Kinesiology

Study the Scientific Basis for Human Movement

As a Kinesiology major, you’ll explore physiological, mechanical and psychological principles and theories that relate to fitness and the human body — but you won’t stop there. You’ll create fitness programs and design rehabilitation plans for class projects. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a career in the field of kinesiology that interests you most.

Why earn your Kinesiology degree at St. Edward’s?

Whether you want to enter a career in athletic training, sports management, physical education or coaching — or pursue a doctorate of Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy — one thing is certain: The advantages of your St. Edward’s education will prepare you to succeed. You’ll find opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn, give back and achieve your goals. And your mentors will support you every step of the way.

Build relationships with your professors

You’ll learn in small classes taught by award-winning professors who make a point of getting to know you. They’ll help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during your college years and after you graduate.

Gain real-world experience

Kinesiology majors are encouraged to complete multiple internships that provide on-the-job training. Students also volunteer with physical therapy clinics, nonprofit organizations and hospitals to gain experience and give back to their community.

Get involved in the Physical Therapy Organization

Learn about professional opportunities and volunteer activities by joining the St. Edward’s Physical Therapy Organization (PTO), which is open to all students. Connect with individuals who share your interests and desire to help improve the health of others.

Choose from five career tracks

The Kinesiology program offers you five excellent career tracks to choose from: Kinesiology, Athletic Training, Sports Management, Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Occupational Therapy. Our pre-professional tracks ensure you’re ready for graduate school.

Reap the Rewards of Austin

Austin is a fitness-minded, sports-loving city and is consistently ranked among the top 10 healthiest cities in the nation. As a Kinesiology major, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore a variety of career paths and internships within the Austin community.

What do our graduates do?

Kinesiology majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample of career options:

Health promotions specialist for Chevron in San Ramon, Calif.
Account executive for the Connecticut Sun WNBA team
Athletic director of an Austin Catholic school, grades PreK–8
Graduate teaching fellow at KIPP Texas Public Schools
Rehabilitation services technician at Seton Healthcare Family in Austin
Sales manager for a medical device company
Physical Therapy student at the University of Kansas Medical Center

Explore More Details About a Degree in Kinesiology

1. Kinesiology

This program provides a foundation in the physiological and mechanical aspects of the human body. Hands-on coursework and close interaction with faculty members will give you the freedom and guidance to become a well-versed, independent learner. In this track, you will …

Explore the fundamentals of kinesiology such as musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics and fitness
Study the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries
Design and implement fitness programs
Participate in a supervised internship

Most students select this degree with the goal of helping individuals in the area of fitness or sports.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology requires 47 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our Kinesiology major (PDF).

2. Kinesiology – Athletic Training Emphasis

Athletic trainers motivate others to fulfill athletic goals while practicing principles of injury prevention and rehabilitation. In this track, you will …

Study all aspects of human anatomy, physiology and movement
Work with SEU athletic teams
Participate in a supervised internship
Prepare to qualify for the Texas licensure test

To be licensed as an athletic trainer in Texas, you must pass the licensure test administered by the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Close interaction with faculty at St. Edward’s — and time spent in classes, advising sessions and learning in the field — fully prepares you for your supervised athletic-training internship and state certification exams.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology, Athletic Training Emphasis requires 57 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology and Chemistry.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis (PDF).

3. Kinesiology – Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis

Occupational therapy is a health profession whose primary purpose is to help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). In this track, you will …

Experience how movements are learned and how the capacity for movement changes over the lifespan
Learn how to design and implement appropriate activities for individuals with special needs and limitations
Explore the principles and techniques to plan, implement, document and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic exercise

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis requires 68 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis (PDF).

4. Kinesiology – Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis

Physical therapists optimize health and function through the assessment, identification and correction of acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. In this track, you will …

Identify, prevent and correct movement dysfunction
Study scientific topics as they relate to the human body, exercise and rehabilitation
Design rehabilitation plans
Learn how to motivate individuals through fitness and wellness plans

This track is often taken by students pursuing physical therapy, medical or occupational therapy schools, as well as other medical-based fields.

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis requires 74 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis (PDF).

5. Kinesiology – Sports Management Emphasis

This track prepares you for a diversity of roles in the areas of sports marketing, facility management and planning, human resources, strategic planning, sports finance, and facility design. In this track, you will …

Learn about the science and management of kinesiology in relation to sport programs
Develop a fundamental understanding of business administration
Study the management of kinesiology and sports programs

Students on this track are required to complete a minor in Business Administration as part of the degree plan.

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Sport Management Emphasis requires 43 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.

Required Business Administration Minor: Requires 18 hours of business or management courses, for a total of 61 total major and minor hours.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Sports Management Emphasis (PDF).

Experiential Learning

Your classes will teach you about hands-on applications of kinesiology in different settings and help you discover more career options. For example:

In Taping, Bandaging and First Aid, you’ll complete 200 hours of service under the supervision of a St. Edward’s athletic trainer.
In Safety and First Aid, you’ll complete important training you can use in your career and in any emergency situation.
In Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations, you’ll work one-on-one with a person or people with special needs in a physically active setting. For example, students have worked with the GO Project and Austin Adventurers, organizations that help young adults with special needs develop independent living skills.

Internships

As a Kinesiology major, you’ll have at least one internship or practicum, but the program will encourage you to complete several “mini-internships” so you can get experience in different settings. St. Edward’s students have recently interned at the following organizations:

Austin Independent School District Athletic Office
KidTherapy pediatric physical therapy in Austin
Texas Physical Therapy Specialists
Lonestar Soccer
YMCA
St. Theresa’s Catholic School
St. Edward’s University RecWell (Recreation and Wellness)
Austin ISD Food and Nutrition Services
Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball Team

Students have also done volunteer work at physical therapy clinics and in hospitals to gain experience and give back to their community.

Student Organizations

Learn about professional opportunities and meet students who share your interests through the Physical Therapy Organization. Many Kinesiology students also participate in Recreation and Wellness programs.

Students who are interested in the kinesiology field can complete a minor in Kinesiology to establish baseline knowledge and experience within the subject. This is especially helpful for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers where knowledge of kinesiology enhances their job applicant profile.

1. Minor in Kinesiology

Students interested in studying the anatomy, physiology and movement of the human body can pursue a minor in Kinesiology.

Required Courses:

Introduction to Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Biomechanics
Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology and Sports
Kinesiology Elective

2. Minor in Kinesiology – Coaching Emphasis

Students can add a minor in Kinesiology with a Coaching Emphasis to strengthen their candidate profile for sports and fitness-related jobs.

Required Courses:

Instructional Topics: Strength Training and Cardiovascular Conditioning
Safety and First Aid
Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
Exercise Physiology
Coaching Theory and Practice
Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

3. Minor in Kinesiology – Fitness and Conditioning

What type of fitness training is best? What exercises yield the biggest benefits? How do you help someone build strength, endurance or athletic skill and prevent injury?

The Fitness and Conditioning minor will give you the foundation to work in community recreation programs, work one-on-one with individuals to improve their fitness or pursue a career in the health sciences. Students who earn the Fitness and Conditioning minor can go on to a variety of careers, including coaching, personal training or teaching.

Required Courses:

Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
Practical Training for the Fitness Professional
Sports Nutrition
Exercise Physiology
Strength Training and Conditioning
Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

4. Minor in Kinesiology – Recreation Management

The Recreation Management minor prepares students for professional positions in sports, community recreation and outdoor recreation. The courses build skills in program development, marketing and organizational behavior.

Students who minor in Recreation Management will have the knowledge and skills for entry-level program management roles at collegiate recreation programs, YMCA and YWCA programs, after-school programs, and outdoor recreation areas, such as Wild Basin Creative Research Center.

Required Courses: