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Program at a Glance

Program
Bachelor
College(s)
College of Health Professions and Sciences
Department(s)
Kinesiology&Phys Thpy, Schl of
4
Years
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2024

Gain the Knowledge and Training to Become a Kinesiology Professional

The bachelor’s degree program in Kinesiology is appropriate for students interested in pursuing careers in sport science, health promotion, medicine, wellness, strength and conditioning, and clinical healthcare careers such as personal training, sport performance coaching, athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and corporate wellness.

The curriculum combines classroom coursework, practical field experiences, current research, and didactic laboratory experiences to build foundational knowledge in exercise science. Additionally, curricula within the coursework prepares students for professional certification exams from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) during their degree pursuit.

Students planning to continue their education toward a clinical or medical degree should consider pre-requisite requirements for graduate school when choosing certain classes and meet with a Kinesiology advisor regularly to discuss your immediate and future education and career goals.

Related Minors:

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Highlights

The Division of Kinesiology received the Education Recognition Program distinction for Undergraduate Strength and Conditioning and Personal Training from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Internship opportunities with local healthcare and fitness facilities, sports organizations, and the UCF Sport Science Initiatives.
Interdisciplinary research conducted by faculty from the School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy via the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

Fall
May 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
July 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
March 1
Spring
September 1
Summer
January 1

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Course Overview

Applied Biomechanics

Build an understanding in the foundations and application of anatomical and mechanical principles involved in human movement. An emphasis is placed on the analysis of skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and biomechanical factors associated with efficient motor development.

Study nutrition with a focus on strategies designed to meet nutrient demands for physical activity, exercise, metabolism and athletic performance in sport and exercise sciences.

Learn to integrate your knowledge of exercise science, pathophysiology, and fitness conditioning to develop exercise prescriptions for people with certain diseases, conditions, or stage of life. This course provides an in-depth understanding of unique physiological differences affecting such special populations and how they translate to important precautions and considerations for exercise.

Examine the depth and breadth of theories and philosophies regarding motivation in sport. Coursework emphasizes the application of various theories to maximize the operational usefulness of learned strategies as it applies to the individual, pairs, and entire teams.

Apply what you’ve learned from your classroom coursework in a real work environment as a student intern. Practicum is designed to provide opportunities for hands on and practical experiences in a workplace with guided supervision from an approved preceptor. Students who wish to complete this elective can apply with the Division of Kinesiology in their junior or senior year.

Gina Crittenden ’19

The Kinesiology program is one of the finest programs to pursue a career in at UCF. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable in their respective fields, and they are wonderful mentors. I have transformed my life in the pursuit of better health, and I can proudly say this program has prepared me to do just that for others, as it is my passion."

Gina Crittenden ’19

Kinesiology Skills You'll Learn

  • Learn to administer and interpret various fitness and wellness assessments
  • Develop skills to implement evidence-based techniques for improving strength and performance
  • Explore fitness and weight management research, theories, and practice.
  • Gain experience in current practices and technologies used for health and physical performance monitoring
  • Build a foundation of understanding about evidence-based exercise and nutrition recommendations that can prevent some diseases and increase quality of life.

Career Opportunities

  • Athletic Trainer
  • Physical Therapist
  • Sport Coach
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Physician Assistant
  • Medical Doctor
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Sport Scientist
  • University Professor
  • School Teacher
Show More Career Opportunities

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