Bachelor's degrees in Kinesiology
Turn your passion for health and fitness into a degree
Gain the technical skills and professional background to elevate your love for health and fitness into a career at St. Ambrose University.
Find your path in Kinesiology
An SAU Kinesiology degree prepares you for diverse careers in the health sciences or fitness industry. You’ll experience an integrative curriculum emphasizing hands-on labs and projects.
Kinesiology program overview
Our undergraduate Kinesiology degrees set a foundation for careers in fitness and advanced/accelerated pathways in the health sciences. Many classes take place in our Wellness and Recreation Center with lab spaces and research for experiential learning.
94%
of students believe faculty are knowledgeable in their field
93%
of students believe the instruction in courses related to their major is excellent
Potential career paths for your Kinesiology degree
At SAU, your career path is up to you. Choose the major that fits your goals, and we'll help you achieve them.
-
Exercise Science
Explore Exercise Science- Exercise physiologist
- Personal trainer
- Strength and conditioning specialist
- Health and wellness coach
- Clinical exercise specialist
- Cardiac rehabilitation instructor
-
Human Performance and Fitness
Explore Human Performance and Fitness- Performance enhancement specialist
- Fitness program manager
- Health and wellness coordinator
- Personal fitness trainer
- Corporate wellness consultant
- Lifestyle coach
What you’ll learn in your Kinesiology program
As a Kinesiology student, you’ll begin with courses that lay the foundation for your major and introduce you to a wide range of business areas. Then you’ll move into your area of study to grow your expertise and advance toward your career goals.
Core skills you’ll learn in the BS program
- Explore the history of physical activity and exercise through contemporary culture
- Develop practical application of sport and exercise psychology research
- Understand the relationship between food and the human body
- Apply anatomical and mechanical principles to understand the causes and effects of motion produced by biological systems
- Understand the use of statistics to describe and interpret information within the kinesiology field
Sample courses in Kinesiology
| CLASS CODE | CLASS TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| KIN 101 | Foundations of Kinesiology | 2 credits |
| KIN 216 | Exercise and Sport Psychology | 3 credits |
| KIN 240 | Nutrition Concepts | 3 credits |
| KIN 361 | Functional and Structural Kinesiology | 3 credits |
| STAT 213 | Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences | 3 credits |
How much does a Kinesiology degree cost?
The total cost of your Kinesiology degree will depend on your major, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, and other factors.
- Part-time tuition: 1–11 semester credits, per semester credit: $1,200
- Full-time tuition: 12–18 semester credits, per year: $39,348
- Other: 19 or more semester credits, per semester credit: $1,200
Find detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for each specialization:
Get an estimate of how much your Kinesiology degree will cost
Use our Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of how much your degree will cost. Get my estimate.
Reduce your tuition by up to $24k
Every student is awarded a scholarship based on their GPA. St. Ambrose University recognizes and rewards students for their academic performance.
Housing and meal plans for Kinesiology students
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet your needs. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone.
Freshman housing
For incoming freshmen, on-campus residence halls provide a convenient college experience. Living among peers creates a sense of community and support, helping new students transition smoothly into university life. View freshman dorms.
Transfer & upperclassmen housing
As students progress, they have the option to transition to on-campus, apartment-style living. These accommodations offer more independence while still being located conveniently close to campus facilities and resources. View upperclassmen dorms.
Meal plans
St. Ambrose offers flexible meal plan options to accommodate various preferences and schedules. Whether you're looking for full dining hall access or a smaller meal plan for occasional use, there's a choice that suits your needs. View available meal plans.
What are the Kinesiology admission requirements?
Applicants to the Kinesiology undergraduate program must provide the following information for admission:
- Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5.
- Applicants must provide an official high school transcript.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
Visit St. Ambrose
Experience our vibrant campus firsthand. Schedule a visit to explore our facilities, meet faculty and discover your future at St. Ambrose University.
Schedule my visitWhy earn a Kinesiology degree from SAU?
Our programs develop passionate wellness experts equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to help people achieve their health and fitness goals.
Accelerated pathways
We offer accelerated pathways into our OT, PT and MS in Exercise Physiology programs, saving you time and money.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our campus is equipped with three exercise labs, research-grade equipment and a two-story cardio/weightlifting center.
Industry-standard equipment
Get hands-on with metabolic carts, spirometers, Woodway treadmills, and more for motion analysis.
Foundation for certifications
Earn your certification in personal training (CPT), strength and conditioning (CSCS) or exercise physiology (EPC, ACSM-EP).
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Become who you are meant to be
With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
