Breadcrumb
Careers & Alumni - Kinesiology
Kinesiology students graduate with the ability to solve problems and communicate effectively, while learning to use the latest technology to enhance their skills.
They’re encouraged to participate in a variety of recreation, education, and/or athletic programs to gain a well-rounded background in knowledge and skill.
Graduate students are prepared for a wide range of careers that include worksite health promotion, commercial fitness, public/private or non-profit health agencies, obesity/diabetes and heart disease prevention, sports performance, teaching/coaching, independent research in a field of specialization, or continued graduate study at doctoral-granting institutions.
Check out some careers in Kinesiology on The National Academy of Kinesiology's website!
Check out the professional certifications that this program will help prepare you for: ACSM Website, NCSA Website.
Career Options
The following list is not meant to be all inclusive; many other job alternatives and titles may exist. Many of the job titles listed require further education.
- Fitness Consultant
- Athletic Trainer
- Sports Photographer/Writer
- Stadium Manager/ Assistant
- Exercise Physiologist
- Movement Science Researcher
- Resort Manager
- Playground Director
- Corrective Therapist
- Boat/Ski Lift Operator
- Recreation Leader
- Health Club Worker/Manager
- Professional Stunt Person
- Recreation Planner
- Occupational Therapist
- Dance Studio Teacher/Manager
- Gerontology Fitness Specialist
- T.V./Radio Sports Announcer
- Athletic Director
- Sports Editor
- Camp Counselor/Director
- Movement Specialist
- Exercise Stress Test Technologist
- Corporate Fitness Director
- Safety Coordinator
- Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
- League Manager
- Lifeguard
- Swimming Instructor
- Adapt. Physical Education Teacher
- Physical Therapist
- Sports Equipment Salesperson
- Physical Education Teacher
- (K-12/College)
- Programs Director-Youth Services
- Event Promoter
- Aquatic Administrator
- Coach/ Assistant Coach
- Professional Athlete
- Referee/Umpire
- Club Instructor/Pro
- Stadium Manager
- Cruise Fitness Director
- Sports Information Specialist
Marketable Skills
Leadership Management Skills
- Develops, delivers, and administers health care services
- Educates and counsels athletes and their families on issues pertaining to injury prevention and treatments
- Possesses ability to motivate and educate
- Recognizes, evaluates, assesses injuries by athletes and the physically active
- Works well under stressful situations
Research/ Analytical Skills
- Employs good observation skills
- Identifies the physiological factors involved in physical movement and sports participation
- Implements, administers, and evaluates physical education and athletic programs physiological responses
- Possesses knowledge of personal fitness
- Ability to think critically and analytically to solve problems
- Understands the biomechanical principles related to movement
Communication/Writing Skills
- Communicates with various members of the sports medicine team
- Possesses ability to motivate and educate
- Communicates effectively
- Understands medical terminology and treatment orders
Other Skills
- Ability to deal with injuries
- Emphasizes lifelong fitness and physical activity
- Plans lessons and activities for various ages and ability levels
Alumni Updates
Kacie Hallahan
Kinesiology, 2020
Kacie has recently accepted a full-time permanent position with the Air Force in San Pedro, CA. As a Recreation Specialist, she will be planning and leading outdoor recreation programs for military members and their families, including backpacking, rafting, skydiving, deep sea fishing, and more! Thanks, REC fam!
Nicholas Fassl
Kinesiology, 2019
Nicholas is currently an Afloat Recreation Specialist aka Fun Boss on an aircraft carrier for the US Navy. He organizes daily activities, large events and schedules trips/tours for 5,500 navy sailors and personnel in San Diego & foreign ports.
Alexis Puerto-Holmes
Kinesiology, 2017
After attending the CPRS conference with the Rec Club at HSU Alexis met with several folks who work at Sonoma County Regional Parks. She had to do her internship in order to graduate and called the people she had met to see about applying, and it was a success! Alexis felt thrilled to start as an intern, was promoted to a Park Aide, and then Park Programs Assistant (PPA), and now a full time Recreation PPA. She has lead a variety of programs for Sonoma County Parks. Alexis really thinks she has the best job- she gets paid to take people kayaking, surfing, hiking, present about inequity in the outdoors, lead outreach, and so much more. She is forever grateful to those at HSU who supported her (shout out to Gen Marchand whoot)!