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Kinesiology, BS

Become a Kinesiology major at Seattle University and help people improve their health through exercise. Explore exercise physiology, biomechanics and more.

About this Program

Exercise Science for Healthier People and Communities

The kinesiology major is focused on improving the health of individuals and communities through exercise. Our curriculum builds on foundational knowledge and theory in topics of exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and exercise psychology.

Our classroom experience is grounded in themes of evidence-based practice, professional skill-building and community engagement.

Courses often incorporate assessments and activities that have our students applying their knowledge of theory to the greater Seattle community, and in ways that improve health and health promotion.

Empowering leadership through exercise is central to the kinesiology degree. We look to help our students focus on the positive impact that exercise can have on the whole person.

As a result of our efforts and our active student club, Seattle University has recently earned the title of an Exercise is Medicine campus by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Kinesiology at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of Kinesiology will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

You’ll complete courses from a variety of disciplines to explore how the human body functions during physical activity and exercise. The strong foundation in human function and performance provides you with the knowledge necessary to pursue graduate studies in athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy and general sports science. Before you graduate, you’ll also finish an internship to learn how to apply your knowledge in a business setting.

Kinesiology students should be able to:

  • Synthesize and critically evaluate scientific literature to apply evidence-based knowledge and practice across multiple disciplines, as it pertains to human movement, function, and performance.
  • Effectively communicate, in written and oral formats, kinesiology concepts to people from a wide range of backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate competency in practical and scientific application of exercise principles and foundations
  • Promote professional behavior consistent with discipline, including 1) an understanding of the societal and individual importance of a healthy, active lifestyle, 2) adherence to professional ethics, 3) service to others, 4) shared responsibility and successful collaboration with peers, and 5) commitment to lifelong learning

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Prepared for Success

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Internships: Career-Ready Experiences

Gain real-world experience through internship opportunities in the Puget Sound region. Internships give you the opportunity to deepen your classroom knowledge and apply it in a real-world setting.

The mobile kinesiology lab

Mobile Laboratory: Community-Engaged Learning

The mobile laboratory is an innovative solution to invest in our students and community by providing portable technology that can be used for education, research and community engagement. It is our model for the future of kinesiology and a way of empowering the next generation to create societal impact through human movement!

Athlethe wearing medical equipment

Human Performance Lab: Hands-on Research

At Seattle University's Human Performance Lab, we pride ourselves in the hands-on experience that students gain. We challenge our students to answer their own questions in the laboratory. Every day is a new challenge in the lab, and we want to empower our students to pursue their dreams!

Featured Faculty

Contact Us

Kinesiology Department