Overview
Kinesiology is broadly classified as the study of human body movement, which enables those with a degree in the topic to branch out into a variety of career choices. Those who obtain a kinesiology degree can accept positions as personal trainers, massage therapists, kinesiologists, exercise physiologists, and more, they can also continue their education past a basic kinesiology degree to obtain a more specialized degree in a related field. In the Lone Star State, there are thirty-two kinesiology degrees at various levels for prospective students to choose from.
There are many options once a student graduates with a kinesiology degree. They can choose to start a career related to fitness, exercise, biomechanics, or other similar fields or they can choose to pursue a higher-level degree to gain specialization in a certain subcategory of kinesiology. With Texas’s seemingly never-ending opportunities regarding kinesiology degrees, everyone is sure to find a program that fits their needs.
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What Can I Expect to Learn in a Kinesiology Program?
Degree Timetable
For someone wishing to become a professional in a career related to kinesiology, the amount of time a degree takes to complete can play a big role in choosing an institution to enroll in. Overall, a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology will take about four years, a master’s degree will take between two and three years, and a Ph.D. can take up to six years. There are a handful of programs in Texas that offer a combined or “fast track” degree where a student can complete multiple degrees over a shorter time.
Degree Plan of Study
Kinesiology programs of the same level will follow a similar plan of study across the board. Students’ courses will focus on the mechanics of human movement and how they can impact an individual’s performance and health. Depending on the level of degree a student is pursuing, they may need to take advanced classes in certain topics that build off of each other to ensure an all-over understanding. Most programs offer opportunities for students to participate in research or internships to get real-world experience.
Once a student has met all the requirements for their program in regards to classes and any required internships or thesis projects, they will graduate with a great understanding of human body movement, what affects it, and how it can be altered through exercise.
Requirements for Acceptance to a Kinesiology Program
Most kinesiology programs have a very similar list of requirements to get accepted into their program. Students who wish to enter a graduate program will have to have already completed their undergraduate degree, as well as maintained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA). Some schools may have minimum test scores for the SAT, ACT, or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for students to meet. Students may also have to submit references, cover letters, and applications to both the school and the specific program they are applying for. Some programs may hold interviews with prospective students at some point during the application process as well. It is common for schools to charge a non-refundable fee to process an individual’s application.
Texas Bachelors Degrees in Kinesiology
In the state of Texas, there are fourteen bachelor’s degree programs that focus on Kinesiology, they are listed below:
Abilene Christian University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
In this 128-credit hour program, students will choose one of the following five concentrations to personalize their education: Generalist, Pre-Athletic Training (3+2 year integrated program), Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Sport and Recreation Management. All concentrations will require students to complete an internship to gain experience in the field.
Accreditation
Angelo State University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Angelo State University offers two concentrations under their Kinesiology degree: Teaching and Coaching or Sport and Recreational Leadership. Classes will focus on motor skills, leadership skills, exercise physiology, and more depending on which concentration an individual chooses. The program allows students to take advantage of state-of-the-art facilities such as the Ben Kelly Center for Human Performance which houses an indoor pool, indoor track, fitness machines, and a rock climbing wall, as well as the Health and Human Services Building which has simulation and skills labs and BodyViz software for interactive learning.
Accreditation
Prairie View A&M University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
In this degree, students will focus on studying the body and its movement from biological, physiological, and psychological perspectives. The program offers four tracks for students to choose from. Track one enables students to obtain their teaching certification. Track two is for those interested in starting a career in exercise science. Track three is for students wishing to work in kinesiology or sports management. Track four is for students who want to have a career related to kinesiology. All four tracks take place over 120 credit hours.
Accreditation
Sam Houston State University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
This program strives to give students the skills and knowledge needed for clinical and practical implications in kinesiology. Courses take place both online and in person by a diverse faculty. Students will take fourteen hours of elective classes in addition to an eighteen-hour minor to personalize their education to their interests.
Accreditations
Tarleton State University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
This program offers six concentrations for students to choose from so they can focus on their career interests. The Athletic Training concentration offers students a unique combined program to allow them to complete their B.S. in Kinesiology and M.S. in Athletic Training in five years. The Exercise and Allied Health Professions concentration is aimed at those interested in pursuing further education in topics such as physical therapy or chiropractic medicine, or who are looking to start a career in clinical exercise physiology or cardiac rehabilitation. The Fitness, Athletic, and Strength Training concentration will prepare students to obtain their certification in sports nutrition, personal training, strength and conditioning, group exercise, special populations, and corrective exercise. The Coaching, Athletic Administration, and Recreation concentration is for those wishing to work in a field related to athletic administration. The Exercise and Sport Studies concentration allows students to tailor their program to their career interests with the help of an academic advisor. The final concentration, Physical Education Teacher Education, will enable students to obtain their certification to teach and coach in Texas public schools.
Accreditation
Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Texas A&M offers a few options for students planning to pursue a kinesiology degree. Students can choose between the Exercise and Sport Science track, which is for those who wish to find a career in coaching, sports training, or exercise development. The Applied Exercise Physiology track is catered towards those who want to work as an exercise physiologist in a clinical setting such as cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. The Basic Exercise Physiology track will give students a solid foundation in biological and physical science to continue their education in a related area such as medical school. The Motor Behavior track was created to prepare students with a background in the cognitive and perceptual processes related to human movement. Texas A&M University also offers a combined 3+2 degree that allows students to obtain their B.S. in Kinesiology and M.S. in Athletic Training.
Accreditation
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Sports Studies
The program offered at Texas A&M University-Commerce will enable students to become knowledgeable about the human body and how it adapts to different training programs. Courses will focus on motor learning, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Students will get hands-on learning and experience by working with faculty in state-of-the-art facilities to prepare them for a career in a variety of fields related to kinesiology.
Accreditation
Texas Lutheran University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
This program provides students the opportunity to utilize its state-of-the-art labs with motion analysis equipment to gain hands-on experience. Students also get the chance to work with their professors and classmates to conduct and present research and complete a capstone course that will include a research presentation. Graduates from this program have gone on to work in fields related to therapeutic exercise, sport and fitness management, military, and teaching.
Accreditation
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
In this 36-credit-hour program, students’ studies will focus on the foundations of exercise. Students will gain knowledge in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and exercise psychology and will be prepared to take advanced courses in these topics at the graduate level. Texas Tech’s program requires all students to complete a minor alongside their bachelor’s degree including sports medicine, public health, and athletic coaching.
Accreditation
Texas Woman’s University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Texas Woman’s University offers a 120-hour program designed for students to learn through hands-on experience in class, labs, and their 350-hour internship in cardiac rehabilitation or corporate fitness. The program also requires students to engage in experiences working with children who have special needs and older adults at risk for certain health risks. TWU’s program also satisfies prerequisites for individuals interested in moving on to occupational therapy.
Accreditation
Stephen F. Austin State University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
In this program, students can personalize their education by choosing from two concentrations. Those who wish to pursue a career in strength and conditioning, physical therapy, or other related careers should choose the exercise science concentration. Those who wish to teach physical education should pursue the All-Level Teaching concentration to learn and develop teaching skills by engaging with colleagues and completing a capstone class.
Accreditation
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Students enrolled in this four-year program will gain the knowledge to succeed in their future careers in health and wellness as well as serve as the basis for future studies in other medical professions. UNT employs faculty who are recognized by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, and the American College of Sports Medicine for their teaching and research in the field. Students will be able to integrate what they have learned in class into a community outreach program to gain hands-on experience. Past programs have included creating and executing physical activity lesson plans for local school children with disabilities.
Accreditation
The University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology
This program was designed to prepare students to begin a career in teaching, coaching, and sport and physical activity program leadership. Students can choose between two degree plan options. The Physical Education Teach Education (PETE) option is for those wishing to teach in PreK-12 physical education. Students will be able to observe and assist professionals in the field to gain experience in teaching. The Sports Leadership and Management (SLAM) option is for those who wish to find a career related to sports and physical activity programming. Students’ studies will focus on sport’s cultural relationship with education, economy, families, media, politics, and demographics.
Accreditation
The University of Texas at Tyler
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
This program will prepare students to start a career in exercise-related professions. Students will have the opportunity to utilize the program’s laboratories, therapeutic pool, and other fitness-related amenities. The program requires students to choose from one of three tracks: the Physical Education Teaching track, Athletic Training track, and Pre-Health Science track. All tracks will also require those enrolled to complete a senior capstone project which could open doors to potential careers.
Accreditation
ADVERTISEMENT
Featured Kinesiology and Exercise Science Programs
- 100% Online Courses
- Top-Ranked Program
- 1.5 Year Program
Liberty University
M.S. in Exercise Science and Wellness
Impact the world of sports, fitness, and wellness with Liberty University’s Exercise Science & Wellness Master’s Degree.
- Four Unique Concentrations
- Complete in 1.5 Years
- Transfer Credits
Liberty University
M.S. in Human Performance
Learn how to develop health and wellness programs and improve physical education and community nutrition.
Texas Masters Degrees in Kinesiology
Listed below are 14 Master’s degrees in the topic of Kinesiology that Texas offers.
Stephen F. Austin State University
Master of Science in Kinesiology
This program offers a thirty-hour (thesis) or thirty-six-hour (non-thesis) option for students to choose from. The thesis program is for those who wish to start a career in higher education or professional schooling. The non-thesis option will require students to take an additional six course hours of electives and complete a written comprehensive exam. Both options will prepare students for advanced graduate education, research, or careers in academic, medical, corporate, and clinical settings.
Accreditation
Tarleton State University
Master of Science in Kinesiology
This program offers students completing their M.S. in Kinesiology to choose a concentration in one of two areas. The Sports Administration concentration is catered towards students wishing to pursue a career in athletic administration. The Exercise Science concentration is aimed at students who wish to become certified exercise professionals. Both concentrations require students to complete either an internship or a thesis before the completion of their degree.
Accreditation
Texas A&M University
Master of Science in Kinesiology
This program will provide students with the advanced training needed to become a professional in the kinesiology field. Students in this program can choose a specialty in clinical exercise physiology, exercise physiology, motor behavior, sport pedagogy, or sport physiology. Students may be required to complete a thesis depending on which route they take to complete their degree.
Accreditation
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Master of Science in Kinesiology
As an award-winning, STEM-certified program, this master’s degree will produce kinesiology professionals who can perform in a variety of careers such as sports coaching, strength and conditioning, or other health-related fields. Students’ courses will focus on motor performance, sports nutrition, biomechanics, sports psychology, and more to ensure a good understanding of kinesiology as a whole. To better suit students’ interests, three degree options are offered: Sport and Exercise Science: Non-Thesis/Research Project, Sports and Exercise Science: Thesis, or Sport and Exercise Science: Strength and Conditioning.
Accreditation
Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Master of Science in Kinesiology
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to become teachers or professionals in the kinesiology field. Students can choose from four areas of focus to tailor their education to their interests. The traditional on-campus program’s areas of focus to choose from are Health/Exercise Science, Performance Psychology, or Kinesiology Generalist. The one online program area of focus is Sport Management. Regardless of what area a student chooses, they will graduate with the abilities to start their career or continue to further education.
Accreditation
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Students in this thirty-six-hour program will have the option to choose between a thesis or non-thesis option to complete their degree as well as have the choice to complete twelve hours of coursework in an additional support area. Students will graduate with the theoretical thinking and hands-on skills needed to pursue a career related to kinesiology.
Accreditation
Texas Christian University
Master of Science in Kinesiology
TCU aims to produce students who are well-prepared to apply what they have learned in class to their research, education, clinical, and sports settings. All students in the program will choose a concentration in exercise psychology, motor control or nutrition, exercise physiology, or physical activity and chronic disease to individualize their education experience to what they believe they will start a career in.
Accreditation
Texas Tech University
Master of Science in Kinesiology
In this thirty-six credit hour program, students can choose between three concentrations. The Exercise Physiology concentration is for those wishing to begin a career or continue their education in an area related to exercise physiology. The Human Performance concentration was created for students who want to pursue a career in health and physical performance. The Sports Psychology concentration is aimed towards students who want to advance their studies in sports psychology-related programs. The program also graciously offers stipends for students to attend and present research at regional and national conferences during their time in the program.
Accreditation
Texas Woman’s University
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Along with offering a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, Texas Woman’s University also offers a Master’s degree with five emphasis areas for students to choose from. The Adapted Physical Activity emphasis was designed for those who want to work with physical activity within special populations. The Biomechanics and Motor Behavior emphasis is a great option for students who dream of a career related to human mobility, injury prevention, or other related areas. The Coaching emphasis is an online program for those interested in coaching to gain the skills and knowledge to be successful. The Exercise Physiology emphasis is a hybrid program that was created for those interested in implementing and improving fitness and strength skills in different populations. The hybrid Sport Management emphasis is intended for students who wish to work in sports marketing, operation, or business.
Accreditation
University of North Texas
Master of Science in Kinesiology
This thirty-six credit hour course produces professionals who strive to help improve lives through movement, research, and psychology. They will graduate with a sound understanding of kinesiology and the related trends and research needed to make an impact. The program offers multiple research opportunities for students to take part in throughout their educational journey.
Accreditation
University of Texas at Arlington
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Students in this program have the chance to work with and learn from world-renowned faculty to satisfy their education objectives. Students will obtain the knowledge and skills needed to start a career in a kinesiology-related field or move on to doctoral studies. The program allows students to choose to either work alongside a faculty member to create and complete a manuscript project/thesis or complete a clinical internship in their final semester in the program.
Accreditation
The University of Texas at El Paso
Master of Science in Kinesiology
UTEP boasts low faculty-to-student ratios, state-of-the-art laboratories, and research opportunities to attract students. Along with its traditional bachelor’s and master’s degrees, UTEP offers a fast-track program that enables students to take up to three graduate courses during their final undergraduate semester. The program offers two tracks for students to choose from: The Research and the Professional track.
Accreditation
University of Texas at San Antonio
Master of Science in Kinesiology
This program is geared towards individuals who wish to pursue a career related to physical activity, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, sports medicine, or related fields. It is a Hispanic Serving Institute that holds the Seal of Excelencia, enabling it to meet the educational needs of a diverse population of students. Students can take part in research and analysis in one of UTSA’s seven laboratories. The program also offers the following concentrations for students to choose from to personalize their education: Exercise Physiology, Motor. Behavior, Sport and Exercise Psychology, or Strength and Human Performance.
Accreditation
University of Texas at Tyler
Master of Science in Kinesiology
In both its in-person and online option, the University of Texas at Tyler’s M.S. in Kinesiology will prepare students for an array of careers ranging from health promotion to exercise physiology as well as preparing students who wish to further their education in a related field. Students will take a total of thirty-six credit hours, with six of those hours being completed as an internship or thesis. Upon completion of their courses, students will be required to take and pass a comprehensive exam or complete a thesis to obtain their degree.
Accreditation
Texas Ph.Ds in Kinesiology
For those who are interested in furthering their education, Texas is home to four Ph.D. kinesiology programs.
Texas Woman’s University
Ph.D. in Kinesiology
This program offers students four emphasis areas to choose from. The Adapted Physical Therapy Activity area will allow graduates to enter a field related to physical education, family science, or sports management. The Biomechanics and Motor Behavior area is for those interested in advanced education about human body mechanics and motion. The Exercise Physiology area is catered towards those who wish to pursue a career related to exercise physiology. Those interested in working in sports marketing, sports business, or sports operations should choose the Sport Management area.
Accreditation
Texas A&M University
Ph.D. in Kinesiology
This program will prepare students to start a career related to teaching and/or research in the following specialization areas: The Exercise Physiology specialization is for those wishing to gain knowledge in basic and applied exercise physiology. The Motor Behavior specialization is geared toward students who have an interest in the theoretical processes related to performance and motor skills. The Sport Management specialization was created for students who wish to research topics related to the basic and applied concepts of sports management. The Sport Pedagogy specialization is catered to those who wish to design and conduct research on education and curriculum related to physical education.
Accreditation
University of Houston
Ph.D. in Kinesiology
This six-year program was designed to provide the training needed to become a professional in the field of kinesiology. With four emphasis areas to choose from, all students can ensure they will be focusing on their interests. The Motor Behavior emphasis is for those interested in rehabilitation, motor control, and biomechanics. The Exercise Physiology emphasis is catered to students wishing to pursue a career related to exercise physiology. Those interested in working in the public health environment, such as the CDC, WHO, or NIH, should pursue the Community Health Promotion emphasis. The final emphasis, Sports and Fitness Administration, is perfect for students who dream of a career related to fitness and recreational management, sports administration, or event management.
Accreditation
University of Texas at Arlington
Ph.D. in Kinesiology
This program will prepare students to become researchers who give back to the field of Kinesiology. Students will gain basic and clinical science skills to identify disease markers and interventions to prevent and treat them. The program is categorized by options, tracks, and focus. The two degree options are a B.S. to Ph.D. Or an M.S. to Ph.D.. Both of those degrees can be customized by selecting one of the following tracks to follow: Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Applied Physiology, or Physical Education. Each track has one to five focus areas for students to choose from to further personalize their degree.
Accreditation
What to Expect with a Career in Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a great degree choice for individuals who wish to start a career related to human body movement, fitness, and health promotion, or continue their education in a specialization. When they say everything is bigger in Texas, that goes for the amount of programs to choose from as well. Texas offers a great range of bachelors, masters, and Ph.D.s for one to choose from to get the ball rolling on the journey to their career goals.
Salaries for an individual with a kinesiology degree will be dependent on a few factors. The level of degree, area of expertise or specialization, and experience will all contribute to one’s salary. As of 2023, the average salary for an individual with a kinesiology degree in Texas can range from $49,000 to $103,000.
https://www.talent.com/salary?job=kinesiology&location=texas
The job outlook for those who obtain a degree in kinesiology is a positive one. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is supposed to see a growth of about 10-15% between the years 2020 and 2030, making it a great choice for prospective students wishing to have a career related to the study of human body movement.