Kinesiology is the study of human movement, including the anatomical, physiological,
biomechanical, and psychological aspects of human performance in sports and fitness.
The kinesiology program at Harper can help you improve your own level of physical
fitness, prepare you for employment in the fitness industry, and prepare you to transfer
to complete a bachelor's degree in kinesiology or exercise science.
Careers in the field of kinesiology include personal trainer, coach, athletic trainer,
physical therapist, occupational therapist and secondary education teacher.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Arts (AA) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, exercise science or related major. Speak with
your advisor about the best courses to take to meet your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our transfer information page or see your advisor.
Earn a workforce credential
Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Kinesiology degree/certificate programs.
Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries,
open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Kinesiology Careers page.
Athletic Trainers
Athletic Trainers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Athletic Trainers career profile for most current data.
$60,335 Median Salary
7.5% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
94 Job Postings
Description:
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic,
emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Core tasks:
Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency
or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for
definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary
and warranted.
Quick facts:
Coaches and Scouts
Coaches and Scouts
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Coaches and Scouts career profile for most current data.
$43,427 Median Salary
4.8% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
958 Job Postings
Description:
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary
purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate
athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes'
technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications
should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.
Core tasks:
Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare
athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons.
Quick facts:
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Physiologists
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Exercise Physiologists career profile for most current data.
$58,977 Median Salary
8.9% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
46 Job Postings
Description:
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities
such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular
strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Core tasks:
Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms
or signs of physical distress.
Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance,
or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory
requirements, and credentialing requirements.
Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
Recommend methods to increase lifestyle physical activity.
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose
of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain
to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement
individualized approaches to exercise.
Core tasks:
Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
Evaluate individuals' abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable
training programs to meet any special requirements.
Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set
of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
Kinesiology Program News
Get the latest news and updates from the Harper Kinesiology department.
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