and a recognized certification.

• Biomechanist – The study and explanation of the laws of physics as applied to physical activity, exercise, and sport. Can be sued to explain how muscles, bones, and joints are injured under certain conditions, and to improve performance using motion analysis techniques. Can be employed in research settings, clinical sites, or industrial ergonomic settings. Minimal requirement is a master’s degree.

• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist – Responsible for providing exercise education regarding disease management, lifestyle modification, and psychosocial support to patients with cardiac and/or pulmonary disease. Clinical exercise physiologists, nurses, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists are most often employed in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. Typically employed in clinical settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and/or medically supervised fitness centers. Minimal requirements are an undergraduate degree in one of the disciplines noted above, however, advanced degrees with specialty certification (i.e., American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Specialist® certification) improves opportunities for employment.

• Dietitian/Sports Nutritionist – Dietetics is the study of nutrient intake and how foods are digested and metabolized in order to provide the necessary energy to fuel muscular activity. Dietitians also study dietary patterns in order to maximize performance and prevent disease and improve health. To become a registered dietitian, an individual must complete an undergraduate degree in dietetics, complete a nine- month American Dietetics Association (ADA)-approved internship and pass the ADA certification examination. Additional specialized training may be necessary. Can be employed in hospitals, clinics, sports complexes, school systems, and public health facilities.

• Fitness Director – Employee fitness programs are common in the workplace, especially in the corporate, commercial, and hospital setting. Along with conducting exercise programs and supervising all fitness staff, the fitness director may also be trained as a wellness specialist to provide broad-based health promotion and wellness education programs. These may include stress management, smoking cessation, nutrition education programs. Minimal requirements are a master’s degree in a health-related field and a recognized certification (i.e., American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor®)

• Exercise Physiologist – Studies the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity/exercise. This knowledge can be applied to improve or maintain health, fitness, or athletic performance. Employment settings include academic, private, commercial, clinical and/or work-place settings. Minimal requirements are an undergraduate degree and a recognized certification (i.e., American College of Sports Medicine Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist®)

• Medical Doctor – Highly trained in the art and science of the diagnosis and treatment of disease and the maintenance of health. Medical schools require a minimum of four years after a basic college degree. Beyond medical school an individual can choose specialties involving sports medicine (i.e., orthopedic surgery) or exercise science (i.e., cardiology). Each specialty has three to five years of internship and residency training and perhaps an additional one to two years of fellowship training. Employment settings include clinics and hospitals.

• Occupational Physiologist – Work with many different professional to improve the performance of workers by enhancing their health and occupational abilities, preventing or rehabilitating workplace injuries, and redesigning the work environment to fit the worker. They may also develop and administer pre-employment physical capacity tests to determine if the worker is fit to perform a job. Minimal requirements typically include a master’s degree, and it is helpful to be certified by the Board of Certification in Professional Egonomics.

• Personal Trainer – Typically work one-on-one with an individual and is generally paid by the hour or exercise session. Employment settings include private, commercial, and linical. Requires a strong background in anatomy and kinesiology as a large part of this job deals with muscular strength and endurance training. Minimal requirements are an undergraduate degree and recognized certification (i.e., American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer® certification).

• Physical/Occupational Therapist – Helps people recover from injuries or diseases of the muscles, joints, or bones. The occupational therapist works more with fine motor skills and dexterity. A physical therapist may specialize in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, sports medicine, and/or biomechanics. Employment settings typically include hospitals and clinics. Minimal requirements for either profession are two to three years after a four- year undergraduate degree. After formal training, an individual must pass a national examination to become a licensed physical or occupational therapist. Obtaining a recognized certification (i.e., American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor® certification) is also strongly recommended.

• Researcher – Conduct studies from either basic or applied scientist’s perspective. Basic researchers usually conduct studies with a focus on the cellular or molecular levels, such as how organ systems work, adapt or respond to various factors. Applied researchers usually conduct studies with a focus on more practical questions that appear to be more applicable for immediate use, such as ways to increase athletic performance or how to improve health and reduce disease. Either degree requires obtaining a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D., which involves at least four to six years of academic instruction beyond the undergraduate level. Most researchers are employed by universities, colleges, and hospitals.

• Strength and Conditioning Coach – Develop and supervise specific conditioning programs to increase athletic performance such as speed, agility, strength, endurance, flexibility, and power. Typically employed by sport teams at the high school, college, and/or professional levels. Minimal requirements are an undergraduate degree in a health-related field; however, a master’s degree will improve opportunity for employment. This education along with a recognized certification (i.e., National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification).