A student running on a treadmill in a kinesiology lab

Kinesiology: B.S.Ed. - Bachelor of Science in Education

Turn your passion for physical fitness into a rewarding career that directly impacts people's health and wellness with a major in kinesiology.

At a Glance

Program Results

B.S.Ed. - Bachelor of Science in Education

Kinesiology 

Best Suited To

  • Current UVA undergraduates or students transferring to UVA from another institution.
  • Graduating high school students interested in majoring in kinesiology. 

Career Outcomes

  • Health-related fields like medicine, physical or occupational therapy, athletic training.
  • Fitness-related industries or professions such as cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, strength and conditioning, or fitness specialist.

Program Type

  • Full Time

Location

  • In-Person

Estimated Length

4 years

Application Deadline

UVA undergraduates: Feb. 1, to start the following semester 

Transferring from another institution: Mar. 1, to start the following semester 

Graduating High School Applicants:

  • Early action: November 1 
  • Regular decision: January 1 

Credits

120

About This Program

Kinesiology is defined as the study of movement focused on the academic study of movement. At the University of Virginia our faculty and coursework target key aspects under the broad definition of Kinesiology. Our strengths lie in the study of exercise and disease prevention; modalities for the treatment and prevention of orthopedic issues; movement acquisition in individuals with disabilities; and nutrition to impact chronic disease. Our research and course content examine a range of populations across the lifespan including children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, athletes, and individuals with chronic disease. 

Experiential Learning

  • The blend of in-classroom preparation in conjunction with opportunities to engage in clinical and research practice is unmatched. As a Kinesiology student, there will be opportunities to learn and work alongside some of the preeminent scholars, clinicians, and practitioners in the field. 
  • The multiple learning settings will help prepare you for life after college. Whether your goal is graduate school, medical school, athletic training, or some other allied health field the major will prepare you to succeed. 
     

Program Life

  • Though you'll have a number of required courses, you'll also have opportunities to shape your coursework according to your career goals, including adding a second major or a minor inside or outside of the School of Education and Human Development. 
  • A faculty member from kinesiology will serve as your academic advisor, assisting you with the selection of classes. Your advisor will also help you consider optimal settings for gaining hands-on experiences in clinical, athletic, or school settings. 
  • As an undergraduate Kinesiology student, receive a liberal arts education in addition to Kinesiology specific coursework. Your general education will include selecting from a wide variety of courses in the humanities, natural and social sciences, and data analytics. Your Kinesiology specific course work will include fundamental core courses as well as electives in the major. 
  • Based on your own career goals, you’ll take additional prescribed courses and electives. You have the freedom to choose from a wide variety of courses and experiences so that you can be exposed to the many different aspects of the field.  

Program Overview

Admission for High School Students

High school students should have a strong GPA and competitive SAT scores. When completing the Common Application, they must be sure to indicate an interest in the B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology program and adhere to application deadlines set by the University's Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Apply though the Common Application

High school students must indicate an interest in the B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology program when submitting through the Common App.

Admission for Current UVA Undergraduates

Current UVA students who are interested in transferring to the School of Education and Human Development can apply to the Kinesiology major by February 1. Space in the major is limited. Preference will be given to students who are taking/have taken Biology 2100, 2200 and 2040 and Biology 3410, are making good progress toward completing general education requirements and performing at levels that will make them competitive for graduate schools in exercise science, medicine, and allied health fields. Current students can apply using the online application.

Students who have begun their third year of study are not eligible for the undergraduate Kinesiology major. However, they may qualify for one of the graduate programs in Kinesiology. 

Apply Now

Current UVA undergraduates applying to the B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology program, apply here (NetBadge log-in required):

Admission for Transfer Students

Transfer applicants from other universities need to follow procedures outlined by the University's Office of Undergraduate Admission. Preference will be given to students who are working towards the completion of the general education requirements, particularly science and physiology courses.

Apply though the Common Application

Transfer students must indicate an interest in Kinesiology when submitting through the Common App.

Coursework

To learn more about specific courses taken as part of the completion of this degree, visit UVA's Undergraduate Record website which represents the official repository for academic program requirements.


Students are encouraged to attend University Career Services Pre-Health Advising for information regarding planning for pre-requisites in various fields. For example, pre med and pre PA students will need Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; pre-PT students will need Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Although biology is required for the Kinesiology major, the other sciences are not and would be considered electives. Various schools change their requirements and it is important for students to be aware of the requirements for course planning.

  • If you plan to apply to Medical School or a Physician Assistant program, you will take additional science and clinical courses.
  • If you plan to apply to Physical Therapy School or a graduate program in Athletic Training, you will take additional electives in Sports Medicine.
  • If you plan to apply to graduate school in Exercise Physiology or Nutrition, you will take additional courses in exercise science and nutrition.
  • If you wish to pursue graduate training in Adapted Physical Education or Teaching School Health and Physical Education, you will take electives in those areas.
  • There are four sub-disciplines within the Kinesiology Program at the graduate level: Adapted Physical Education, Athletic Training/Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiology, and Health and Physical Education. Each of these sub-disciplines offers master’s and doctoral degrees.

Kinesiology Course Descriptions

Information on courses that are part of the B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology curriculum can be found on the UVA Undergraduate Record website.

Kinesiology News

The B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology Program Experience

Navigating Your First Year as a Kinesiology Major

Five tips from current kinesiology students.

Program Faculty

Jason David Allen

Jason David Allen

  • Professor
Siddhartha S Angadi

Siddhartha Angadi

  • Associate Professor
Martin Block

Martin E. Block

  • Professor
  • Director, Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities Program
David A. Edwards

David A. Edwards

  • Associate Professor
  • Director of Undergraduate Program
Abby Fines

Abby Fines

  • Assistant Professor of Education
Michael Higgins

Michael Higgins

  • Professor
  • Athletic Training Program Director
Sibylle Kranz

Sibylle Kranz

  • Associate Professor
Chris Kuenze

Chris Kuenze

  • Associate Professor
Jacob E Resch

Jacob E. Resch

  • Associate Professor
Curriculum Vitae Susan Saliba

Susan Saliba

  • Professor
Damon Swift

Damon Swift

  • Associate Professor

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