Kinesiology and Health Career Paths
Career Engagement
A degree in Kinesiology and Health (KHE) opens doors for a wide variety of rewarding careers. Many graduates become entrepreneurs, pursue careers in education, or move into sport management. Others become fitness instructors and personal trainers, helping clients to maximize workouts, meet fitness goals, and improve their overall health and well-being. Many of our alumni go to graduate school in order to pursue careers in healthcare.
Remember, a degree does not equal a career. Many employers focus on the skills and experiences you have gained during your undergraduate experience rather than on the degree itself.
Explore potential career paths for each KHE major below.
Applied Movement Science
Majoring in Applied Movement Science prepares you for a career as a Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Physical Education Teacher (requires certification), Physical Activity Public Health Specialist (requires certification), and Allied Health Professional (requires fulfillment of additional prerequisites and graduate degree).
Applied Movement Science also opens the door for you to continue your education in professional school. Consider the following professional degree options:
Physical Culture and Sports
Physical Culture and Sports focuses on the philosophy, history, sociology, and ethics of physical activity and sport culture. Some graduates go on to pursue a career as a sports journalist/writer, sports lawyer (requires a graduate degree), coach, talent recruiter, public relations executive, or sportscaster.
A degree in Physical Culture and Sports also opens the door for you to work in the following fields:
- Community-Based Sports Programs
- Government Non-profit Sector
- Public Relations
- Sport Agencies
- Youth Sports Development
Sport Management
Sports Management allows you to manage athletes, organizations, and events from the perspectives of marketing, economics, public relations, management, and law. Some career options for Sports Management majors are: talent recruiter, sports agent, sports lawyer (requires graduate degree), sports manager, facilities manager, and public relations executive.
A degree in Sports Management also opens the door for you to work in the following fields:
- College Athletics
- Entertainment Industry
- Event Planning
- Marketing
- Media and Communications
- Professional Sports
- Sales
Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences
A degree in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science will help you develop a strong foundation in theory, epidemiology, program planning, and evaluation. Many graduates go on to careers in public health, community or university health, government, and non-profit health agencies. Others continue their education by pursuing graduate and professional degrees. Explore some career paths for Health Promotion and Behavioral Science below:
- Activities or Resident Services Director
- Addiction Counselor (usually requires a graduate degree)
- Aerobics Instructor
- Aquatics Director
- Athletic Director
- Camp Director
- Coach
- Community Health Advocate
- Corporate Fitness Instructor
- Dance Instructor
- Dietitian
- Epidemiologist
- Health Educator
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Nutritionist
- Personal Trainer
- Recreation Manager
- Social and Community Services Manager
- Social Worker (usually requires a graduate degree)
- Spa or Gym Manager
- Yoga Instructor
Exercise Science
A degree in Exercise Science allows for career opportunities in health professions and sports science. Many of our graduates go on to earn professional and graduate degrees or pursue a career in fitness, health, and sports. Some career options for Exercise Science majors are:
- Athletic Director
- Biomechanist (requires a graduate degree)
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
- Employee Fitness Director or Corporate Fitness Instructor
- Exercise Physiologist
- Personal Trainer
- Sports Nutritionist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
A degree in Exercise Science opens the door for work in the following fields:
- Allied Health Professions
- Sports Medicine
- Sports Science
Additional Resources for Healthcare Careers
Many KHE students pursue careers in the field of healthcare. Consider the following resources:
If you are unsure of which career path is right for you, schedule an appointment with your Career Engagement Coordinator on Handshake. Also, consider connecting with alumni from your major on HookedIn. This is a terrific opportunity to learn how fellow Longhorns shaped their career paths.
