Major in Kinesiology

Learn how to help others • Gain practical experience • Prepare for your career or graduate school

Learn to improve others' well-being.

In the kinesiology major, you'll learn how to help others by understanding the movement of the human body. With a kinesiology degree, you can become an athletic trainer, an educator or enter graduate school for physical therapy.

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Go hands-on

Kinesiology students have many spaces and outlets to train and practice, from athletics labs to the Walton Lifetime Health Complex. They'll also gain incredible field experience through local partnerships and JBU's athletics program.

Serve others

JBU's curriculum doesn't just seek to inform and educate students on the technical skills and practices they'll need to help people and athletes in the field, but it also encourages students to minister and serve others in Christ-like ways no matter where they end up.

Graduate prepared

Given the number of opportunities and training kinesiology students have access to, they will graduate equipped to start in any field they desire. 

Train athletes and encourage wellness at JBU.

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What to expect as a kinesiology student at JBU

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Specialize your program

You can focus your study on health and wellness or sports medicine. The course requirements are tailored to each emphasis, so students are prepared for their field of choice.

 
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Establish a great foundation

JBU lab classes are capped to 20 students so professors can give student-specific guidance and recommendations.

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Learn the human body

Students interested in the pre-professional program can explore the inner workings of the human body in the classroom and in the human anatomy cadaver lab. JBU is one of only two Arkansas universities that make cadaver dissection available to undergraduate students.

On my first day of college, I nervously entered the classroom unsure of what I was about to walk into. The not-so-scary professor, Todd, began class by telling us that the most important thing we could learn studying kinesiology is that ‘we treat people, not injuries.’ From that day on, my mindset changed. At JBU, yes, I have learned how to treat injuries, but most importantly, I have learned how to help people holistically.

Anna Stoesz '25

Kinesiology

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What can you do with a kinesiology degree?

Kinesiology students have the resources to engage in several areas of the field through local partnerships and the versatility of the kinesiology department.

Trainer

Whether you become a personal trainer or a team trainer, use the skills you learned as a kinesiology major to help get and keep others in top physical condition. Many JBU students have worked with athletes at top-rated schools and facilities both during school and upon graduation.

Physical therapist

Help people recover from injuries and maintain their health throughout their life. Physical therapists are vital in the field for being able to initiate preventive care, rehabilitation and treatment for patients, whether they have sports-related injuries or chronic illnesses.  JBU prepares students to excel in the graduate studies required to become a PT.

Dietitian/nutritionist

Help people develop and maintain good eating habits so they can experience the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Students take classes like wellness for life and nutrition for health and human performance to prepare for careers in this field.

Massage therapist

Help your patients relax and feel good again via healing massages. Massage therapists aid patients primarily by relaxing muscle tissue to reduce nerve compression, painful contractions and spasms. 

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The future you starts here.

Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.

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