Student success. Science. Service.
Ever wonder how athletes fine-tune their performance? Want to know how someone recovers from an injury to get back on the field? Passionate about health and exercise?
If you’re interested in health and wellness for individuals of every age and ability, kinesiology is the field for you!
Our Bachelor of Science in kinesiology focuses on the study of human movement from the cellular level to the whole body. Through courses in anatomy and physiology, assessment and programming, biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise psychology and motor control, you’ll explore all aspects of physical activity.
Physical activity is one of our nation’s most important public health strategies for preventing, managing and treating chronic disease. Our students are well-prepared to be a part of important health care solutions.
We are a tight-knit community of faculty, staff and students working together to live our mission and achieve our vision as we are guided by our values. The curriculum is built on strategic competencies to ensure you are prepared to be an influence in the health, wellness and fitness industries.
A bachelor’s in kinesiology teaches you the spectacular complexities of human movement. Graduates are ready for careers in a variety of health-related disciplines: health and wellness coaching, health-related business operations or sales, personal training, and strength and conditioning. Our graduates have a strong foundation and necessary prerequisites to pursue further schooling in health-related fields such as athletic training, cardiac rehabilitation, dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, sport and exercise psychology, research and more. Through our certification paths, current students and graduates are well-prepared to take the certification exams necessary to become marketable and knowledgeable for a career in the field.
Winner of UIC's prestigious Silver Circle Award
Using her MD and PhD to help hip osteoarthritis patients
Exercise physiologist and sports scientist with an expertise in hydration
Kinesiology is all about movement and physical activity, and our classes are no different. There’s no better way to learn about the body than to use it. As kinesiologists, we believe we must live what we learn and teach. In our curriculum, you’ll spend a lot of time outside the standard classroom, in laboratories, fitness centers and in active classroom learning. You will gain real-world experience in your chosen career field.
Our hands-on experiences are broad and deep, with many options. You can take part in research, learning the scientific process with award-winning faculty. Or you can work on an independent study under the guidance of a faculty member in an area of special interest. Many students present their research or projects at public events such as the UIC Student Research Forum.
Another possibility: an internship where you apply classroom learning to real-world situations in health care. Customized to your interests and career goals, an internship can last from a month to two years.
Want to expand your learning beyond UIC and Chicago? Join our Study Abroad program. Conduct research and engage in a new culture, becoming a stronger investigator and more experienced global citizen.
Or perhaps you are interested in studying your course material on a deeper level and sharing your learning with others. Become an undergraduate teaching assistant (UTA)! Many instructors mentor UTAs and partner with them to deliver course content.
Want to know what a BS in kinesiology can do for you? We’re here to help.