Abilene Christian University

What you'll study

Coursework mixes foundational and applied topics in human movement and health. Example courses and subject areas include:

• Structural Kinesiology
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Biomechanics

Students also gain hands-on experience through the Human Performance Laboratory, the Recreation and Wellness Center, required internships and opportunities such as Parkinson’s Disease research projects and job-shadowing placements.

Entry requirements

The programme structure notes overall credit requirements (total 128 credit hours) and specifies minimum GPA thresholds for some concentrations: Pre-Occupational Therapy and Pre-Physical Therapy require a minimum 3.2 GPA for admission to and continuation in those concentrations; Sport and Recreation Management requires a minimum 2.5 GPA; Coaching and the general Kinesiology degree require a minimum 2.0 GPA. The Pre-Athletic Training 3+2 integrated track prepares students to enter the Master of Athletic Training professional phase after undergraduate prerequisites are met and after acceptance into that professional phase.

Career prospects

The B.S. in Kinesiology prepares graduates for roles in athletics, fitness and recreation as well as for further clinical training. Typical entry careers listed by the department include:

• Athletic coach
• Sports/leisure activity director
• Sports marketer
• Exercise physiologist
• Personal trainer

Graduates commonly pursue graduate or professional programs in areas such as athletic training, physician assistant studies, chiropractic, occupational therapy and physical therapy when following the relevant pre-professional concentrations.

Scholarships & funding angle

The Department of Kinesiology & Nutrition awards multiple scholarships to majors annually, many named in honor of former faculty, donors and community members. Examples include the Scruggs Scholarship, Paschall Scholarship, Johne and R.L. Roberts Scholarship, Helen Moran Scholarship and Marie Wilmeth Scholarship. Scholarship availability, criteria and application details are managed by the department; contact Dr. Sheila Jones at joness@acu.edu for more information on forms and deadlines.