Kinesiology

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.

Opportunities for coordinated degrees

• Master of Exercise Physiology 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.
• Doctor of Chiropractic with Palmer College in the Quad Cities, in which kinesiology students spend three years at Augustana followed by three years and four months at Palmer. 

Distinctions

• 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.

Recent graduates

Lizzie Pelzman '25 is pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy at North Central College in Naperville, Ill.

Jaclyn Schmidt '25 is pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Delaney Walsh '24 is pursuing a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at St. Ambrose University.

Zaina Rumbolz-Zeigler '23 is pursuing a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Services.