Kinesiology - Allied Health (BS)

The BS in Kinesiology – Allied Health requires 125 credit hours, combining Liberal Arts Core curriculum with specialized major requirements and tailored electives in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology and advanced kinesiology. Key courses include Human Anatomy & Physiology, Applied Biomechanics, Exercise Prescription, Prevention & Treatment of Sports Injuries, Health Psychology and Wellness for Special Populations. All students complete a Kinesiology Internship that provides essential real-world experience in professional settings.

Program Highlights

HCU’s bachelor in exercise science is built on a robust foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and clinical applications within a supportive learning community. Students grow through experiences in state-of-the-art facilities where dedicated faculty members guide them in hands-on learning that transforms theoretical knowledge into healing skills. What truly distinguishes our allied health major is the loving Christian perspective that embraces each student’s journey, encouraging them to integrate faith with science as they prepare to serve others with genuine compassion through health and wellness ministries.

Degree Plan

The comprehensive curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for immediate career entry or graduate study. Coursework progresses from foundational sciences to specialized kinesiology topics, culminating in applied research and clinical experience.

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Kinesiology Minor

Students from other disciplines can complement their studies with a Minor in Kinesiology focusing on foundational concepts and practical applications across 20 credit hours of specialized coursework.

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Our allied health major prepares graduates for diverse careers in clinical settings such as physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, clinical exercise physiologist and cardiac rehabilitation specialist. The health and wellness sector offers opportunities as corporate wellness coordinators, health coaches, community health educators and exercise specialists. In sports and performance, graduates work as athletic trainer assistants, sports performance specialists and biomechanics technicians. Healthcare support roles include clinical research associates, healthcare administrators and patient care coordinators.

Careers and Salary Outcomes

The exercise science degree prepares graduates for impactful careers in clinical rehabilitation, wellness advocacy, athletic performance, and healthcare administration. Graduates pursue opportunities as exercise physiologists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, health coaches, biomechanics technicians, and patient care coordinators.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), allied health professionals enjoy competitive salaries, with median wages ranging from approximately $51,000 to over $101,000 per year depending on the specific role, location, and level of responsibility. BLS data indicates strong growth projections for allied health careers between 2022-2032, with rates as high as 14% for health education specialists and 29% for medical and health service managers, both faster than the average for all occupations.

For specific career details, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports:

Exercise Physiologists:

• Median annual wage of $54,860
• 10% projected growth rate from 2022-2032. Read more.

Recreational Therapists:

• Median annual wage of $57,120
• 4% projected growth rate from 2022-2032. Read more.

Health Education Specialists (Including Health Coaches):

• Median annual wage of $62,860
• 7% projected growth rate from 2022-2032. Read more.

Medical and Health Services Managers:

• Median annual wage of $110,680
• 29% projected growth rate from 2022-2032. Read more.

These promising employment opportunities reflect the growing demand for compassionate allied health professionals who combine clinical expertise with whole-person care, supporting patients and communities through evidence-based practices and a commitment to holistic wellness.

Prepare for Graduate Studies and Research

HCU’s kinesiology program nurtures the seeds of deeper calling, preparing minds for advanced education that expands the capacity to heal and serve. Interested in continuing the journey? Houston Christian University welcomes students to grow through our flexible online master’s degree in kinesiology and sport management and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree specializations, where faculty continue to walk alongside students in their calling to touch lives with Christ-centered care.

Internship Opportunities and Professional Experiences

Incorporated into the exercise science degree is a dedicated space for an internship, which can be for credit or a paycheck. Students serve in hospital rehabilitation departments where they witness healing journeys and provide compassionate support to patients during vulnerable moments of recovery. In outpatient physical therapy clinics, our students learn to blend technical excellence with genuine empathy, developing therapeutic relationships that address both physical limitations and emotional needs.

Corporate wellness programs welcome our students as interns who bring a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, creating environments where physical, emotional and spiritual health flourish together. Athletic performance facilities provide opportunities to support individuals in achieving their physical potential while nurturing the whole person through mindful training approaches.

Perhaps most transformative are experiences in community health organizations, where students engage with diverse populations and develop awareness of health disparities they can address with Christ-centered compassion. These meaningful encounters allow students to apply classroom knowledge in ways that touch lives, build professional networks and often blossom into employment relationships after graduation.

Certificates, Graduate Programs and Advanced Education

Beyond the kinesiology degree, students can pursue additional certifications to enhance their credentials, including Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Corrective Exercise Specialist and Health and Wellness Coach certification. These professional credentials increase employability and demonstrate specialized expertise to potential employers.

Conferences, Events, Internships and Networking Opportunities

Students benefit from annual exercise science conferences and symposiums, professional networking events with healthcare employers, service-learning projects in community health settings and study abroad options focused on global health. These experiences expand professional networks and provide exposure to diverse career opportunities within the field.

Career and Academic Support Services

HCU provides comprehensive support including dedicated academic advisors specializing in health sciences, career services tailored to healthcare professions, tutoring resources for challenging science courses and professional mentorship connecting students with industry professionals. This supportive environment ensures students maximize their potential throughout their academic journey.