Are you interested in helping people improve their physical and psychological health and well-being through exercise and fitness? Have you participated in sports or are you interested in a sports related career? Are you good at motivating people? If so, you should pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at the University of North Texas.
Your Future in Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of human movement and is a major that's experiencing tremendous growth. People with kinesiology backgrounds are involved in teaching, coaching, athletic training, allied health, ergonomics and health and wellness. Depending on the specialization, career options include:
- Allied health professional
- Athletic trainer
- Ergonomic consultant
- Fitness instructor
- Middle school, high school or collegiate coach
- Personal trainer
- Physical education teacher
- Sports director
- Strength and conditioning specialist
With additional training, you could work as a physician assistant, nutritionist, chiropractor, physical or occupational therapist or in another health-related field.
Many of our students pursue graduate opportunities in exercise physiology or sports psychology.
What we offer
Our rigorous curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of kinesiology. You can focus your studies on one of the following degree tracks:
- Allied Health/ Pre-Physical Therapy
- All-level Teacher Certification
- Athletic Training
- Fitness Leadership
- General Kinesiology
You'll learn from faculty members who've been recognized for their teaching and research by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport. Their areas of expertise include:
- Adapted physical activity
- Exercise physiology
- Human performance
- Motor skill acquisition
- Physical activity
- Psychology of sport
- Sociology of sport
- Sport instructional methods
- Teacher preparation
In some upper-level course curricula, we incorporate training and research opportunities, possibly as part of a community outreach program.
Past outreach projects have involved designing and implementing physical activity lesson plans for Denton area children with disabilities and teaching physical activity to children in Denton area schools.
Scholarships are available to help you pursue your degree. More information about these scholarships is at our website.
The KHPR Study Center provides tutorial services for various Kinesiology and related courses. You can also interact with other students who share your interest in Kinesiology through the Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation Professionals (KHPRos) student organization. In addition, the organization will help you connect with professionals in the field.
New student orientations are held each fall and spring semester and allow you to become familiar with our department, faculty and staff members and facilities.
What to expect
As a Kinesiology major, you'll study the behavioral, historical, mechanical, physiological, psychological and sociological foundations of exercise and sport. You'll also learn about the development of skill and knowledge in specific forms of dance, exercise and sport.
The degree requirements are:
- 24 credit hours of theory core courses
- Electives in coaching, health fitness and children's programs
The Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.