Concordia University Chicago’s Online Kinesiology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Overview of the Program

The Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology provides a comprehensive understanding of the scientific study of human movement and physical activity. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, you will be equipped to pursue various careers in the field of kinesiology.

Core Courses in Kinesiology

The curriculum includes core courses such as Introduction to Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Motor Learning, and Exercise Psychology. These courses lay the foundation for your understanding of human movement and its relationship to exercise and physical activity.

Exercise Physiology Fundamentals

You will study the physiological responses and adaptations that occur in the body during exercise. This knowledge is essential for designing effective exercise programs and understanding how the body benefits from physical activity.

Biomechanics and Human Movement

This area focuses on the mechanics of human movement, examining how bones, muscles, and joints work together during different types of physical activities. You will learn to analyze movement patterns and identify opportunities for improvement.

Fitness Assessment and Prescription

Gain practical skills in assessing individuals’ fitness levels and prescribing appropriate exercise programs based on their specific needs and goals. This aspect of the program prepares you for a career as a fitness trainer or exercise specialist.

Career Paths in Kinesiology

Graduates of the Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology can pursue various career paths, including fitness trainers, wellness coaches, exercise instructors, physical activity advocates, or roles in sports and recreational settings. The program is designed to prepare students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address real-world issues such as obesity and chronic disease, and to pursue professional certifications. Those who choose to pursue advanced degrees under the umbrella of kinesiology can establish careers in highly specialized roles.

Pursuing a kinesiology degree online provides a strong foundation and exposure to several branches within the field. By earning your kinesiology major, you are positioned for numerous entry-level opportunities, as well as, continuing on to graduate school for further advancement.

Here are the top areas you can find yourself working in:

1. Exercise Science & Human Performance

• Description: Focuses on optimizing human movement, endurance and strength through scientific principles. Exercise science professionals work with athletes, fitness enthusiasts and individuals looking to improve overall physical fitness. Studies often include muscle physiology, cardiovascular function and training adaptations.
• Careers: Strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, personal trainer, performance analyst.

2. Biomechanics

• Description: Examines how forces affect human movement and posture. Biomechanics applies physics and engineering principles to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries and design assistive devices. Research in this field helps develop prosthetics, running shoes and rehabilitation programs.
• Careers: Biomechanist, rehabilitation engineer, sports scientist.

3. Sports Psychology

• Description: Studies how psychological factors influence sports performance and physical activity. This field focuses on mental resilience, motivation, stress management and techniques such as visualization and goal-setting to enhance athletic performance.
• Careers: Sports psychologist, mental performance coach, counselor for athletes.

4. Motor Control & Learning

• Description: Investigates how the brain and nervous system control movement and coordination. This area also explores how people develop new motor skills and adapt to physical changes after injury or aging. It is essential in rehabilitation and skill acquisition for sports and daily activities.
• Careers: Rehabilitation therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist.

5. Rehabilitation Science & Physical Therapy

• Description: Focuses on restoring mobility and function following injuries, surgeries or chronic conditions. It includes therapeutic exercises, manual therapy and interventions to help patients regain independence and avoid further health complications.

• Careers: Physical therapist, kinesiotherapist, rehabilitation specialist.

6. Occupational Therapy & Ergonomics

• Description: Applies movement science to improve workplace safety and efficiency, as well as aid individuals with disabilities in daily living tasks. Ergonomics helps design workspaces that reduce strain and prevent injuries, while occupational therapy assists individuals in adapting to their environment.

• Careers: Occupational therapist, ergonomist, workplace wellness consultant.

7. Strength & Conditioning

• Description: Involves designing training programs to improve strength, speed, endurance, agility and overall fitness. This field is crucial for athletes and individuals looking to enhance their physical performance while reducing injury risks.

• Careers: Strength and conditioning coach, fitness trainer, wellness coach.

8. Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation

• Description: Works with patients recovering from heart disease, lung disease or surgery to improve cardiovascular and respiratory health. Professionals develop personalized exercise and lifestyle programs to help patients recover safely and regain functional fitness.

• Careers: Clinical exercise physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation specialist.

9. Public Health & Health Promotion

• Description: Focuses on promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles within communities. This area intersects with epidemiology and preventative medicine, addressing issues like obesity, sedentary behavior and chronic disease prevention.

• Careers: Health promotion specialist, wellness program coordinator, public health researcher.

10. Adapted Physical Activity & Special Populations

• Description: Designs exercise and rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions or special needs. This field ensures that everyone, regardless of physical limitations, can participate in physical activity.

• Careers: Adapted physical educator, disability support specialist, inclusive fitness trainer.

11. Sports Medicine & Athletic Training

• Description: Focuses on preventing, diagnosing and rehabilitating sports-related injuries. Athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals work with athletes to ensure they recover safely and perform at their best.

• Careers: Athletic trainer, sports medicine specialist, team therapist.

12. Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism

• Description: Explores how diet affects physical performance, energy levels and muscle recovery. This field helps athletes and the general population optimize their nutrition for better health, endurance and muscle growth.

• Careers: Sports nutritionist, registered dietitian, metabolic researcher.

13. Neuromechanics & Neuroscience

• Description: Studies the relationship between the nervous system and movement. This area includes research on brain function in coordination, muscle control and recovery from neurological injuries like strokes or spinal cord damage.

• Careers: Neuroscientist, neurorehabilitation specialist, movement disorder therapist.

14. Geriatric Kinesiology

• Description: Specializes in helping older adults maintain mobility, independence and quality of life through exercise and physical therapy. This field focuses on fall prevention, osteoporosis management and rehabilitation for age-related conditions.

• Careers: Geriatric exercise specialist, aging and mobility researcher, senior fitness trainer.

The future of kinesiology is evolving rapidly due to advancements in technology, growing awareness of the importance of movement science and an increasing demand for healthcare, rehabilitation and performance optimization. Here are some key trends shaping the future of kinesiology:

1. Integration of Technology & Wearables

• The use of wearable fitness trackers, motion sensors and smart clothing will continue to revolutionize kinesiology by providing real-time data on movement, muscle activation and biomechanics.
• AI-powered motion analysis will improve injury prevention and rehabilitation by analyzing movement patterns and detecting inefficiencies.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will enhance training and rehabilitation, providing immersive environments for movement correction and skill acquisition.

2. Personalized & Precision Exercise Science

• The rise of personalized fitness plans based on genetic testing, metabolic rate and biomechanics will allow for more customized training and rehabilitation programs.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will be used to analyze movement data and recommend personalized exercise regimens for individuals, athletes and patients.

3. Expansion of Sports Science & Human Performance

• Advances in sports analytics, recovery science and injury prevention will push the boundaries of human performance.
• Biomechanical analysis in elite sports will become more detailed, using AI and robotics to perfect training techniques and optimize movements.

• The demand for tactical performance training for military, law enforcement and first responders will continue to grow.

4. Growth in Rehabilitation & Adaptive Kinesiology

• As aging populations increase, there will be a greater emphasis on geriatrics, mobility training and fall prevention.
• Exoskeletons and robotic-assisted movement therapy will provide support for individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, strokes and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Adaptive fitness programs will continue expanding to include individuals with disabilities, allowing for inclusive participation in sports and fitness.

5. Expansion of Kinesiology in Healthcare & Public Health

• Preventative medicine will rely more on movement science to address chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• Kinesiologists will play a larger role in healthcare teams, working alongside physicians, physical therapists and occupational therapists to improve patient mobility and function.

• Insurance and healthcare systems may begin recognizing kinesiologists as primary movement healthcare providers.

6. Increased Role in Mental Health & Well-Being

• The connection between physical activity and mental health will continue to gain recognition, with kinesiology playing a role in managing stress, anxiety and depression.

• Exercise prescriptions for mental health will become more common, integrating movement therapy into treatment plans for mental health conditions.

• Mind-body practices like yoga, tai chi and breathwork will be incorporated into more kinesiology programs.

7. Advances in Neuromechanics & Brain-Body Research

• Research on motor control, neuroplasticity, and brain rehabilitation will lead to new therapies for individuals recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries and neurological disorders.

• Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) will play a role in rehabilitation, allowing patients to control movement with neural signals.

• Biofeedback and neurostimulation will help enhance motor learning and control in rehabilitation settings.

8. More Career Opportunities & Specializations

• As kinesiology continues to evolve, new career paths will emerge in areas such as tactical training, esports performance coaching, corporate wellness and AI-driven biomechanics consulting.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration between kinesiology and fields like biomechanics, bioengineering, neuroscience and psychology will create innovative job roles.

• More universities will offer specialized kinesiology degrees in emerging fields such as sports analytics, digital health and neurorehabilitation.

9. Expansion of Virtual Training & Online Coaching

• With the rise of remote work and digital fitness, kinesiology professionals will offer virtual coaching, movement assessments and tele-rehabilitation.

• AI-powered fitness apps will provide real-time feedback and personalized exercise recommendations.

• The accessibility of kinesiology expertise will increase through virtual consultations and remote physical therapy.

10. Sustainable & Holistic Movement Science

• The future of kinesiology will emphasize sustainable movement practices that integrate ecotherapy, natural movement training, and outdoor fitness.

• Holistic approaches such as functional movement training, injury prevention, and longevity-based exercise programs will gain more popularity.

• Corporate wellness programs will invest more in kinesiology-based strategies to improve employee well-being and productivity.

1. Expanding Career Opportunities

A kinesiology degree opens doors to multiple industries, including healthcare, sports performance, rehabilitation, corporate wellness and research. Whether you’re passionate about helping athletes perform better, assisting patients in recovery or improving public health, a degree in kinesiology provides a diverse range of career paths.

• Bachelor’s-level careers: Personal trainer, exercise physiologist, physical therapy assistant, health coach, fitness instructor.

• Master’s or Ph.D.-level careers: Physical therapist, occupational therapist, sports psychologist, biomechanist, researcher, professor.

2. High Demand for Health & Movement Experts

The growing focus on health, fitness, and rehabilitation has led to an increased demand for kinesiology professionals. With rising concerns about chronic diseases, sports injuries and aging populations, employers seek experts in movement science to develop preventive and rehabilitative strategies.

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects above-average job growth in many kinesiology-related fields, including:

Physical Therapy (+15% growth by 2032)

Occupational Therapy (+12% growth by 2032)

Athletic Training (+17% growth by 2032)

Exercise Physiologists (+10% growth by 2032)

• More companies are investing in corporate wellness programs and employee health initiatives, creating even more opportunities.

3. Pathway to High-Paying Professions

While entry-level roles in kinesiology may start with modest salaries, obtaining a master’s or doctorate degree can lead to higher-paying and more specialized careers.

• Physical Therapist

• Occupational Therapist

• Advanced Athletic Trainer

• Kinesiologist

• Sports Psychologist

Investing in advanced education can significantly boost career earnings and job stability.

4. Making a Meaningful Impact

Kinesiology is a career that allows professionals to help others improve their quality of life. Whether working with:

• Patients recovering from injuries

• Athletes striving for peak performance

• Elderly individuals maintaining mobility

• Individuals struggling with obesity or chronic disease

A kinesiology career provides deep personal fulfillment through hands-on, impactful work.

5. Preparation for Graduate & Professional Programs

A kinesiology degree serves as an excellent foundation for graduate programs in:

• Physical Therapy (DPT)

• Occupational Therapy (OTD)

• Exercise Physiology

• Sports Psychology

• Public Health (MPH)

• Medicine (MD/DO)

• Chiropractic Medicine

Many students use kinesiology as a pre-med or pre-health degree, as it provides a strong background in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.

Accreditation and Reputation

Our online kinesiology bachelor’s degree programs at Concordia University Chicago are accredited by recognized organizations, guaranteeing you a top-tier education that aligns with industry standards. We take pride in our university’s robust reputation for producing highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals in the field of kinesiology.

Experienced Faculty and Support

When you enroll in our online kinesiology programs, you’ll benefit from the expertise of our dedicated faculty members. These experienced professionals are deeply versed in kinesiology and are committed to offering you guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support throughout your academic journey.

Flexibility and Convenience

Our online learning format empowers you to pursue your kinesiology degree without sacrificing your work, family, or personal commitments. With 24/7 access to course materials, lectures, and assignments, you can tailor your study schedule to fit your busy life, ensuring maximum convenience.

Extensive Networking Opportunities

As a student in our online kinesiology programs, you’ll tap into a vast network of peers, alumni, and industry experts. This expansive network opens doors to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential career advancements in the dynamic field of kinesiology.

Student Experience

As a kinesiology student, you can expect a rich and engaging learning experience that thoroughly prepares you for a career in the health and wellness industry. Our online programs at CUC offer a wealth of resources and support services, including access to experienced faculty and instructors who are experts in their fields. Interactive online learning platforms and multimedia resources enhance your educational journey, while virtual labs and simulations provide practical, hands-on experience.

Additionally, online tutoring and academic support services are readily available to help you succeed. Career guidance and counseling further support your professional development. Through internships, practicum courses, and research projects, you’ll gain valuable practical experience and skills, ensuring you are well-equipped for your future career.

Benefits of Online Learning

Online learning offers a host of benefits for students pursuing a kinesiology degree. One of the most significant advantages is flexibility. CUC’s online programs allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule, making it ideal for those balancing work, family or other commitments. Our kinesiology programs provide a personalized learning experience, catering to different learning styles and preferences, ensuring that each student can thrive during the program. With the convenience and adaptability of online learning, pursuing a kinesiology degree online has never been more attainable.