Move. Learn. Live.
Do you find yourself wondering how an elite athlete fine-tunes their performance? Curious how someone recovers from an injury to get back on the field? Are you passionate about health and exercise?
If you’re interested in the relationship between a fit, strong body and quality of life—in everyone from high-performance athletes to people living with disabilities or disease—kinesiology is the field for you.
UIC’s 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, exercise psychology, biomechanics and aging, you’ll explore all aspects of physical activity. Our graduates are experts in injury and disease prevention, functional evaluation and rehabilitation, and ergonomic solutions that promise better health for a lifetime.
We have two concentrations in kinesiology: movement science, and exercise science and health promotion. These specializations make sure you gain the knowledge and experience you need to pursue your personal goals.
Movement science focuses on the study of human structure and function. With a strong science foundation and the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research, this concentration is an ideal foundation for graduate and professional study in the health and life sciences.
If you want to immediately put your skills to use as a leader in the health and fitness industry, this is the concentration for you. Translate science into practice, and learn to assess, design, develop, deliver and evaluate service programs for individuals, groups and populations.
A bachelor’s in kinesiology teaches you the complexities of human movement and ways to improve it or treat injuries related to it. Because of the broad scope of topics this includes, kinesiology jobs exist everywhere. From medical settings in hospitals, research laboratories, rehabilitation agencies, to recreational settings in sports facilities and teams, corporations and community recreation centers, our graduates are in demand.
As hospitals emphasize exercise and preventive care as part of their treatment and long-term rehabilitation from chronic diseases, the need for exercise physiologists and fitness professionals will continue to grow at a faster rate than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many of our graduates pursue advanced degrees. Our movement science concentration is a great foundation for graduate and professional programs in:
Our exercise science and health promotion concentration prepares you for a wide range of jobs (and their certification exams):
2016 winner of UIC's prestigious Silver Circle Award
Expert anatomist dedicated to improving teaching methodologies
USA Women's Rugby sport psychology consultant and skills coach
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 get out and use it. No matter your concentration, you’ll spend a lot of your time out of a standard classroom. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and fitness centers, you learn in an active setting, participate in lab and fieldwork activities, and gain hands-on, real-world experience in your chosen career field.
Our students have the opportunity to take part in research with award-winning faculty and contribute to breakthrough studies. With an independent study, you can work under the guidance of a faculty member on an area of special interest to you. If you’re looking for a deeper research experience, you may qualify for a senior research seminar, where you’ll develop a research project with a faculty mentor. Review research literature, understand methodology, complete Institutional Review Board training, and present your findings at the UIC Student Research Forum.
You might choose to do an internship, and apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations in the healthcare field. These last anywhere from a month to two years, and are customized to your interests and career goals.
Want to expand your learning even further? Join our six and a half week Study Abroad program, and connect content with experiences. Conduct research that allows you to engage in a new culture and become a stronger investigator and more experienced global citizen.
Still wondering what a BS in kinesiology can do for you? We’re here to help.
