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Explore Human Health and Movement
The Kinesiology, B.S. program develops your understanding of the interactions among physiological, anatomical, neuropsychological, and biomechanical factors that affect human health and performance. You’ll learn to assess and develop effective strategies to enhance health, improve performance, prevent chronic disease, and promote recovery while preparing for careers and graduate study in healthcare, rehabilitation, fitness, and human performance. The kinesiology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Kinesiology Major Curriculum and Courses
Through classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and internships, students learn to assess and develop strategies for enhancing health, improving performance, preventing chronic disease, and supporting recovery in rehabilitation settings. Coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior, and exercise science is complemented by hands-on learning experiences that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional skills. Graduates are well prepared for careers in healthcare, fitness, rehabilitation, and human performance, as well as graduate and professional programs in fields such as physical therapy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, athletic training, and medicine.
Required courses include chemistry, physics, statistics, human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology, among others. A few of the courses you will take in the Kinesiology major include:
- KNH 184 Motor Skill Learning and Performance
- KNH 244 Functional Anatomy
- KNH 381 Biodynamics of Human Performance
- KNH 468 Physiology of Exercise and Physical Activity
- KNH 482 Exercise Prescription: Healthy Individuals & Individuals with Chronic Diseases/Disorders
What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of interactions of physiological, anatomical, neuropsychological, and biomechanical factors that affect human health and performance.
Why Kinesiology is the Perfect Pre-Health Major at Miami
Kinesiology at Miami University
Unlocking Success with Miami University’s Kinesiology Degree
Successful Graduates
Your Launchpad for High-Impact Healthcare and Performance Careers
At Miami University, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology turns your passion for human movement, health, and wellness into an elite professional trajectory. Backed by a phenomenal 87.1% of graduates reporting either continuing education or employment upon graduation. Our program serves as a premier pipeline into competitive corporate healthcare sectors, elite athletic organizations, and top-tier clinical roles. Whether your goal is to step directly into high-earning medical device sales or join the ~70% of graduates advancing to top-tier physical therapy doctorate programs, physician assistant, medical school, or other graduate programs, our rigorous foundational science curriculum gives you a distinct competitive edge.
| Pathway | Reporting Years | Accepted / Applied | Kinesiology (KN) Acceptance Rate | Comparison/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Physical Therapy | 2022–2025 | 101 / 121 | 83.5% | Accepted applicants: avg. cumulative GPA 3.63; avg. science GPA 3.4 |
| Physician Assistant | 2022–2025 | 35 / 45 | 77.8% | Miami overall PA school acceptance rate: 69.2%; KN is 43% of all MU applicants. Accepted applicants: avg. cumulative GPA 3.7; avg. science GPA 3.55 |
| Medical School | 2022–2025 | 17 / 23 | 73.9% | Miami overall medical school acceptance rate: 64.3%; KN ranked 4th at MU |
| Dental School | 2022–2025 | 6 / 9 | 67.0% | Miami overall dental school acceptance rate: 68.5%; Accepted applicants: avg. cumulative GPA 3.75; avg. science GPA 3.7 |
Career Options for Kinesiology Majors
Graduates are prepared for careers in exercise science, medicine, physical or occupational therapy, nursing, chiropractic, athletic training, and other allied health professions.
What Our Students and Alumni Say
Camren H.
Annie F.
As an undergraduate, Kelsey participated in hands-on kinesiology research with a dedicated professor sharing his expertise. She credits that experience for her success as a physical therapist today.
Kelsey Biller ’15
I presented at a national conference because I did research. It looks really good on med school applications. And, I like to work with patients and talk to them. I’m passionate about it and can do that with my research.
Vincent Smith ’19
Additional Opportunities for Kinesiology Majors
Combined Bachelor and Master Program
Students can pursue a combined B.S. in Kinesiology and Master of Athletic Training.
State-of-the-art laboratories
Our labs complement your work in the classroom and foster critical thinking, reasoning, and other basic principles of liberal education. Includes the anatomage table, METIman (life size patient simulator), and more.
Student Organizations
Want to get involved in a student organization related to your major? Check out some of the clubs offered through the department: Exercise is Medicine on Campus, the Pre-Physical and Occupational Therapy Club, Phi Epsilon Kappa, Anatomy and Physiology Club, and more.
Accreditation and Program Outcomes
The Miami University Kinesiology program was awarded initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in 2022, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). The program is currently preparing for its next continuing accreditation site visit, scheduled for Fall 2027.
As part of our commitment to transparency and continuous quality improvement, the Kinesiology faculty collects and reports data on specific program outcomes. These metrics ensure our students are well-prepared for the competitive job market and advanced professional pathways, while demonstrating that our program consistently meets or exceeds national quality standards.
See below for our official program outcomes from the 2025–2026 Academic Year:
- Graduation Rate: 87.5% of Kinesiology majors successfully completed their degree.
- Retention Rate: 90.2% of undergraduate students were retained in the program (exceeding the CoAES national threshold of 70%).
- Graduate Satisfaction (Survey Return Rate): 75.0% of graduates responded to our annual program evaluation survey (exceeding the CoAES national threshold of 50%).
Graduate Satisfaction (Positive Outcomes):99.3% of responding graduates at graduation and 98.6% of graduates at one plus year post-graduation reported high overall satisfaction with the education and preparation they received (exceeding the CoAES national threshold of 85%).
Faculty insights
Kinesiology faculty discuss the value of the program, offer advice for students, and explore topics like exercise and health.
Why Choose Kinesiology at Miami University?
Miami Professors Share Their Best Advice for Students
Exercise vs Medication: What Miami Students Learn
Admission and Aid
Explore what it means to be a college student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where students prepare to go anywhere and everywhere. We’ll be here to help every step of the way as you prepare for college admission, enrollment, and success.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Admission
513-529-2531
[email protected]
Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health
Paul Reidy, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Program Leader
Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health
Phillips Hall 106
420 S Oak St.,
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-2700
[email protected]