Kinesiology, BS
Overview
for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology provides a comprehensive foundation in the study of human movement, preparing students for careers in health, fitness, sport, and education, as well as for advanced graduate or professional study. The curriculum integrates a broad liberal arts and sciences education with a core sequence that examines the physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions of physical activity.
Students select one of four concentrations—Health Sciences, Applied Exercise Science, Biobehavioral Health Science, or Teacher Education (PreK–12)—to tailor their studies to specific career goals. Coursework emphasizes key areas such as exercise physiology, motor control and development, sport and exercise psychology, physical activity across the lifespan, and the role of movement in health and rehabilitation.
The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences using modern technology and laboratory equipment. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in fields such as education, coaching, corporate wellness, and fitness, and are well-positioned to pursue advanced study in areas including physical therapy, medicine, exercise physiology, and sport psychology.
A 5-year BS MPH joint degree program is available for students majoring in Kinesiology. Students apply for the program in the latter part of their third year (junior year) of study. Students accepted into the BS MPH joint degree program take 12 credit hours of coursework in their senior year that apply to both BS and MPH degrees. In the 5th year of study, students complete the remaining requirements for the MPH degree, and graduate simultaneously with both BS and MPH degrees. The requirements are explained in more detail on the MPH program website.
Degree Requirements
for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
As of August, the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health is changing its name to the Department of Health and Kinesiology. Students who need information about registration, courses and rubrics can visit the KCH/HK Course Information page.
Requirements Including General Education
The Kinesiology Program requires that General Education requirements must be selected from the Campus General Education course list. The prescribed courses prepare the student for upper division study and may be used to satisfy General Education requirements provided they are on the appropriate General Education list. Specifically required General Education courses are listed below.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
fulfilled by HK 150 and any other course approved as Natural Sciences & Technology | ||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Culture (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
fulfilled by HK 201 and any other course approved as Quantitative Reasoning I | ||
| Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | 0-15 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 29 | |
| HK 125 | Orientation to Health & Kinesiology | 1 |
| HK 140 | Social Sci of Human Movement | 3 |
| HK 150 | Bioscience of Human Movement | 3 |
| HK 154 | Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Health | 3 |
| HK 160 | Foundations and Careers in Kinesiology | 3 |
| HK 201 | Health Sciences Research Methods | 3 |
| HK 250 | Motor Development and Control | 3 |
| MCB 244 & MCB 245 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I and Human Anat & Physiol Lab I | 5 |
| MCB 246 & MCB 247 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II and Human Anat & Physiol Lab II | 5 |
Required Concentration. Choose one below:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences | 21 | |
| Applied Exercise Science | 21 | |
| Biobehavioral Health Science | 21 | |
| Teacher Education preK-12 | 48 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Sample Sequence
for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.
First Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Composition I or General Education course | 4 |
| HK 125 - Orientation to Health & Kinesiology | 1 |
| HK 140 - Social Sci of Human Movement | 3 |
| HK 154 - Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Health | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 4 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education or Composition I | 3 |
| HK 150 - Bioscience of Human Movement | 3 |
| HK 160 - Foundations and Careers in Kinesiology | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 4 |
| Semester Hours | 16 |
Second Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| MCB 244 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| MCB 245 - Human Anat & Physiol Lab I | 2 |
| HK 201 - Health Sciences Research Methods | 3 |
| HK 250 - Motor Development and Control | 3 |
| Language Other Than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| MCB 246 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| MCB 247 - Human Anat & Physiol Lab II | 2 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 14 |
Third Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Concentration Course | 3 |
| Concentration Course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Concentration Course | 3 |
| Concentration Course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
Fourth Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Concentration Elective course | 3 |
| Concentration Elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Concentration Elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
Total Hours
Total hours for all requirements: 120
Learning Outcomes
for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
- Content Knowledge: Students will learn and engage with significant theories, models, themes, and ideas within the health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
- Critical Thinking and Discovery: Students will explore and analyze scientific findings to promote inquiry, generate evidence-based solutions, and create new ideas within health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
- Awareness and Understanding: Students will be exposed to and engage with a holistic perspective related to the diverse socioeconomic, behavioral, sociocultural, biological, environmental, philosophical, ethical and historical factors that influence health and/or kinesiology.
- Programming and Assessment: Students will apply evidence-based practices in developing, implementing, and assessing programs and interventions related to health promotion, physical activity adoption and adherence, and the prevention and management of diseases.
- Leadership and Engagement: Through a variety of applied learning opportunities, students will demonstrate leadership and effective communication skills, showcase an appreciation of and commitment to health and well-being as they develop and sustain productive relationships and work for the common good at local, national, and global levels.
Programs in Health and Kinesiology
Undergraduate Programs
- Majors
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, BS
- Minors
- Joint Programs
Graduate Programs
- Majors
- Joint Programs
Contact Information
for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Department of Health and Kinesiology
Health and Kinesiology website
115 Freer
906 S. Goodwin
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2461
Email: hk-business-office@illinois.edu
College of Applied Health Sciences
Applied Health Sciences website
110 Huff Hall
1206 South 4th Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-2131
Email: ahs@illinois.edu
Advising
Admissions
Admissions website
(217) 333-2130
Email: ahs-admissions@illinois.edu