Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Overview
Biola University Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology program explores God's intricate design of our human bodies and human movement. The way we steward our bodies in our everyday lives — with exercise, nutrition and medical care — can have profound effects on our complete human health. Biola's kinesiology major will prepare students by providing specialized training in movement and athletic performance, readying you to be a competent and charing Christian professional in such fields as health and fitness, health promotion, exercise science and allied health care.
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Concentrations
- Exercise Science
The exercise science concentration allows students to customize their program to prepare for health-related graduate studies in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, physiology, biomechanics and others. This concentration can prepare students for careers in allied health, or for other jobs within the health and fitness industry, including exercise rehabilitation programs (such as cardiac rehab, cancer rehab, gait laboratories, and sports medicine facilities).
- Health and Human Performance
The concentration in health and human performance is ideal for students who wish to work in clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, health and fitness, and wellness promotion, and serves as preparation for graduate study in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, athletic training and similar fields. This concentration also prepares students for professional certifications in fitness and conditioning through professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Why Choose Kinesiology at Biola?
In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s kinesiology program offers several key advantages:
- Biola’s location in Southern California — one of the world’s largest and most diverse metropolitan areas — is ideal for internships and job opportunities.
- The university is home to top-notch athletics facilities, including a newly remodeled fitness center and athletic training room where students can put their education into action.
- Small classes give you an opportunity to form deep relationships with your professors and fellow students.
- Biola’s Health Careers Club educates, supports and builds community among all the pre-health career students on campus through guest speakers and other events.
What Will I Study?
As a kinesiology major, you will gain a strong foundational understanding of God's design for the human body, movement and performance. Focus throughout the program will be on the value of physical activity and of promoting healthy lifestyles. Career-relevant course topics and highlights include:
- Basic structure and function of the human body
- Human systems analysis lab
- Human movement and mechanical principals
- Physiological concepts of muscular exercise
- Field experience in kinesiology and physical education testing
- Exercise Psychology and rehabilitation strategies
- Motor learning from a behavioral perspective
- Scientific treatment of applied nutritional principles
- Achieving organizational leadership effectiveness
Career Paths
The kinesiology degree can serve as a specialized pre-medicine degree for certain medical careers and also provides exceptional preparation for students who may desire to teach physical education, practice physical therapy or occupational therapy, or make contributions in fields such as exercise science and allied health care. As a well-equipped professional, you can expect to impact the world in professions such as:
- Medical doctor
- Exercise physiologist
- Sports psychologist
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Fitness instructor or athletic trainer
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Professor of kinesiology
- Personal trainer
Some careers in kinesiology may require complementing certifications in order to further prepare students of our bachelor's degree programs. For example — clinical exercise physiologist certifications or personal training certifications from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine, and strength and conditioning certifications from organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association. For more information on careers in the healthcare field, please visit our Health Science Careers website.
What are Graduates Doing Now?
A number of Biola kinesiology bachelor's degree program majors pursue graduate studies, while others move directly into a variety of professional positions. Highlights include:
- Exercise Physiologist
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Athletic Trainer
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Health Educator
- Personal Trainer
- Graduate studies at prestigious schools such as: University of Saint Augustine; University of Southern California; Chapman University; California State University, Fullerton; California State University, Long Beach; and California State University, Northridge
Department of Kinesiology and Public Health (KPH)
