Kinesiology - Wellness Management (BS)

The BS in Kinesiology Wellness Management requires 120 credit hours, combining Liberal Arts Core curriculum with specialized major requirements and tailored electives. Key courses include Human Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition for Health, 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

This HCU bachelor in health and wellness management is built on a robust foundation in exercise science, nutrition, program design and wellness promotion 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 practical skills. What distinguishes our wellness degree is the 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 leadership.

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 wellness topics, culminating in applied research and professional experience.

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Courses and Tracks

The curriculum begins with essential foundational courses and progresses to advanced applications in wellness management. Students develop expertise in movement analysis, exercise physiology, health assessment and program design techniques. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills essential for wellness professionals who aim to make meaningful differences in the lives of others.

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 wellness degree prepares graduates for diverse careers in settings where they can inspire positive health changes and support wellbeing. With a foundation in both scientific principles and compassionate care approaches, alumni serve in corporate wellness programs, fitness facilities, community health organizations and wellness education roles where they create environments that nurture holistic health.

Careers and Salary Outcomes

The wellness degree opens doors to rewarding careers in corporate wellness coordination, health coaching, fitness facility management, and community health education. Graduates pursue opportunities as exercise physiologists, fitness trainers and instructors, health education specialists, recreation workers, and medical and health services managers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health and fitness management professionals enjoy competitive compensation with median salaries ranging from approximately $31,000 to $107,500 per year depending on the specific role, location, and level of responsibility. BLS data indicates strong growth projections for wellness-related careers between 2022-2032, with rates ranging from 6% for exercise physiologists to 28% for medical and health services managers, both faster than the average for all occupations.

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

• Health Education Specialists:
  • Median annual wage of $62,860
  • Projected growth rate of 7% (faster than average) from 2023-2033. Read more.
• Exercise Physiologists:
  • Median annual wage of $54,860
  • Projected growth rate of 10% (much faster than average) from 2023-2033. Read more.
• Medical and Health Services Managers: (with graduate education)
  • Median annual wage of $110,680
  • Projected growth rate of 29% (much faster than average) from 2023-2033. Read more.

These prospects reflect growing recognition of the economic and social benefits of preventive health approaches, employee wellness programs, and evidence-based lifestyle interventions across various sectors.

Prepare for Graduate Studies and Research

The health and wellness management degree tenderly nurtures the foundations for advanced education that expands your capacity to serve and lead. Graduates are well-prepared for master’s programs in exercise physiology, public health, healthcare administration and wellness promotion. Houston Christian University welcomes you to continue growing through our flexible online Master of Science in Kinesiology – Specialization in Sports Management, where faculty continue to support your journey toward making a deeper impact in the wellness field.

Internship Opportunities and Professional Experiences

Incorporated into the Kinesiology Wellness Management major is a dedicated internship experience where students apply their learning in professional settings. Students serve in corporate wellness departments where they support employees on their health journeys and contribute to organizational wellbeing initiatives. In fitness facilities, our students learn to blend technical knowledge with genuine care, developing meaningful connections with clients seeking improved health.

Community health organizations welcome our students as interns who bring a holistic approach to wellness education, creating environments where physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing flourish together. Wellness coaching opportunities allow students to develop their skills in motivational interviewing and behavior change support, guiding individuals toward sustainable health improvements.

These meaningful experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge in ways that impact lives, build professional networks and often develop into employment relationships after graduation.

Learn about HCU’s Community Internship Program.

Certificates, Graduate Programs and Advanced Education

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

Additionally, HCU offers a wide array of graduate programs where you can further your skills, including a master’s in kinesiology with a specialization in sports management and a Master of Business Administration, many with flexible online options.

Explore HCU’s graduate programs

Conferences, Events, Internships and Networking Opportunities

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

Career and Academic Support Services

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