Kinesiology Degree

If you’re looking to enroll yourself in an online kinesiology degree, it is good to do a little homework before you make the final decision. The first prerequisite of enrolling in a kinesiology degree is to be interested in the intricacies of how human body works. As a kinesiology student, you should be in love with outdoor activities and human fitness. Since kinesiology is the study of human movement, you will learn a lot about the health and wellness of people and how you can improve it.

An associate degree in kinesiology will give you a good overview of the basic principles that lie behind kinesiology. You will gain knowledge on subjects such as biology, biomechanics, physiology, muscle structure, human anatomy, and movement function. By enrolling yourself in the two year associate degree, you will acquire an understanding of how human movement can have an impact on disease prevention, physical therapy, sports training, and rehabilitation. Many programs enable students to choose a specialization in the field, such as athletic training and wellness studies. Admission requirement for the degree include a high school diploma or GED. Coursework offered in the degree may vary depending on the institute, but some major courses offered in the program include:

• Introduction to kinesiology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Exercise physiology
• Basic health education
• CPR
• Strength training
• Nutrition, coaching, and exercise

The degree prepares students for entry level positions in fitness, coaching, teaching, athletic training, and allied health related fields. It provides students a strong foundation and also aims to prepare them for graduate studies in the field. With the help of this degree, students not only acquire a solid understanding of kinesiology, but they also develop marketable skills that are demanded by employers. The degree covers a wide range of subjects, enabling students to effectively pursue their preferred profession. It provides a blend of exercise science and physical education courses that helps students become educators and also develop a base for graduate studies. Although, the coursework for a bachelor’s degree program can differ depending on the institute, some major courses offered in the degree include foundations in nutrition, pharmacology, sports and exercise psychology, biomechanical principles and the human body, and individualized fitness assessments.

The master’s degree program offers advanced courses in kinesiology and prepares students for a wide variety of careers. Besides, the degree program also gives students a foundation to purse doctoral study in future. The degree is also suitable for a number of professionals such as physical therapists, clinicians, and athletic trainers who wish to acquire a better understanding of their profession. Students generally have the option to complete the degree via traditional classes, online classes, or they can select hybrid programs that offer a combination of online and traditional instruction. Besides classroom instruction, the degree normally includes a thesis or internship to introduce students to the practical side of kinesiology. Students need to take advice from faculty members to select an appropriate thesis. The master’s thesis can also be quite helpful for students aiming to acquire a doctorate degree. Not all kinesiology programs offer a similar coursework, but some of the major courses in the master’s degree include:

• Biometric methods
• Research design
• Motor learning, skeletal muscle and metabolism physiology
• Cardio respiratory physiology
• Biomechanics

The PhD degree aims to train students to conduct research in kinesiology.  Students are also encouraged to work on programs that are related to disease prevention and national health promotion. Besides, they learn to prepare program development and research funding proposals. They gain strong professional skills to be successful in different work settings in private and public sectors. It takes around four to five years to complete the PhD degree. Four major areas are covered in the degree program, which include:

• Exercise physiology
• Motor control and learning
• Obesity studies
• Sport fitness administration

The students and advisors work together to develop a course of study according to the professional needs of students.

If you are looking for an online kinesiology degree program, you can follow the steps below to enroll yourself in a suitable degree.

• The most important factor to consider in an online school is its accreditation. Make sure that your online school is approved by a recognized accrediting agency. You can get this information from the list of accredited schools, provided by the relevant accrediting agencies.

• Check if your degree program is entirely online or if it is a hybrid program offering some classes in a nearby facility. See if your schedule allows taking a hybrid program or you can only afford an entirely online program.

• Find out about the length of your degree program, thoroughly research on the coursework, and other requirements such as thesis or internships. Make sure that the courses offered in your preferred degree program are according to your career goals.

• Also check the qualifications of faculty and overall repute of the school. You can get some useful feedback from the recent alumni of the school. Their experiences will help you assess the suitability of the school for you.

• Once you’re satisfied with all the important aspects, make sure that you stay consistent and regularly attend your online classes. Staying regular, participating in online discussions with your instructors, and completing your assignments in time can help you acquire a solid foundation and succeed in your career.

Areas where kinesiologists work:

• Health Promotion

  Kinesiologists work in the health promotion industry to enhance the well being and overall health of individuals and the society as a whole.

• Rehabilitation

  Kinesiologists work with people suffering from disabling conditions and help them improve their physical functions.

• Ergonomics

  Kinesiologists check if the design of workstations is suitable for employees and give suggestions to modify it for better comfort and health of people.

• Management and Research

  Kinesiologists manage their own businesses or work as managers in organizations. They are also involved in a wide range of research related to kinesiology topics.