Kinesiology and Health
Kinesiology, or the study of physical movement, has seen a surge in popularity over the last 20 years that experts attribute to its social relevance, its relation to the obesity epidemic, and the growing societal importance of sports and athletics. The kinesiology curriculum has evolved over the years to offer courses that extend beyond physical education and health to exercise physiology, exercise prescription, athletic training, motor development and learning, and biomechanics. Many students pursue traditional careers like coaching or fitness instruction, but more than half pursue other quickly-growing allied health or medical professions like athletic trainer, cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapist, occupational therapist or physician assistant. A new need for older adult and elementary/middle-school physical education teachers, coaches, and fitness instructors is also on the horizon, as the movement to improve health across the lifespan continues. The Department of Kinesiology and Health offers majors in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Physical Education; the department also offers minors in Health Education (with certification), Health Education (non-certification), Physical Education (non-certification), and Sports Medicine.
For more information, please contact kinesiology@nku.edu.
