BS in Kinesiology Allied Health
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Kinesiology Allied Health at Houston Christian University (HCU) provides a dynamic gateway to understanding the profound connection between human movement, health, and wellness, preparing you for career possibilities in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and more, all within the framework of Christian faith.
As a health and kinesiology major at HCU, dive into a curriculum that merges scientific excellence with a heartfelt commitment to serving the community and real patients in a built-in internship and rigorous research training.
Guided by our dedicated faculty, you’re not just pursuing a kinesiology allied health degree but professional roles where your career and convictions align, paving the way for a life filled with purpose, service, and the pursuit of holistic well-being.
Health and Kinesiology Major Requirements
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Allied Health program encompass health science, kinesiology principles, and practical skills in math, statistics, and psychology relevant to wellness and health professions. Kinesiology Allied Health majors also engage in specialized courses focused on preventing and treating injury in various populations.
To round out the 125-credit program, supporting coursework and experiences include general education, two research methods courses, and a required internship course, ensuring your preparation for various careers in health and wellness fields and for further academic pursuits in allied health professions like physical therapy.
Degree Plan
Courses
Develop rich research and analysis skills and a foundation of life and behavioral sciences and wellness knowledge through applied kinesiology, exercise science, and health science coursework, including:
- Introduction to Physical Therapy
- Physiology of Exercise
- Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries
- Tests & Measurements in Kinesiology
- Wellness for Special Populations
Kinesiology Minor
Focus on a different primary bachelor’s degree with a minor in Kinesiology to support others’ complete well-being and physical health through knowledge of movement and exercise.
Review minor requirements
What Can I Do With a BS in Kinesiology Allied Health From Houston Christian University?
With a BS in Kinesiology and Allied Health, you’re not just stepping into the field but poised to make a significant impact, blending scientific expertise with a commitment to enhancing human health and wellness. This degree program lays the groundwork for a fulfilling and impactful career improving lives through movement, whether your future lies in helping patients regain mobility and strength in physical therapy or optimizing athletic or occupational performance and recovery.
Beyond preparing for entry-level direct care roles, as a Kinesiology major with an Allied Health concentration, you’ll look ahead to graduate studies like medical school or other health-related professional programs, further expanding your potential to lead and innovate in the health and wellness sectors.
Career Outcomes and Opportunities
Close faculty interactions and ownership of your internship direction ready you to share your talent and passion for physical movement and the body in various roles where you put together the sciences and soft skills to create an environment for optimal performance or healing and rehabilitation from injury or disease.
With a bachelor’s in allied health and kinesiology, you can excel in entry-level allied health roles, some of which may require post-bacc coursework. These include:
- Athletic Training Assistant
- Exercise Physiologist
- Kinesiologist
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapy Assistant
The demand for these career paths is evident in their rewarding salary potentials. According to the data reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise physiologists and recreational therapists with a bachelor’s degree earn an annual median salary of over $51,000. If you pursue further graduate-level education and training, certified physical therapists and occupational therapists earn upwards of $90,000 each year on average.
Prepare for Post-Bacc Certification and Health Professions
Whether your ultimate aspiration is to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), or other specialized health professional programs, your course load, relevant internships, and access to faculty advice and insights enhance your application to competitive programs. Your post-bachelor’s degree opportunities may include:
Certification or graduate degree programs in athletic training, sports medicine, kinesiology, or exercise physiology
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs
Graduate programs in nutritional sciences, such as master’s in nutritional sciences or Physician Nutrition Specialist
Master’s and doctoral programs in occupational therapy
Physician’s Assistant (PA) programs
Interested in continuing on to graduate studies? Houston Christian University offers both a flexible online master’s degree in kinesiology and sport management and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree specializations.
Opportunities for Kinesiology Allied Health Majors
Research and Networking Opportunities
As a Kinesiology Allied Health major at HCU, you command the forefront of hands-on learning and research in the dynamic field of human movement and health sciences. Whether through faculty-led research initiatives or through developing your own investigative projects, you are encouraged to explore innovative approaches that improve your career opportunities in health and wellness.
Robust networking experiences and a tight-knit and supporting Christian community complement a dedication to engagement in research. At HCU, mentorship and inspiration abound, blending the pursuit of scientific excellence with the principles of faith and service to others.
Internships and Professional Experience
Incorporated into the Kinesiology Allied Health major is a dedicated space for an internship, which can be for credit or a paycheck. Leverage HCU’s extensive career connections and resources to experience working in various settings. For example, our long relationship with Houston’s Texas Medical Center allows students to gain experience while in school and even become employed after graduation.
Kinesiology majors in the Allied Health specialty have interned in physical therapy clinics, sports medicine facilities, and wellness organizations, just to name a few potential internship locations. Gain valuable experience with real employers, expand your professional network, and increase your competitiveness for graduate school applications and future career opportunities.
Learn about HCU’s Community Internship Program.
Tailored Assistance for Further Education
HCU’s Office of Career and Calling and the Professional Experience Office complement your academics with personalized guidance to fulfill the prerequisites for advanced health professions programs, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sports medicine graduate schools. Through strategic course selection and targeted professional experiences, we ensure you’re well-prepared for the application process.
More Kinesiology Bachelor’s Degrees
The Department of Kinesiology offers a variety of bachelor’s degree concentrations to prepare you for a range of careers, from managing athletic or fitness organizations to imparting the blessing of physical education and movement to future students.
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Physical Education Teacher Certification: Become certified in early childhood through grade twelve physical education, backed by essential scientific knowledge.
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Sport Management: Top off your knowledge of physical capabilities and issues with business and management skills.
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Wellness Management: Acquire a broad foundation for careers and graduate study spanning fitness and health professions as well as medical practice.
See all of our majors and minors in the sciences and degrees in healthcare.
Admissions and Aid
Embark on a journey to health careers, including physical and occupational therapy and athletic training, with the Kinesiology Allied Health program at HCU.
Whether you’re a first-year or transfer student, we offer a pathway to an enriching educational experience.
- Dive into undergraduate admissions: Apply without fees and skip the essay requirement.
- Explore tuition and financial aid details: Review federal aid guidelines, deadlines, and scholarship options.
- Discover why we stand out: Take a closer look at our academics, athletics, and engaging campus life.
See all of our majors and minors in the sciences and degrees in healthcare.
Admissions and Aid
Embark on a journey to health careers, including physical and occupational therapy and athletic training, with the Kinesiology Allied Health program at HCU.
Whether you’re a first-year or transfer student, we offer a pathway to an enriching educational experience.
- Dive into undergraduate admissions: Apply without fees and skip the essay requirement.
- Explore tuition and financial aid details: Review federal aid guidelines, deadlines, and scholarship options.
- Discover why we stand out: Take a closer look at our academics, athletics, and engaging campus life.
Become a Kinesiology Allied Health Major at Houston Christian University
Join those called to health professions by starting or continuing your educational journey with HCU’s BS in Kinesiology Allied Health program. Here, you can gain the academic foundation needed for allied health careers while embodying the values of service and care.
Step closer to a career in training, physical or occupational therapy, and more. Start your application process today.