Looking to the future of health and wellness, Augustana introduced a kinesiology major and minor in 2019. A kinesiology focus can position you for a career in a quarter of the top 20 fastest-growing occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), including medical and health professions, athletic training, fitness and exercise science.
Kinesiology is the study of human movement and physical activity, and how they affect health and quality of life. It’s a welcome addition to Augustana’s excellent programs in the health sciences, and a natural fit with the culture on campus, where both mental and physical fitness are seen as essential to learning and lifelong success.
In Augustana’s kinesiology major, you’ll focus on human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology and socio-cultural approaches. You’ll gain a professional edge through internships, research and/or service-learning projects.
And your liberal arts background will deepen your understanding of the diversity of human needs and behavior — so important for practitioners in health, wellness and human performance.
Disciplinary knowledge
Gain a deep understanding of your subject and how it connects to other subjects.
Critical thinking and information literacy
Judge and construct arguments, raise questions and define problems. Make a conclusion based on evidence.
Creative thinking
Combine ideas to create something new. Use imaginative ways of solving problems.
Communication competence
Read and listen carefully. Express ideas (writing or speaking) suited to the audience.
Collaborative leadership
Make decisions and act for the good of the community as a group.
Master of Exercise Science with St. Ambrose University in the Quad Cities, which is an option for kinesiology students at Augustana.
3 + 2.5 Doctor of Physical Therapy with St. Ambrose University in the Quad Cities; students complete a three-year sequence of coursework including biology, chemistry and kinesiology before continuing at St. Ambrose.
Master of Science in Sport Management with Western Illinois University, in which kinesiology majors complete both degrees in five years instead of the usual six years.
• The Department of Kinesiology is located in the college’s newest building, the Peter J. Lindberg, M.D., Center for Health and Human Performance. Here, kinesiology students have access to the latest teaching and research equipment in classes and active learning spaces, including a functional training lab and a human performance lab.
• Students shine in a balance of academics and athletics at Augustana, where more than half of our students are athletes. The college is #1 in Illinois for the number of Academic All-Americans, students who excel equally in their studies and their sport.
Zaina Rumbolz-Zeigler '23 is a customer service specialist with Genesis Home Medical Equipment in Davenport, Iowa.
Justice Youngberg '22 is pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.
Recognized for excellence in and out of the classroom, Kade Ariano '25 received a scholarship that pays for his junior year’s tuition at Augustana and a paid internship with the Quad Cities River Bandits in the summer of 2024.
Augustana students who have completed their undergraduate kinesiology degree, plus three bridge courses, can immediately transfer to WIU to complete the master of science degree. This allows students to meet both degree requirements in five years.
Augustana’s kinesiology program and new facilities lay a foundation for lasting success in this fast-growing field.
