Study Human Performance
At St. Edward's University, Kinesiology majors explore the science behind movement, performance and wellness — from exercise physiology and biomechanics to fitness, rehabilitation and human behavior. Through hands-on learning, you’ll apply what you study in real ways: developing training programs, exploring injury prevention and creating solutions that help people move, feel and perform at their best. Whether you’re interested in sports performance, physical therapy, healthcare, coaching or wellness, you’ll graduate prepared to pursue a path that matches your goals.
Why earn your Kinesiology degree at St. Edward’s?
A degree in Kinesiology from St. Edward's University opens the door to careers centered on human performance, health, movement and wellness. Whether you see yourself working with athletes, helping patients recover from injury, leading fitness and wellness programs, coaching teams or pursuing advanced study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine or exercise science, you’ll graduate with the scientific foundation and hands-on experience to move confidently toward your goals.
Mentorship and Support
Get to Know Professors
You’ll learn in small classes taught by dedicated professors who keep up with the newest developments in kinesiology. They’ll get to know you, help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during your college years and after you graduate.
Experiential Learning
Real World Work Experience
Kinesiology majors are encouraged to complete multiple internships that provide on-the-job training. Students also volunteer with physical therapy clinics, nonprofit organizations and sports facilities to gain experience and give back to their community.
Networking
Get involved in the Physical Therapy Organization
Learn about professional opportunities and volunteer activities by joining the St. Edward’s Physical Therapy Organization (PTO), which is open to all students. Connect with individuals who share your interests and desire to help improve the health of others.
Career Opportunities
Six Pre-Professional Tracks
The Kinesiology program offers you six excellent career tracks to choose from: Kinesiology, Pre-Athletic Training, Sports Management, Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Occupational Therapy. Our pre-professional tracks ensure you’re ready for graduate school.
Life as a Kinesiology Student at St. Edward's University
As a Kinesiology student at St. Edward’s, you’ll be part of a supportive, close-knit community of students who are passionate about health, movement, performance and helping others thrive. Through small classes, hands-on labs and collaborative projects, you’ll build meaningful relationships with classmates and faculty mentors while exploring topics like exercise science, biomechanics, fitness and rehabilitation. Beyond the classroom, you’ll find opportunities to get involved through campus organizations, wellness initiatives, internships and life on the Hilltop — gaining real-world experience, professional connections and a community that supports your goals long after graduation.
A Highly Successful Kinesiology Program
On the Hilltop, you’ll learn through applied projects, faculty mentorship and real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to meaningful careers. In Austin’s growing fitness, sports and healthcare industries, Kinesiology students gain the skills, confidence and professional preparation to make an impact in the lives of others.
Preparing for Your Future in Kinesiology
At St. Edward's University, the Kinesiology program combines the science of human movement with hands-on learning that prepares you for careers in sports performance, fitness, healthcare, rehabilitation and wellness. Through interactive labs, applied projects, internships and faculty mentorship, you’ll build skills in exercise science, biomechanics, injury prevention and human performance while gaining real-world experience that prepares you for growing career opportunities and advanced study in fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy and sports medicine.
Making an Impact
Kinesiology alumna Rachelle Cardoza, '22 put her pre-physical therapy studies into practice through a paid fellowship with Austin FC, created in partnership with Netspend and St. Edward’s. Along with a $7,500 scholarship, Rachelle received professional mentoring and worked directly with Austin FC’s community impact initiatives.
A Johnson-Turpin, McNair and CAMP Scholar and honors student, Rachelle credits the experience with strengthening her leadership, teamwork, communication and time-management skills — preparing her to carry those skills into her academic journey and future career.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Kinesiology Degree from St. Edward's University
Experiential Learning
Your classes will teach you about hands-on applications of kinesiology in different settings and help you discover more career options. For example:
- In Safety and First Aid, you’ll complete important training you can use in your career and in any emergency situation. Successful completion of the course will result in American Red Cross certification.
- In Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations, you’ll work one-on-one with a person or people with special needs in a physically active setting. For example, students have worked with the GO Project and Austin Adventurers, organizations that help young adults with special needs develop independent living skills.
Find what you need to apply and important deadlines. When you are ready, there are three ways for you to apply to St. Edward’s:
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1. Kinesiology
This program provides a foundation in the physiological and mechanical aspects of the human body. Hands-on coursework and close interaction with faculty members will give you the freedom and guidance to become a well-versed, independent learner. In this track, you will:
- Explore the fundamentals of kinesiology such as musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics and fitness
- Study the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries
- Design and implement fitness programs
- Participate in a supervised internship
Most students select this degree with the goal of helping individuals in the area of fitness or sports.
Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology requires 47 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for our Kinesiology major (PDF).
2. Kinesiology – Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis
Athletic trainers motivate others to fulfill athletic goals while practicing principles of injury prevention and rehabilitation. In this track, you will:
- Study all aspects of human anatomy, physiology and movement
- Work with SEU athletic teams
- Participate in multiple supervised internships
To be licensed as an athletic trainer in Texas, you must pass the licensure test administered by the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Close interaction with faculty at St. Edward’s — and time spent in classes, advising sessions and learning in the field — fully prepares you for your supervised athletic-training internship and state certification exams.
Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology, Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis requires 57 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology and Chemistry.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis (PDF).
3. Kinesiology – Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis
Occupational therapy is a health profession whose primary purpose is to help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). In this track, you will:
- Experience how movements are learned and how the capacity for movement changes over the lifespan
- Learn how to design and implement appropriate activities for individuals with special needs and limitations
- Explore the principles and techniques to plan, implement, document and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic exercise
- Participate in a supervised internship
Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis requires 68 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis (PDF).
4. Kinesiology – Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis
Physical therapists optimize health and function through the assessment, identification and correction of acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. In this track, you will:
- Identify, prevent and correct movement dysfunction
- Study scientific topics as they relate to the human body, exercise and rehabilitation
- Learn how to motivate individuals through fitness and wellness plans
- Participate in supervised internship
This track is often taken by students pursuing physical therapy, medical or occupational therapy schools, as well as other medical-based fields.
Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis requires 74 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis (PDF).
5. Kinesiology – Sports Management Emphasis
This track prepares you for a diversity of roles in the areas of sports marketing, facility management and planning, human resources, strategic planning, sports finance, and facility design. In this track, you will:
- Learn about the science and management of kinesiology in relation to sport programs
- Develop a fundamental understanding of business administration
- Study the management of kinesiology and sports programs
- Participate in a supervised internship
Students on this track are required to complete a minor in Business Administration or Management as part of the degree plan.
Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Sport Management Emphasis requires 43 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.
Required Business Administration Minor: Requires 18 hours of business or management courses, for a total of 61 total major and minor hours.
Required Management Minor: Requires 18 hours of business and management courses, for a total of 61 total major and minor hours.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Sports Management Emphasis (PDF).
6. Kinesiology – Exercise Science Emphasis
This track prepares you for a multitude of careers, including exercise physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation and exercise stress testing. Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Apply physiological principles of exercise.
- Interpret biomechanical principles.
- Apply knowledge of sports nutrition.
- Administer and interpret pre-participation exercise screening, conduct and interpret fitness assessments, and implement and prescribe exercise.
- Participate in a supervised internship.
Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Exercise Science Emphasis requires 40 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as biology and math.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Exercise Science Emphasis (PDF).
Yes. Students who are interested in the kinesiology field can complete a minor in Kinesiology to establish baseline knowledge and experience within the subject. This is especially helpful for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers where knowledge of kinesiology enhances their job applicant profile.
1. Minor in Kinesiology
Students interested in studying the anatomy, physiology and movement of the human body can pursue a minor in Kinesiology.
Required Courses:
- Introduction to Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
- Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
- Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Biomechanics
- Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology and Sports
- Kinesiology Elective
2. Minor in Kinesiology – Coaching Emphasis
Students can add a minor in Kinesiology with a Coaching Emphasis to strengthen their candidate profile for sports and fitness-related jobs.
Required Courses:
- Active Hilltoppers: Buddies
- Safety and First Aid
- Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
- Exercise Physiology
- Coaching Theory and Practice
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
- Internship in Kinesiology and Sports
3. Minor in Kinesiology – Fitness and Conditioning
What type of fitness training is best? What exercises yield the biggest benefits? How do you help someone build strength, endurance or athletic skill and prevent injury?
The Fitness and Conditioning minor will give you the foundation to work in community recreation programs, work one-on-one with individuals to improve their fitness or pursue a career in the health sciences. Students who earn the Fitness and Conditioning minor can go on to a variety of careers, including coaching, personal training or teaching.
Required Courses:
- Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
- Exercise Testing and Prescription
- Sports Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
- Strength Training and Conditioning
- Internship in Kinesiology and Sports
4. Minor in Kinesiology – Recreation Management
The Recreation Management minor prepares students for professional positions in sports, community recreation and outdoor recreation. The courses build skills in program development, marketing and organizational behavior.
Students who minor in Recreation Management will have the knowledge and skills for entry-level program management roles at collegiate recreation programs, YMCA and YWCA programs, after-school programs, and outdoor recreation areas, such as Wild Basin Creative Research Center.
Required Courses:
- Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations
- Sport Marketing
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
- Organizational Behavior/Leading Teams and Organizations
- Internship in Kinesiology and Sports
Plus one of the following courses:
- Safety and First Aid
- Social and Psychological Issues of Kinesiology and Sports
- Coaching Theory and Practice
- Facility Design and Facility/Event Management
Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.
Internships
As a Kinesiology major, you’ll have at least one internship or practicum, but the program will encourage you to complete several “mini-internships” so you can get experience in different settings. St. Edward’s students have recently interned at the following organizations:
- Austin Independent School District Athletic Office
- KidTherapy pediatric physical therapy in Austin
- Texas Physical Therapy Specialists
- Lonestar Soccer
- YMCA
- St. Theresa’s Catholic School
- St. Edward’s University RecWell (Recreation and Wellness)
- Austin ISD Food and Nutrition Services
- Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball Team
Students have also done volunteer work at physical therapy clinics and in hospitals to gain experience and give back to their community.
Student Organizations
Learn about professional opportunities and meet students who share your interests through the Physical Therapy Organization. Many Kinesiology students also participate in Recreation and Wellness programs.
Students who are interested in the kinesiology field can complete a minor in Kinesiology to establish baseline knowledge and experience within the subject. This is especially helpful for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers where knowledge of kinesiology enhances their job applicant profile.
1. Minor in Kinesiology
Students interested in studying the anatomy, physiology and movement of the human body can pursue a minor in Kinesiology.
Required Courses:
- Introduction to Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
- Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
- Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Biomechanics
- Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology and Sports
- Kinesiology Elective
2. Minor in Kinesiology – Coaching Emphasis
Students can add a minor in Kinesiology with a Coaching Emphasis to strengthen their candidate profile for sports and fitness-related jobs.
Required Courses:
- Instructional Topics: Strength Training and Cardiovascular Conditioning
- Safety and First Aid
- Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
- Exercise Physiology
- Coaching Theory and Practice
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
- Internship in Kinesiology and Sports
3. Minor in Kinesiology – Fitness and Conditioning
What type of fitness training is best? What exercises yield the biggest benefits? How do you help someone build strength, endurance or athletic skill and prevent injury?
The Fitness and Conditioning minor will give you the foundation to work in community recreation programs, work one-on-one with individuals to improve their fitness or pursue a career in the health sciences. Students who earn the Fitness and Conditioning minor can go on to a variety of careers, including coaching, personal training or teaching.
Required Courses:
- Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
- Practical Training for the Fitness Professional
- Sports Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
- Strength Training and Conditioning
- Internship in Kinesiology and Sports
4. Minor in Kinesiology – Recreation Management
The Recreation Management minor prepares students for professional positions in sports, community recreation and outdoor recreation. The courses build skills in program development, marketing and organizational behavior.
Students who minor in Recreation Management will have the knowledge and skills for entry-level program management roles at collegiate recreation programs, YMCA and YWCA programs, after-school programs, and outdoor recreation areas, such as Wild Basin Creative Research Center.
Required Courses:
- Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations
- Sport Marketing
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
- Organizational Behavior/Leading Teams and Organizations
- Internship in Kinesiology and Sports
Plus one of the following courses:
- Safety and First Aid
- Social and Psychological Issues of Kinesiology and Sports
- Coaching Theory and Practice
- Facility Design and Facility/Event Management
Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.
At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.
View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Kinesiology webpage.