Kinesiology: Exercise Science, Sports Physiology and Performance, Exercise Bioenergetics
Where Athletics Meets Science
Make your passion for sports a career with a degree in kinesiology! You can learn how the human body moves and develops to maximize performance and overall health through science-based techniques and training.
Our Kinesiology program offers three concentrations – Exercise Science, Exercise Bioenergetics, and Sports Physiology and Performance – to guide students on a path that best fits their career aspirations. The UAB Kinesiology program works with sports medicine and related industries to ensure our students are exposed to the rigors and necessary skills required by those who work in our field. A degree in kinesiology can lead to careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistants, and other medical professions.
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Majors and Minors
The BS in Kinesiology degree is available with the following concentrations:
Exercise Science
The exercise science concentration’s curriculum is strategically designed to align with the rigorous course requirements of professional programs like Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician’s Assistant, and other advanced medical programs. This helps our graduates prepare for various career opportunities in the healthcare and sports industries.
Sports Physiology and Performance
The sports physiology and performance concentration’s curriculum prepares our students to sit for examinations with the National Strength and Conditioning Association to become certified strength and conditioning specialists (CSCS®) to pursue employment as strength and conditioning professionals, personal trainers, fitness/wellness center directors, sports marketing specialists, athletic coaches, facilities managers, and college recreation and intramural sports directors.
Exercise Bioenergetics
Our exercise bioenergetics concentration is a multifaceted approach to learning how the human body reaches optimal health through nutrition. The curriculum for this concentration combines study in exercise science, kinesiology, biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition to understand how energy production and utilization can be used for healthy living and exercise across the lifespan.
Only students who are not majoring in Kinesiology may minor in Kinesiology, even if that minor is in a Kinesiology concentration different from the one the student is pursuing.
Athletic Coaching
This 21-hour minor in athletic coaching will equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective coaches. Students take courses in human anatomy, concepts of health and fitness, officiating techniques, applied kinesiology, and weight training among others.
Exercise Science
Students interested in the Exercise Science minor need to meet with a kinesiology academic advisor for academic advising to ensure they register for the correct courses. Many health professionals (physical and occupational therapists, physicians, nurses, physical education teachers, epidemiologists, dietitians, etc.) benefit from an understanding of how anatomy and physiological processes affect movement. To complete this 21-hour minor, students take human anatomy, human physiology, physiology of exercise, applied kinesiology, and sports nutrition among others.
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Learn about specific program details, admissions requirements, scholarships, and more!
Curriculum
Our kinesiology program’s curriculum is built on what is best for your career. That’s why we offer concentrations specific to certain industries in the health professions and athletics.
Zoe Champion
Every professor in the kinesiology program has been fantastic. They have all had so much compassion toward me and been willing to work with me and everything I have going on at home. I’m grateful for that. I have been fortunate to have the professors I have had and my learning experiences.
Leo Jacobs
Class of 2022
What I loved most about the kinesiology program at UAB was how personable the professors and the other students in the program were. Everyone was approachable, kind, and helpful throughout my entire time here. The instructors wanted students to succeed, and the students worked synergistically instead of competitively.
Riley Gray
Class of 2024
I am grateful for the opportunities this program has given me, including attending the SEACSM conference, presenting research at UAB's student expos, and taking fun kinesiology elective courses. I am also so thankful for the friendships I have made in my classes. I have been so blessed to be surrounded by awesome, like-minded people who want to succeed in their classes and future careers while encouraging me and making it fun along the way. Last but certainly not least, I am grateful for the outstanding professors in the KIN department. They are knowledgeable, fun, caring, and overall great people. I would highly recommend being a KIN major here at UAB!
Jaret Kehl
Class of 2024
The Kinesiology program here at UAB has been amazing! The classes themselves are top-notch, and the professors are highly motivated to see their students succeed. I enjoyed learning more about the human body and getting to know my classmates throughout the years. I have lots of great memories from each class, like doing the various athletic fitness tests with Dr. Morris and playing the final exam review Jeopardy with Dr. Bello! Anyone considering the Kinesiology program here at UAB won't be disappointed!
Why Choose Kinesiology at UAB?
Internship Experience Required
What sets our program apart from other health science degrees is that we require our students to complete a semester-long internship in a field that they aspire to work in. For example, those interested in physical therapy intern with a physical therapist to help them prepare and gain a better understanding of the field.
Research Opportunities
The Kinesiology program has ample opportunities for students interested in research to join faculty on grants or other initiatives. Students gain hands-on experience working collecting data for several projects ranging from diabetes to rehabilitation. Contact us to learn more!
Early Acceptance Tracks Available
UAB offers many early acceptance tracks to professional health programs opens a new website like medical school, nursing, physical therapy, etc., for those majoring in Kinesiology and other health science degrees.
People
Staff
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Director of Recruitment, Scholarships, Student Engagement Caran Kennedy MA -
Academic Advisor IV Assistant Director, Office of Student Services Christopher Scott
Faculty
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Associate Professor Christopher Ballmann PhD -
Program CoordinatorInstructor Kinesiology Undergraduate Internship Director Sam Cauffman -
Program DirectorProfessor Assistant Dean for Research Gordon Fisher PhD, FACSM -
Program CoordinatorAssociate Professor Cody Morris PhD