Kinesiology

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Whether we’re pushing our bodies to the limit on the playing field or simply carrying a load of laundry, the way we move can make all the difference. With a major in kinesiology, you’ll study the science of movement and explore how the body can function at its best.

Alverno's program offers two tracks: pre-physical therapy and exercise science. The pre-physical therapy track is excellent preparation for a physical therapy doctoral program. With the exercise science track, you can go straight into the workforce or onto a master’s program in athletic training or exercise physiology.

From helping patients regain movement after an injury or surgery to treating chronic pain, you’ll be ready to play a hands-on role in supporting health and wellness.

The Alverno difference

Alverno is known for creating highly skilled health care leaders. Our internationally renowned, abilities-based curriculum will develop your critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and communication skills, which will help you in graduate school or on the job. The courses in the pre-physical therapy track will give you the strong science foundation and the clinical knowledge you need to treat people in a variety of settings.

Alverno’s small class sizes will help you form close relationships with caring faculty who will help you grow. You’ll build your skills and confidence by practicing in state-of-the-art learning and simulation centers that mimic real-life health care environments. You can get involved with faculty research, attend a professional conference or join a health-related student organization. If you’re planning to pursue a doctoral degree, Alverno’s pre-professional programs in health offer seminars, peer support and other resources to make you a competitive candidate for physical therapy school.

Alverno takes wellness seriously. You’ll find regular fitness and wellness classes and programs, on-site wellness coaching and many other campus resources. This makes Alverno a terrific place to live and practice wellness, as well as study it.

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"I’m majoring in kinesiology in order to work with athletes of all sports to prevent injuries and provide rehabilitation. I love the Alverno community and have become more confident here, especially in public speaking and my personal learning process."

— Samantha, Kinesiology major

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Coursework

All Alverno students must complete 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. You’ll begin courses in your major during freshman year, as well as your general education requirements. You’ll study human anatomy and physiology, chemistry of bio-organic molecules, organic chemistry, statistics for health professionals, abnormal psychology, physics, biomechanics, microbiology, biochemistry, cellular biology and more.

Field education

You’ll complete at least one internship with 180 hours of observation, a necessity to apply to most physical therapy schools. Our location provides convenient access to hospitals and health care organizations, health-related nonprofit organizations, minor and major league sports organizations, and more. You’ll benefit from our strategic alliance with Ascension Wisconsin, a Catholic network of 24 hospitals and 100-plus clinics statewide, plus our strong partnerships with other organizations.

Career opportunities

Many people think of kinesiologists working directly in health care, but your kinesiology degree can take you so many places — from government and research positions to wellness programs at Fortune 500 companies and college campuses to executive suites at sports arenas and law firms. If you choose to go straight into the workforce, your bachelor’s degree can prepare you for work as an exercise physiologist. This major is also excellent preparation for graduate programs in physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, public health, medicine or business.

Admission requirements

Your first step is to apply for admission to Alverno by completing the free application at alverno.edu/apply. You should mark your intended major as kinesiology.

For your first two years at Alverno, you’ll be matched with a professional academic advisor who gets to know you and guides you through your education, helping you chart your path and register for classes. As a junior, you’ll be paired with a faculty advisor who will support your success to graduation.