Cost & earnings at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
A Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at ACU trains students in movement science, applied physiology and practical skills for coaching, recreation, allied-health prerequisites and fitness professions. The programme suits students aiming for careers in coaching, fitness and sport administration or those preparing for graduate entry to physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training and related health professions.
The B.S. in Kinesiology requires a total of 128 credit hours, composed of university core hours (56), major hours (54–66 depending on the chosen track) and electives (6–16). Students choose one of six tracks—Coaching, Kinesiology Generalist, Pre‑Athletic Training (3+2 integrated), Pre‑Occupational Therapy, Pre‑Physical Therapy, or Sport and Recreation Management—and complete a required internship as part of the degree. The department offers cohort mentorship through a Pre‑Health program and opportunities for participation in faculty‑led research projects.
Coursework combines foundational kinesiology topics with applied and clinical content. Example courses listed by the department include:
Tracks provide tailored curricula: the 3+2 Athletic Training option integrates undergraduate preparation with graduate‑level athletic training prerequisites; coaching and sport/recreation management emphasize internships and practical experiences; the generalist and pre‑professional tracks cover prerequisites for graduate health programs.
Acceptance into the program requires selecting a concentration and meeting any concentration‑specific standards. Published minimum GPAs for remaining in a concentration are:
The 3+2 Pre‑Athletic Training integrated pathway (KATP) requires acceptance into the professional phase to begin graduate‑level courses in the summer prior to the fourth year; the bachelor’s degree is awarded after the fourth year and the master’s after the fifth, upon successful completion.
The department lists direct career paths that graduates commonly pursue and roles the degree supports. Typical job titles and sectors include:
Graduates who follow the pre‑professional concentrations often progress to graduate programs in athletic training, physician assistant studies, chiropractic, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
The Kinesiology & Nutrition Department awards multiple named scholarships to majors across class levels, often with specific eligibility criteria tied to character, academic performance, financial need or intended career path. Examples include the Scruggs Scholarship, Paschall Scholarship, Johne and R.L. Roberts Scholarship, Helen Moran Scholarship and Marie Wilmeth Scholarship. Students can contact Dr. Sheila Jones at joness@acu.edu for application details and deadlines.
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