Exercise Science vs. Kinesiology: Similarities and Differences

Published on: December 21, 2023

Those interested in the fields of sports medicine or physical therapy may find themselves debating between two closely related — but distinct— degree programs. Kinesiology and exercise science are two majors that can provide students with the foundation needed to embark on similar types of careers. However, it's important to understand the difference between kinesiology and exercise science, so you can pursue a degree program aligned with your career goals.

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What Is Kinesiology?

Kinesiology is defined as the science of human movement, and it's a popular degree program among students interested in sports medicine, physical therapy and wellness-based careers. The kinesiology degree program is largely rooted in the science of movement, with students required to take courses such as physics, chemistry, exercise science, nutrition and dietetics, motor development and strength training. Due to the nature of this degree program, students often combine their academic coursework with hands-on skill training to adequately prepare for their chosen career.

What Is Exercise Science?

Similar to kinesiology, exercise science is also the study of movement, but it is more focused on how human movement can benefit health and well-being. Exercise science is a multidisciplinary study that incorporates anatomy, exercise physiology, psychology and biomechanics into its curriculum. In the health and fitness field, professionals work to develop exercise programs designed to help people improve their physical health.

Kinesiology and Exercise Science: Main Differences

While kinesiology and exercise science are closely related, there are several key differences. Primarily, the scope of these fields is different.

In kinesiology, the focus is broad, with those in the field studying the mechanics of human movement. In some cases, they focus on how those movements impact health and well-being, but it's only a subset of the kinesiology field.

In exercise science, the scope is much more specific. Within the health and fitness field, students focus on how human movement and physical activity impact the health and well-being of an individual.

The best way to differentiate between the two fields is to remember that kinesiology covers the mechanics of human movement, whereas exercise science focuses on how those movements should be applied to improve health and well-being.

Career Opportunities

Depending on the degree program you choose, you may find there are different career opportunities available.

In the kinesiology field, these are some of the career possibilities you can explore:

• Personal trainer
• Athletic trainer
• Fitness instructor
• Dietitian

In the health and fitness field, these are some of the most common career opportunities:

• Physical therapist
• Athletics coach
• Personal trainer
• Physiotherapist

Educational Paths

Within both fields, most career opportunities require candidates to have a bachelor's degree in a related area. By choosing a degree in kinesiology or health and fitness, students will receive a specific and relevant education that will provide them with the foundation needed to launch a career in their chosen field.

Although an undergraduate degree in kinesiology or exercise science will allow students to pursue entry-level positions, many more advanced opportunities  present themselves when they earn a graduate degree. A master's degree or doctoral degree can help students grow their careers and pursue higher-level positions, such as:

• Occupational Therapist
• Athletic Director
• Research Scientist
• Physical Therapist 

Kinesiology and Exercise Science: Similarities

While there are some differences between these two scientific fields, they also share several key similarities. To start, both kinesiology and exercise science focus heavily on the study of human movement. Anyone interested in and passionate about exercise will be well-suited to these degree programs, but they will want to consider their career goals before finalizing their decision.

Some other similarities between kinesiology and exercise science include:

• Required coursework — Within both programs, students are often required to take science-based classes and courses related to physical health and well-being.
• Training — The skills-based training included in both degree programs is similar, as students must learn how movement affects and improves the human body.
• Career opportunities — There is some overlap in careers, with graduates in both fields being able to find similar positions in the workforce.

Overlapping Areas of Study

Exercise science is a subset of the kinesiology field, so there are several overlapping areas of study. For example, anatomy and physiology are an integral component of both fields. Students must become experts in the human body to develop an in-depth understanding of human movement and how those mechanics can impact physical health and well-being.

Other overlapping areas of study include:

• Nutrition — Both degree programs encourage students to learn about nutrition and how it can improve physical health. Depending on the degree program, there may be specific coursework required, such as sports nutrition, which is the study of how nutrition impacts athletic ability, stamina and injury recovery.
• Biomechanics — This specialized area of study focuses on how mechanical movements impact organisms. While both fields focus on human movement, biomechanics provides a well-rounded academic foundation for the study of movement mechanics.

Both degree programs will provide students with the hands-on training required to work directly with clients and provide them with the care they need. Whether you hope to become a physical therapist one day or you would prefer to work as an athletic trainer, either a kinesiology or exercise science degree program could help you learn to develop personalized exercise programs and care plans for clients.

Shared Goals in Promoting Health

Both kinesiology and exercise science programs have a shared goal of promoting public health and well-being. The Centers for Disease Control notes that physical activity has been proven time and again to help improve the physical health and emotional well-being of individuals, yet our society is relatively sedentary. Increasing physical activity rates in targeted populations is key to achieving health equity, and many students who pursue a degree in kinesiology or exercise science are passionate about encouraging others to stay physically fit and active.

Is Exercise Science a Good Major?

Exercise science is an excellent major for those interested in physical health and fitness who are passionate about helping others improve their well-being. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for exercise physiologists is expected to increase between 2022 and 2032, with about 1,700 new jobs being created each year in this field. Students who opt to pursue a health and fitness degree can feel confident in their choice, knowing there is a demand in the job market for individuals with their expertise.

Whether you want to help others recover after an injury or illness or want to work with individuals craving a personalized exercise regimen, you will find that this degree program prepares you for a dynamic and rewarding career.

Earn Your Health and Fitness Degree From Husson University

At Husson University, we pride ourselves on the fact that we offer online degree programs emphasizing skill development while providing our students with the academic foundation they need to launch their careers. Our new health and fitness degree program incorporates elements of both kinesiology and exercise science, providing students with a vast range of career possibilities. Request more information about our degree programs today.

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