Kinesiology

MajorBachelor of Science

Unlock the Science of Human Movement.

Butler’s Kinesiology major is designed for students who want to pursue a career in professions including physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, athletic coaching, fitness, and more. The flexible curriculum focuses on understanding the processes that underlie human movement and the application to practitioner-based settings. The program can be tailored to your specific interests through the ability to choose from two concentrations within the major: Pre-Professional and Applied Human Performance.

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Program Information

Curriculum

Sample courses in this program include:

KIN 127–Introduction to Physical Activity, Sport, Health, and Wellness Education
KIN 240–Foundations of Fitness and Nutrition
KIN 253–Motor Skill Learning
KIN 324–Exercise Physiology
KIN 326–Sport and Performance Psychology

See all Kinesiology curriculum information

Concentrations

Applied Human Performance
Pre-Professional

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of human movement, integrating knowledge from exercise physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition and sport psychology content areas to effectively apply them to practitioner-based settings.

Students will develop specialized competence based on their chosen concentration—Pre-Professional or Applied Human Performance—acquiring in-depth knowledge and skills relevant to their career interests.

Students will engage in experiential learning opportunities that provide hands-on, real-life experiences in human-centered contexts, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through practical application.

Graduates will be prepared for careers in professions including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Strength & Conditioning, Athletic Coaching, Fitness and other related fields.

Meet your Faculty

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Tom Parry

Assistant Professor
College of Education

Dr. Tom Parry is the Kinesiology Program Director in the College of Education. His Ph.D. is in Human Performance from Indiana University, and he also holds an M.S. double major in Motor Skill Learning & Ergonomics, and a B.Sc. in Sport Science and…
View more about Tom Parry

Melissa Sherman

Lecturer – College of Education
College of Education

Kinesiology FAQs

Graduates from Butler with a Kinesiology degree are educated and prepared for various post-graduate opportunities and exciting career pathways in the health field. Some of these jobs include but are not limited to:

Athletic Trainer
Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Exercise Physiologist
Strength and Conditioning Coach
College Sport Coach

and other careers focused on human wellness.

If you’re looking to be a personal trainer or fitness instructor full time, you can often become certified through an organization or gym without a degree requirement. However, if you’re preparing for a career in exercise science, athletic training, physical therapy, sports medicine, or similar fields, a Kinesiology degree is a worthwhile pursuit. A Kinesiology degree will equip you with a robust background in human physiology, motor control, injury management and prevention, anatomy, and biomechanics, expanding your opportunities for a versatile career.