Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

Support the Health and Wellness of East Texas

Movement is a key part of the human experience and the focus of The University of Texas at Tyler’s Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. Explore human movement in depth, understand why our bodies work the way they do and what to do when they stop working the way they should.

Prepare for a career in athletic training, physical education, corporate wellness or coaching. Specialized tracks of study can prepare you to take the Texas Athletic Trainer License Exam or obtain Texas state certification to teach physical education from early childhood through grade 12. Or, use your degree to fulfill prerequisite requirements for health-related graduate degrees in exercise physiology, physical therapy, rehabilitation or occupational therapy.

Why Major in Kinesiology at UT Tyler?

Interest in fitness continues to grow, framing and influencing programs and policies involving health and wellness. Understanding how the body works and moves forms the core of these efforts. UT Tyler’s BS in kinesiology covers the relationship between the human body, exercise, health and recovery to prepare you for multiple career paths related to corporate wellness, health and wellness program management, health coaching, rehabilitation or healthcare.

Our strengths include:

• Hands-on Training: Our Athletic Training track begins hands-on training starting from your first year. Travel with UT Tyler’s athletic teams to out-of-town games and events during your junior and senior years. Additional opportunities include a senior capstone project and an 1,800-hour apprenticeship.
• Expert Faculty: Our widely published professors contribute to publications including the Journal of the National Medical Association, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, the International Journal of Exercise Authors, The Physician and Sportsmedicine and the Journal of Community Health.
• Research: Push the boundaries of exercise science by participating in research projects led by dedicated faculty invested in your success.
• Professional Mentors: Train with highly skilled physicians and chiropractors who practice in the field of sports medicine.
• Internships: Students complete a 140-hour internship during the senior year to gain real-world experience and prepare you for their careers.
• Exceptional Facilities: Learn about how the body moves in 127,000 square feet of laboratories, classrooms, a gym, an indoor walking/jogging track, free weights areas and an outdoor therapeutic pool.

Curriculum

Kinesiology majors share a core curriculum that includes concepts common to all specializations. These include general biology, human anatomy, human physiology, the historical basis of kinesiology, biomechanics and motor learning.

All students must complete eight hours of lab science in biology, chemistry or physics (in addition to anatomy and physiology).

Core Requirements

Choose from three tracks: physical education teaching, athletic training and the pre-health science track.

Physical Education Teaching

This track prepares students for Texas State certification to teach physical education at all levels, from early childhood to grade 12.

Students take these core kinesiology courses:

• Motor Development
• Fitness Assessment Skills
• Physiology of Exercise
• Human Motor Control and Learning
• Biomechanics and Anatomical Kinesiology

In addition, they take the following allied health science courses:

• Nutrition Through the Life-Cycle
• Theoretical and Clinical Aspects of Weight Management
• Stress Management
• Program Organization and Administration

Students also take 24 hours of teacher preparation courses, including:

• Introduction to the Teaching Profession
• Educational Psychology: Adolescent Development & Learning
• Adaptive Physical Education
• Teaching Skills for the Secondary Teacher
• Literacy in the Content Area
• Teaching Methods in Physical Education
• Student Teaching

Athletic Training

This track prepares students for the Texas Athletic Trainer License Examination, a requirement for all practicing athletic trainers.

Courses include:

• Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training
• Assessment of Athletic Injuries I: Lower Extremity
• Assessment of Athletic Injuries II: Upper Extremity
• Motor Development
• Fitness Assessment Skills
• Physiology of Exercise
• Biomechanics and Anatomical Kinesiology
• Therapeutic Modalities for Athletic Trainers

Pre-Health Science Track

This track incorporates the prerequisites for pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy and pre-occupational therapy career paths.

Core courses include:

• Motor Development
• Fitness Assessment Skills
• Physiology of Exercise
• Human Motor Control and Learning
• Biomechanics and Anatomical Kinesiology
• Principles of Training: Endurance
• Principles of Training: Strength and Power

Kinesiology Major Requirements  Visit the Kinesiology Department

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology?

Kinesiology majors enjoy a wide variety of job opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9% greater demand for exercise physiologists through 2031.

Graduates often go on to complete specialized training in fields such as medicine, physical therapy or occupational therapy. Others enter the workforce as coaches, physical education instructors or personal trainers based on the certification obtained.

How to Apply

General Admission Requirements

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a streamlined admissions process for all undergraduate students. Have questions or concerns? Our admissions team can guide you through all requirements and answer any questions you may have. Reflecting our reputation as one of the most affordable colleges in the state, our financial aid team helps you explore all scholarships, grants and other forms of assistance.

For admissions decisions in general:

• UT Tyler automatically accepts students from the Top 25% of graduating classes in Texas.
• Students from the 2nd to 4th quartiles must have a 2.75 or higher GPA.

Ready to apply? Review all undergraduate requirements to get started.

Start Your Application

Transferring Credits

UT Tyler has established partnerships with community colleges across Texas, allowing for a seamless transfer of your credits. Our relationships let you stick with your degree plan and graduate on time, right on your schedule.

Learn More About Transfer Pathways

Admissions Requirements for Transfer Students

Key Dates

July 1

ApplyTexas application opens for incoming first-year students.

October 1

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens for the upcoming academic year.

December 1

Application deadline to be eligible for scholarships.

May 1

Deadline for Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Transfer Presidential scholarships.

August 1

Deadline for Patriot Promise Scholarship.