The Kinesiology curricula are designed to prepare students for careers in medicine (pre-med) and allied health sciences (e.g., pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy). The foci of the programs of study include an understanding of human physiological, psychological, and biomechanical function and performance, as well as the impact of age, injury and/or disease on normal human function and performance. The program is unique in that the focus of the work is specifically on humans. This makes the degree program particularly attractive to Medical Schools, Physical Therapy Schools, and the like.

The Kinesiology Program offers five individual tracks whereby student can also receive minors in these areas with the appropriate successful completion of coursework and proper registration of degrees. (Note: Kinesiology Majors cannot receive a minor in Exercise Science if their chosen Track is Exercise Science).

Certification Opportunities

Kinesiology students are also encouraged to sit for various national certifications offered by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  Certifications prove exceptionally useful for future career endeavors. One goal of the department is for all students not only to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree but to also graduate having successfully completed a nationally recognized certification. This choice is left up to the student as to what certification best fits their career path.  Regardless, the addition of a nationally recognized certification will always enhance a student’s success in whatever field they chose to pursue.

Student Success

Kinesiology students who take advantage of program offerings and participate in extracurricular activity (e.g. NMSU Kinesiology Club) have been accepted into some of the best schools in the nation.   A large majority of our students have been accepted to medical school, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic medicine, graduate school and even law school whereas others pursue the workforce in allied health fields.