Bachelor of Science (BS) in Kinesiology
From physical therapy to athletic training, gain the expertise needed to help people improve their quality of life with your kinesiology degree.
A Gold Standard in Student Wellness
APU earned Gold-level recognition from the American College of Sports Medicine's Exercise is Medicine®️ On Campus initiative—one of only 91 universities nationwide, four in Southern California, and three in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to receive this honor.
Why Major in Kinesiology at APU?
Deepen your knowledge and extend your impact in the field of human health and wellness by earning your Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Azusa Pacific University.
Our program equips you with a strong scientific foundation and clinical skills to apply evidence-based practice and advance whole-person care. You can choose from four concentrations—Applied Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning, or the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Accelerated Pathway—each designed to prepare you to lead in diverse health and fitness careers.
In our bachelor's degree in kinesiology program, you benefit from
- an in-depth understanding of how exercise, movement, and sport benefit human health and wellness;
- access to state-of-the-art facilities, including biomechanics and human performance laboratories with advanced motion-capture technology;
- hands-on internships at well-established practicum sites under the guidance of health, rehabilitation, and exercise science professionals;
- a holistic Christian worldview that approaches health, fitness, and wellness by caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit; and
- certifications in personal training, corrective exercise, and strength and conditioning that boost your career readiness.
Program at a Glance
Application Deadline
At APU, we have rolling admissions. This means we accept and review applications on a continuous basis.
Program Information
- Program Units: 53-72
Location
- Azusa (Main Campus)
What You’ll Learn
Explore the mechanical and physiological principles that drive human movement and performance. Through innovative coursework and immersive lab experiences, you’ll examine the resilience and strength of the human body and how it adapts, responds, and transforms under stress.
As you progress through the kinesiology major, you’ll
- analyze how the skeletal and muscular systems interact during physical activity using biomechanics;
- study the body’s acute and chronic responses to exercise, including how nutrition and metabolic processes fuel human performance;
- explore how the nervous system coordinates movement and how motor skills develop across the human lifespan;
- design and implement specialized fitness programs tailored to unique health needs and specific athletic goals;
- review kinesiology literature and apply research methodology to solve real-world health challenges; and
- refine your professional communication by articulating complex scientific data through specialized writing and clinical reporting.
Additionally, you’ll take part in an internship that transforms classroom knowledge into real-world expertise. Under the guidance of an exercise science professional, you’ll gain experience assessing, designing, implementing, and managing exercise and fitness programs.
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Kinesiology Program Details
Discover the science of how the body moves and how you can enrich patients’ health, performance, and quality of life. Our BS in Kinesiology challenges you to examine human performance from every angle, combining physiology and biomechanics with hands-on application in clinical and athletic settings.
From your first courses to your final internship, our program sharpens your analytical thinking, prepares you for graduate school and the professional world, and inspires you to serve others through evidence-based practice, coaching, rehabilitation, and holistic care.
APU’s kinesiology program positions you for success through four specialized concentrations that align your academic preparation with your professional goals.
Applied Exercise Science
Take your passion for athletics and transform it into a thriving career with APU’s applied exercise science concentration. Through lab-based experiences, you develop the expertise to assess clients, design evidence-based training plans, and implement programs that elevate health and performance.
Compared to other concentrations in APU’s Kinesiology program, this track features fewer required science courses and expanded elective options. That flexibility allows you to tailor your coursework to match specific interests or add a minor that aligns with your desired career path. You’ll also complete nearly 100 hours of supervised internship experience at one of APU’s 80 approved partner sites to kick-start your professional development.
Whether you aspire to become a coach, a strength and conditioning specialist, or a wellness leader, you graduate prepared to serve others with compassion and expertise.
Clinical Exercise Science
The Clinical Exercise Science concentration prepares students for graduate study and careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, chiropractic, physician assistant, and other allied health fields. The curriculum provides a strong scientific foundation and opportunities to complete prerequisite coursework for admission to graduate programs. Students complete 100 hours of supervised internship experience at one of more than 80 approved sites.
Note: Many graduate school programs require the completion of prerequisite science courses for acceptance. While this concentration is designed to help students complete their graduate school prerequisites, not all graduate school prerequisites may be met by the concentration. Students are responsible for researching the requirements of graduate programs and professions in which they are interested.
Strength and Conditioning
The Strength and Conditioning concentration prepares students for careers in sport science, human performance, and related fields. Coursework includes strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports nutrition, and research in exercise science. Through these experiences, students learn to design and implement evidence-based training programs that enhance athletic performance. Students complete 300 hours of supervised field experience under the guidance of CSCS-certified professionals in strength and conditioning settings. This concentration is designed for students interested in working with athletes and active populations in sport, performance, tactical, and rehabilitation settings. Graduates are prepared for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification.
Accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy Pathway
Jump-start your journey to becoming a physical therapist at APU. Our BS in Kinesiology/Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) accelerated concentration fast-tracks your path to graduate school. You’ll complete 3.5 years of undergraduate coursework, meet entry requirements, and dive into APU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program sooner.
If accepted into the DPT program, you’ll begin doctoral coursework in the spring of your fourth year. During that semester, you’ll complete 18 units of required graduate-level courses, fulfilling your BS in Kinesiology and undergraduate requirements. After finishing those courses, you’ll earn your bachelor’s degree and transition seamlessly into the DPT program.
We created a straightforward undergraduate admissions process that helps you gain certifications in the areas of personal training, corrective exercise, strength and conditioning, and exercise physiology.
The prerequisites and required next steps for applying to APU vary depending on your student type. Select your enrollment path for more detailed admissions information:
Have questions along the way? Connect with our dedicated admissions representatives to get the support you need.Azusa Pacific University makes a Christ-centered education affordable and accessible. To help you cover the cost of your kinesiology bachelor’s degree, we offer a range of financial aid options, including federal loans, state grants, fellowships, and scholarships.
For more information, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.
Scholarship and Grants
Scholarships and grants are considered gift aid, meaning you don’t have to repay these dollars. These awards may come from federal, state, institutional, or private sources. Scholarships are often merit-based and awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or other demonstrated talents.
While APU does award scholarships, you can also find external scholarship opportunities through websites such as Finaid and Fastweb.
Contact the Student Services Center about scholarships offered through APU departments or local organizations.
Student Employment
Along with gift aid and student loans, you can apply for on-campus student employment opportunities to earn additional income to pay for education-related expenses. As an APU student, you can also find work off campus in the surrounding community.
Military and Veterans Benefits
If you are a veteran, serve in the military, or qualify as a spouse or dependent, you may access financial assistance that helps cover the cost of tuition, housing, and books. As a Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School, APU offers the support and flexibility needed to complete your bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.
Net Price Calculator
We’re here to help you understand the value of the APU experience early in the college search process. Once you’ve explored the financial aid opportunities available, take the next step by estimating your cost to attend. The Net Price Calculator provides a personalized estimate based on the information you share, so you can start planning today!
At APU, we’re committed to delivering the highest quality education, backed by respected accreditation and academic excellence. Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
By the Numbers
Career Outlook and Outcomes
Ready to shape the future of sport and allied health? A BS in Kinesiology builds a comprehensive understanding of physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior, and human performance. This robust scientific expertise equips you to improve lives and support someone’s healing journey.
A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology opens doors to graduate education opportunities and diverse career paths, including:
- Athletic trainer
- Exercise physiologist
- Occupational therapist
- Physical education teacher
- Physician assistant
- Sports psychologist
- Strength and conditioning coach
These roles represent just a starting point. The American Kinesiology Association outlines more than 30 professional pathways supported by advanced training in kinesiology, from clinical care to rehabilitation research to sport performance and beyond.
Clifford Young III: Resting in God’s Grace
Explore the journey of Clifford Young III ’23 to earning his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in health professions and finding his place in APU’s faith-centered community.
Department of Kinesiology Faculty
At Azusa Pacific, our kinesiology faculty invest in your growth and challenge you to think critically and compassionately. Whether you’re seeking support inside or outside of the classroom, our professors offer guidance and personalized mentorship that builds your confidence.
William “Jody” Wilkinson
Chair and Professor, Department of Kinesiology
Madeline Cheaney
Program Director and Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology
Empowering Health Leaders at APU
Launch your career in health, sport, or rehabilitation with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Azusa Pacific University. Through science-based expertise, clinical training, and professional development, you’ll graduate prepared to inspire movement and advance health and wellness in your community.
Ready to embrace a purpose-filled future? Apply to Azusa Pacific University today.