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Kinesiology Degrees & Jobs for Military & Veterans

Getting a Degree in Kinesiology

The world of kinesiology degrees can be intimidating for military veterans who are looking to further their education after their service. Kinesiology degrees can help prepare students who are looking to work with athletes or in the healthcare industry. Many military veterans who are looking to work in these fields may not know where to start. This article seeks to help military veterans find the kinesiology degree that is right for them by providing information about the different kinesiology programs, the schools that offer them, and the different entry points.

Kinesiology studies the art and science of body movement. Kinesiology is excellent preparation for a variety of careers related to exercise science and medicine. Jobs related to a degree in Kinesiology include:

Kinesiology studies can often be found in the Health and Exercise Science departments of colleges and universities. Earning a degree in Kinesiology can readily be found in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral program. An Associate Degree in Kinesiology is less common yet is a wonderful educational asset to attain.

Associate Degree in Kinesiology

An Associate Degree in Kinesiology is a great introduction to this career field. Courses and activities are aimed at enhancing healthy and active lifestyles as well as encouraging optimal human performance.

Jobs with an Associate Degree in Kinesiology

Recreation Worker

Design and lead activities to help people stay active, improve fitness, and have fun. Recreation workers are employed in a variety of settings, including recreation centers, parks, summer camps, and nursing and residential care facilities. Many workers spend much of their time being physically active in the outdoors.

Median Annual Salary: $28,000

Fitness Trainer

Lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities. Fitness trainers work in facilities such as recreation centers, health clubs, and yoga studios.

Median Annual Salary: $41,000

Community Health Worker

Promote wellness by helping people adopt healthy behaviors.

Median Annual Salary: $48,000

GI Bill® Approved Schools with an Associates in Kinesiology

Ready to start your associate’s degree in Kinesiology? Check out these great programs.  Partner schools may be included and have paid CollegeRecon for promotional consideration.

Allan Hancock College

Offers an Associate of Arts in Kinesiology.

College of Siskiyous

Offers an Associate degree in Physical Education-Kinesiology.

Pasadena City College

Offers an Associate of Arts in Kinesiology.

Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology

An adept Kinesiology program will aim to have well-rounded students and critical thinkers in the areas of health and movement studies. Desirable programs will provide its students with a variety of field experiences through internships with companies, corporations, medical facilities, health and wellness facilities, etc. A wide variety of labs may include studies such as:

  • Human Performance
  • Health and Fitness
  • Biomechanics
  • Muscle Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Science Teaching

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, students will grow their knowledge and expertise on all things related to this field while also cultivating their writing and research skills.

Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce and/or pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology

Athletic Trainer

Specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Many athletic trainers work in educational settings, such as colleges, universities, elementary schools, and secondary schools. Others work in hospitals, fitness centers, physicians’ offices, or professional sports teams. Median Annual Salary: $50,000.

Health Education Specialist

Develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being. Median Annual Salary: $48,000.

Exercise Physiologist

Develop fitness and exercise programs that help injured or sick patients recover. Median Annual Salary: $50,000.

Kinesiotherapist

Use rehabilitative exercise, reconditioning, and physical education to treat patients who have problems moving in any way. Because they work primarily in VA facilities, most kinesiotherapists are federal employees working at the GS-7 to GS-12 level. Median Annual Salary: $61,000.

VA-Approved, Yellow Ribbon Schools with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology

Ready to start your bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology? Check out these great programs.  Partner schools may be included and have paid CollegeRecon for promotional consideration.

Buena Vista University

Offers a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. BVU participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Simmons University

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Simmons also offers a BS in Exercise Science and an MS in Nutrition as a 4+1 combined program. Simmons participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg

Offers Kinesiology (Exercise Science) BS and Kinesiology (K-12 Physical Education Licensure) BS. University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Online VA-Approved, Yellow Ribbon Kinesiology Bachelor’s Programs

Abilene Christian University

Offers a fully online BS in Health and Human Performance and a campus-based BS: Kinesiology Degree Plan. Abilene Christian University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

St. Francis College

Offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Movement Science. St. Francis College participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Master’s Degree in Kinesiology

With a graduate degree in Kinesiology, students will further perfect their skills to think critically, creatively, and independently. Students will continue to develop their writing and research skills while choosing an area(s) of Kinesiology that piques their interest for specialization.

A Master’s is a popular choice for those choosing career paths such as research, writing, or teaching.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology

Teacher, Postsecondary

Teach courses in Kinesiology or related fields. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.

Author

Develop written content for various types of media on Kinesiology topics. Median Annual Salary: $122,000.

VA-Approved Schools with a Master’s in Kinesiology

Ready to start your master’s degree in Kinesiology? Check out these great programs that are Yellow Ribbon approved, except Texas A&M University-San Antonio.  However, as a state school, no additional funds are needed to cover tuition for eligible student veterans.  Partner schools may be included and have paid CollegeRecon for promotional consideration.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology as well as several undergraduate Kinesiology degree plans.

University of the Incarnate Word

Offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. The University of the Incarnate Word participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of North Georgia

Offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology. The University of North Georgia also offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with several concentrations:

The University of North Georgia participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.

 

In sum, Kinesiology is a valuable degree for military and veterans; it gives them the ability to help others while doing something that they love. It also gives them the opportunity to keep their bodies healthy while helping others achieve healthy bodies.

 

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