Exercise Science and Kinesiology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Exercise Science and Kinesiology is a rigorous, research-driven discipline dedicated to understanding the biological and mechanical principles underlying human movement. This field integrates scientific inquiry with practical application to enhance physical performance, support injury recovery, and promote lifelong health and wellness.
- Biomechanics: The study of forces and their effects on the human body during motion, applying physics to analyze movement efficiency and injury prevention.
- Motor Behavior: Examines how individuals learn, control, and adapt movements through cognitive and sensory processes in various environments.
- Motor Development and Coordination: Focuses on the progression of movement skills across the lifespan, from infancy through aging, and the neurological foundations of skilled performance.
- Motor Neurophysiology: Investigates the nervous system’s role in initiating, regulating, and coordinating voluntary movement at the cellular and systemic levels.
- Performance Research: Involves systematic analysis of athletic and physical performance using data-driven methods to optimize training, endurance, and recovery strategies.
- Rehabilitative Therapies: Applies evidence-based techniques to restore function and mobility following injury, illness, or surgical intervention.
- Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Method Development: Centers on creating and refining tools, protocols, and technologies to assess movement impairments and guide effective recovery.
- Analytical Methods in Applied Exercise: Emphasizes quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques used to evaluate physical performance, movement patterns, and therapeutic outcomes.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Exercise Science and Kinesiology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Exercise Science and Kinesiology degrees, including Exercise Physiologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 8,110 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Physiologists 29-1128 | $58,160 | $40,930 - $79,830 | 8,110 | $27.96 |
Salary Comparison
Exercise Science and Kinesiology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $33,540 in Utah to $87,300 in Maine—a 160% difference. The highest-paying states include Maine, Washington, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 8,110 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Exercise Science and Kinesiology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Exercise Science and Kinesiology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Exercise Science and Kinesiology is found at University of Central Florida (UCF) (448 graduates), Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (422 graduates), University of Iowa (407 graduates), University of Memphis (UofM) (402 graduates), and Texas State University (TXST) (397 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 17,218 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
448 |
SAT: 1200-1350 ACT: 25-29 |
Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
422 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-33 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
407 |
SAT: 1130-1330 ACT: 21-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
402 |
SAT: 915-1180 ACT: 18-24 |
Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
397 |
SAT: 980-1200 ACT: 19-25 |
San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTSA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
393 |
SAT: 1000-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
San Antonio, Texas | Public | utsa.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Bachelor's
|
386 | N/A | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
377 |
SAT: 1150-1400 ACT: 25-31 |
College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
313 |
SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 23-29 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| Tarleton State University (TSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
311 |
SAT: 980-1160 ACT: 19-24 |
Stephenville, Texas | Public | tarleton.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
309 |
SAT: 1180-1360 ACT: 25-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Concordia University (CUC) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
303 | N/A | River Forest, Illinois | Private | cuchicago.edu |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
291 |
SAT: 880-1090 ACT: 15-21 |
Edinburg, Texas | Public | utrgv.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
273 |
SAT: 1200-1370 ACT: 25-31 |
Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNLV) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
263 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 18-25 |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | unlv.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
260 |
SAT: 1100-1350 ACT: 21-29 |
Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Georgia Southern University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
257 |
SAT: 986-1133 ACT: 18-23 |
Statesboro, Georgia | Public | georgiasouthern.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
245 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 24-31 |
Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
240 |
SAT: 1120-1360 ACT: 21-28 |
Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
233 |
SAT: 940-1140 ACT: 17-25 |
California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
232 |
SAT: 1240-1420 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
230 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
229 | ACT: 22-27 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Public | uwlax.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
225 |
SAT: 1310-1500 ACT: 28-33 |
New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
224 |
SAT: 1250-1510 ACT: 27-33 |
Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
213 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
208 |
SAT: 1310-1520 ACT: 30-34 |
Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
204 | N/A | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
197 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 19-27 |
Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| The University of Tennessee (UTC) |
Bachelor's
|
196 |
SAT: 1013-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Chattanooga, Tennessee | Public | utc.edu |
| California Baptist University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
194 | N/A | Riverside, California | Private | calbaptist.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
189 |
SAT: 1400-1530 ACT: 32-35 |
College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
186 |
SAT: 1040-1200 ACT: 21-26 |
Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
185 |
SAT: 860-1080 ACT: 17-22 |
El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
183 |
SAT: 1000-1220 ACT: 19-26 |
Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
182 |
SAT: 1270-1480 ACT: 29-34 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
182 |
SAT: 1140-1400 ACT: 24-31 |
Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
181 |
SAT: 1150-1355 ACT: 22-27 |
Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
175 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
174 |
SAT: 940-1190 ACT: 22-30 |
Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) |
Bachelor's
|
173 |
SAT: 1230-1340 ACT: 24-29 |
Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | uncw.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
169 |
SAT: 1070-1290 ACT: 20-28 |
Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
164 | N/A | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
159 | SAT: 910-1210 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Sam Houston State University (SHSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
157 |
SAT: 930-1120 ACT: 17-24 |
Huntsville, Texas | Public | shsu.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
151 |
SAT: 1360-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
150 |
SAT: 1130-1350 ACT: 25-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
149 | ACT: 20-29 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Public | usm.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
147 |
SAT: 1220-1390 ACT: 25-30 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Towson University (TU) |
Bachelor's
|
146 |
SAT: 950-1235 ACT: 19-27 |
Towson, Maryland | Public | towson.edu |
| Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU) |
Bachelor's
|
144 |
SAT: 860-1080 ACT: 16-21 |
Prairie View, Texas | Public | pvamu.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
143 | N/A | Cortland, New York | Public | www2.cortland.edu |
| Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
143 |
SAT: 1010-1230 ACT: 20-26 |
Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Public | mtsu.edu |
| Texas Woman's University (TWU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
141 | N/A | Denton, Texas | Public | twu.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
139 |
SAT: 1070-1300 ACT: 20-28 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
137 |
SAT: 1081-1293 ACT: 17-25 |
Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
|
131 |
SAT: 1006-1113 ACT: 20-22 |
Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
129 |
SAT: 950-1190 ACT: 21-26 |
Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
127 |
SAT: 1190-1370 ACT: 28-32 |
Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
124 | SAT: 1020-1280 | Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
124 |
SAT: 1380-1520 ACT: 29-33 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Coastal Carolina University (CCU) |
Bachelor's
|
122 |
SAT: 1050-1220 ACT: 21-26 |
Conway, South Carolina | Public | coastal.edu |
| University of Central Arkansas (UCA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
112 |
SAT: 910-1170 ACT: 19-25 |
Conway, Arkansas | Public | uca.edu |
| Logan University |
Master's
|
112 | N/A | Chesterfield, Missouri | Private | logan.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
110 |
SAT: 1000-1200 ACT: 21-29 |
University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
110 |
SAT: 1040-1250 ACT: 20-27 |
Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Wake Forest University (WFC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
107 |
SAT: 1410-1520 ACT: 32-34 |
Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Private | wfu.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
|
106 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Utah Tech University (UT) |
Bachelor's
|
104 | N/A | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
| University of Virginia (UVA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
102 |
SAT: 1410-1540 ACT: 32-35 |
Charlottesville, Virginia | Public | virginia.edu |
| Concordia University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
101 | N/A | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | csp.edu |
| University of Louisiana (ULM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
99 |
SAT: 1160-1360 ACT: 18-24 |
Monroe, Louisiana | Public | ulm.edu |
| Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) |
Bachelor's
|
98 |
SAT: 970-1170 ACT: 18-24 |
Nacogdoches, Texas | Public | sfasu.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
96 |
SAT: 1060-1270 ACT: 23-29 |
Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
94 |
SAT: 990-1210 ACT: 21-27 |
Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Bachelor's
|
94 |
SAT: 1200-1410 ACT: 25-31 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Salisbury University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
93 |
SAT: 1180-1320 ACT: 20-29 |
Salisbury, Maryland | Public | salisbury.edu |
| Carroll University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
93 |
SAT: 1040-1270 ACT: 21-27 |
Waukesha, Wisconsin | Private | carrollu.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
92 | N/A | Chico, California | Public | csuchico.edu |
| Southern Utah University (SUU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
92 | N/A | Cedar City, Utah | Public | suu.edu |
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Associate's
|
91 | N/A | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| SUNY Brockport |
Bachelor's
|
91 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 23-26 |
Brockport, New York | Public | brockport.edu |
| Kent State University |
Bachelor's
|
90 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 18-25 |
Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Texas A&M University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
90 |
SAT: 840-1070 ACT: 15-21 |
San Antonio, Texas | Public | tamusa.edu |
| Colorado Mesa University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
89 |
SAT: 930-1160 ACT: 18-24 |
Grand Junction, Colorado | Public | coloradomesa.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
88 |
SAT: 1030-1240 ACT: 21-29 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| University of South Dakota (USD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
88 |
SAT: 1125-1315 ACT: 19-25 |
Vermillion, South Dakota | Public | usd.edu |
| University of West Florida (UWF) |
Bachelor's
|
87 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-27 |
Pensacola, Florida | Public | uwf.edu |
| Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
87 | ACT: 18-24 | Hammond, Louisiana | Public | southeastern.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
87 |
SAT: 970-1140 ACT: 18-25 |
Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
|
85 |
SAT: 1020-1270 ACT: 19-26 |
Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
85 | N/A | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| Fresno City College (FCC) |
Associate's
|
84 | N/A | Fresno, California | Public | fresnocitycollege.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
84 |
SAT: 960-1200 ACT: 21-27 |
Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| McNeese State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
83 |
SAT: 940-1198 ACT: 18-23 |
Lake Charles, Louisiana | Public | mcneese.edu |
| Springfield College |
Bachelor's
|
83 |
SAT: 1080-1330 ACT: 27-29 |
Springfield, Massachusetts | Private | springfield.edu |
| West Texas A & M University (WTAMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
82 |
SAT: 950-1170 ACT: 18-23 |
Canyon, Texas | Public | wtamu.edu |
| Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) |
Bachelor's
|
81 |
SAT: 890-1090 ACT: 16-22 |
Laredo, Texas | Public | tamiu.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Associate's
|
80 | N/A | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWEC) |
Bachelor's
|
80 | ACT: 22-27 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | uwec.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Exercise Science and Kinesiology programs
How much can I earn with a Exercise Science and Kinesiology degree?
Salaries for Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates vary by role and location. Exercise Physiologists earn a median of $58,160 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Maine average $87,300 compared to $33,540 in Utah. Approximately 8,110 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Exercise Science and Kinesiology programs?
Currently 804 accredited institutions offer Exercise Science and Kinesiology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Central Florida (UCF) (448 graduates), Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (422 graduates), and University of Iowa (407 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Exercise Science and Kinesiology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 13,803 in 2010 to 32,041 in 2023-24. This represents a 132% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Exercise Science and Kinesiology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Exercise Physiologists. Related occupations employ approximately 8,110 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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