Program Overview

Kinesiology and Health

The Department of Kinesiology and Health at Iowa State University offers a comprehensive program that combines academic rigor with hands-on experience, preparing students for careers in health-related professions.

Program Overview

Kinesiology and health is one of the largest majors at Iowa State, with students preparing for future careers in health-related professions grounded in the study of biological and behavioral aspects of human movement. The program combines coursework with hands-on practice, enabling students to apply what they learn.

Choose Your Option

As a kinesiology and health major, students can choose from several options that align with their future career goals:

• Pre-Health Professions: Prepare for future health professional school in chiropractic, dentistry, human medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant.
• Exercise Science: Specialize in the scientific study of how the body responds and adapts to various types of exercise, graduating prepared for roles in cardiac rehabilitation centers, health clubs, sports enhancement facilities, and other organizations that focus on human movement.
• Community and Public Health: Focus on community and public health programming, preparing students to work with agencies that offer community health services and education.
• Physical Activity and Health Promotion: Cover behavioral and physiological aspects of physical activity and nutrition, preparing students to create healthier environments in society.
• Physical Education, Teacher Education: Graduate prepared to teach physical education (PE) at the elementary, middle, and high-school levels, with endorsements in health education and coaching.

Hands-On Experience

Kinesiology and health students gain hands-on experience through coursework and internships, exploring their stories through the Career Connections web page.

Study Abroad

Students can take their education abroad, with many options available that will further their academic and career goals.

Facilities

The 90,000-square-foot facility is home to classrooms, teaching labs, physical activity areas, and well-equipped research spaces where undergraduates routinely work with researchers who are changing the world through health and wellness research studies.