Cost & earnings at Chatham University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Bachelor’s in Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education at Chatham University prepares students to understand human movement, design evidence-based exercise and sport programmes, and pursue careers in fitness, coaching, education or allied health. It suits students who want a hands-on, science-based degree that combines classroom study with practical field experiences and pathways to professional certification or graduate study.
This programme combines foundational biological and movement sciences with applied courses in exercise programming, coaching, and pedagogy. Core topics typically include human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and development, sports psychology, nutrition for performance, and measurement and assessment in physical activity. Students also study teaching methods for physical education, inclusive and adapted physical activity, injury prevention and basic rehabilitation principles, and research methods.
The degree emphasises experiential learning: laboratory work in human performance and biomechanics labs, supervised practicum placements in school, community or sport settings, and a culminating capstone or internship project that integrates theory with professional practice. Elective options and interdisciplinary courses allow students to explore strength and conditioning, athletic coaching, wellness programming, or preparatory coursework for graduate programmes in physical therapy, athletic training, or exercise science.
Entry to the bachelor’s programme typically requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent with a college-preparatory curriculum. Applicants are expected to have completed coursework in biology and mathematics; background in chemistry and physical education is advantageous. Admissions decisions consider academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in kinesiology and career goals, and letters of recommendation. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and descriptions of completed coursework. Some programmes or certification tracks may require a background check and health clearance for placements in schools or clinical settings.
Graduates enter a range of careers in sport, fitness, education and health. Common roles include fitness or wellness coordinator, strength and conditioning assistant, coaching and athlete development, community recreation leadership, and physical education teacher (where combined with state teacher certification). The degree also provides a strong foundation for entry into graduate or professional programmes such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, or sport and exercise science research.
Many students move into roles that require additional certification or postgraduate training (for example, certified strength and conditioning specialist, personal trainer certification, or state licensure for teachers and allied health professions). The programme’s practicum and internship components help graduates build professional networks and practical experience sought by employers and graduate schools.
Chatham offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship in its health sciences and human performance disciplines. Students benefit from hands-on instruction in dedicated labs and from partnerships with local schools, community organisations and healthcare providers in the Pittsburgh region for practicum placements and internships. The university’s interdisciplinary approach makes it straightforward to combine kinesiology with complementary studies—such as nutrition, psychology or education—depending on career goals.
Support services include academic advising tailored to professional or graduate pathways, career services to assist with internships and job placement, and opportunities for undergraduate research and community-engaged projects that enhance employability and real-world experience.
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