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Careers & Alumni - Kinesiology
Kinesiology students graduate with the ability to solve problems and communicate effectively, while learning to use the latest technology to enhance their skills.
They’re encouraged to participate in a variety of recreation, education, and/or athletic programs to gain a well-rounded background in knowledge and skill.
Graduate students are prepared for a wide range of careers that include worksite health promotion, commercial fitness, public/private or non-profit health agencies, obesity/diabetes and heart disease prevention, sports performance, teaching/coaching, independent research in a field of specialization, or continued graduate study at doctoral-granting institutions.
Check out some careers in Kinesiology on The National Academy of Kinesiology's website!
Check out the professional certifications that this program will help prepare you for: ACSM Website, NCSA Website.
Career Options
The following list is not meant to be all inclusive; many other job alternatives and titles may exist. Many of the job titles listed require further education.
- Fitness Consultant
- Athletic Trainer
- Sports Photographer/Writer
- Stadium Manager/ Assistant
- Exercise Physiologist
- Movement Science Researcher
- Resort Manager
- Playground Director
- Corrective Therapist
- Boat/Ski Lift Operator
- Recreation Leader
- Health Club Worker/Manager
- Professional Stunt Person
- Recreation Planner
- Occupational Therapist
- Dance Studio Teacher/Manager
- Gerontology Fitness Specialist
- T.V./Radio Sports Announcer
- Athletic Director
- Sports Editor
- Camp Counselor/Director
- Movement Specialist
- Exercise Stress Test Technologist
- Corporate Fitness Director
- Safety Coordinator
- Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
- League Manager
- Lifeguard
- Swimming Instructor
- Adapt. Physical Education Teacher
- Physical Therapist
- Sports Equipment Salesperson
- Physical Education Teacher
- (K-12/College)
- Programs Director-Youth Services
- Event Promoter
- Aquatic Administrator
- Coach/ Assistant Coach
- Professional Athlete
- Referee/Umpire
- Club Instructor/Pro
- Stadium Manager
- Cruise Fitness Director
- Sports Information Specialist
Marketable Skills
Leadership Management Skills
- Develops, delivers, and administers health care services
- Educates and counsels athletes and their families on issues pertaining to injury prevention and treatments
- Possesses ability to motivate and educate
- Recognizes, evaluates, assesses injuries by athletes and the physically active
- Works well under stressful situations
Research/ Analytical Skills
- Employs good observation skills
- Identifies the physiological factors involved in physical movement and sports participation
- Implements, administers, and evaluates physical education and athletic programs physiological responses
- Possesses knowledge of personal fitness
- Ability to think critically and analytically to solve problems
- Understands the biomechanical principles related to movement
Communication/Writing Skills
- Communicates with various members of the sports medicine team
- Possesses ability to motivate and educate
- Communicates effectively
- Understands medical terminology and treatment orders
Other Skills
- Ability to deal with injuries
- Emphasizes lifelong fitness and physical activity
- Plans lessons and activities for various ages and ability levels
Alumni Updates
Shannon Barger
Kinesiology, 2014
After 6 years working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, I’ve gone back to get my Master’s in Education from the University of Washington in addition to a graduate certificate in Education for the Environment and Community at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island, WA.
Erin Guidarelli
Kinesiology, 2014
Erin Guidarelli, Kinesiology, 2014, graduated from Pacific University Master of Athletic Training program in May 2019 with honors and received the Outstanding Graduate Award from the Alumni Association. She earned a M.S. in Athletic Training with a Concentration in Interprofessional Education. Guidarelli also served as Secretary on the Northwest Athletic Trainer's Association (NWATA) Student Executive Board and is currently working on the Public Relations Committee for the Washington Athletic Trainer's Association (WSATA). She worked with the Special Olympics Oregon Unified Basketball Games providing medical coverage for the 2019 season.
Sydney Newton
Kinesiology, 2014
Sydney Newton, 2014, Kinesiology & Recreation Administration, was hired as the Community Development Director for the Girl Scouts of Northern California to oversee recruitment and volunteer support for Sonoma, Rohnert Park, Napa, and Petaluma.