Kinesiology

Undergraduate Program

Explore human movement. Improve lives.
Start your journey at Oregon State.

  
Corvallis Campus

 
Ecampus

 
OSU-Cascades

Earn your bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at Oregon State

Learn how to help others move, perform and thrive. Oregon State’s accredited kinesiology program combines exercise science, biomechanics, sports psychology and injury management to prepare you for careers in fitness, coaching, sport performance, rehabilitation and more.

You’ll build a strong foundation in human movement and health while gaining the experience and knowledge needed to jump into your career or pursue graduate study in physical therapy, athletic training or other health-related professions.

Your foundation in exercise science and health

  • Learn from expert faculty and access one of the best kinesiology curricula in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Build knowledge in chemistry, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and public health.

  • Gain hands-on experience through courses in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior and more.

  • Prepare for certifications and advanced study in kinesiology, strength and conditioning, or allied health — including ACSM, NSCA and graduate programs.

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Kids doing physical activity
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People working out

Sample kinesiology classes

  • Adapted Physical Activity
  • Biomechanics of Human Movement
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology
  • Resistance Training Program Design
  • Injury Management for the Physically Active

Explore kinesiology classes

Your experience as a kinesiology student

Learn alongside curious peers and faculty while building the real-world skills needed to lead change and promote healthier lives.

  

Internships

With an internship built into the program, you’ll gain valuable experience and practical skills before you graduate.

Kinesiology internships

  

Scholarships

Review College of Health scholarships and when to apply.

Scholarship opportunities

  

Student Clubs

Connect with peers and make professional connections

See all clubs

  

Study abroad

Travel, learn and earn college credit.

Explore study abroad opportunities

What is kinesiology?

Kinesiology is the study of movement.

Kinesiology professionals help individuals get back to the movement they love, including people with disabilities, from children to adults.

   Learn more about kinesiology

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People of different ages engage in active outdoor play, illustrating physical activity and intergenerational interaction in a schoolyard or park setting.
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Person wearing knee braces standing on red-lined floor mat in a rehabilitation or fitness center, with another person nearby.

What can you do with a kinesiology degree?

With a bachelor’s in kinesiology, you can pursue careers in fitness, athletic performance, rehabilitation, physical education, health coaching or wellness program leadership.

You could also use the degree as a stepping stone to graduate or professional programs in athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy or sports medicine.

Explore kinesiology careers

From kinesiology to medical school

“I was confident, coming from Oregon State, that I would meet all the requirements for the medical schools I was applying to.”

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Jonathan Sisley

Jonathan Sisley, ’18
Majored in: Kinesiology-PTAH option
Now: Attending Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine

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stability exercises

Kinesiology degree options

Get on the path to become a medical professional or take your studies 100% online with top ranked OSU Ecampus.

Corvallis campus

OSU-Cascades

Ecampus

Request info

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Nicole Grady

"I chose to attend Oregon State for its diverse range of classes surrounding health care, the welcoming student environment, and the supportive faculty."

Nicole Grady, '23
Majored in: Kinesiology
Now: Certified Nursing Assistant Career Coach

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Students moving between classes in a university building, highlighting the dynamic and active environment for studying kinesiology.

Why study kinesiology at Oregon State?

  •  OSU’s kinesiology program is ranked among the top 10 in the Far Western U.S. – College Factual
  • Accredited exercise science program with a strong research foundation
  • Multiple pathways to graduate school or careers in health and fitness
  • Study on campus in Corvallis or 100% online through top-ranked OSU Ecampus
  • Gain real-world experience through internships, labs and faculty-led research
  • Learn how to promote physical activity, improve performance and prevent injury
  • Prepare for careers or advanced study in health care, sport science, rehabilitation or fitness
  •  Learn from faculty who are leaders in sport science, biomechanics, adapted physical activity and public health
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peers group photo oct 2024

Contact us

Have questions about classes, clubs or campus life? Our peer ambassadors are happy to help. Call or email them.

For program or admissions info, email the College of Health recruitment team.