Kinesiology, the study of human movement, encompasses various disciplines such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, and sports psychology. For those holding a PhD in Kinesiology, the career landscape is vast and filled with opportunities that are both intellectually rewarding and impactful. This article explores the top kinesiology occupations for new doctoral graduates, delving into the reasons these roles are attractive, their potential for career growth, job security, and typical daily duties.
1. University Professor
Becoming a university professor is a prestigious and rewarding career path for kinesiology graduates. This role allows individuals to engage in teaching, research, and service to the academic community. Professors have the opportunity to shape the next generation of professionals while pursuing their research interests.
Career Growth
Academic careers offer a structured progression from assistant professor to associate professor, and finally, full professor. Tenure-track positions provide job security and opportunities for academic freedom. Additionally, professors can assume administrative roles such as department chair or dean, which further enhances career growth.
Job Security
Tenure-track positions, once secured, offer significant job security. The demand for kinesiology educators is steady, given the increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity and health.
Typical Daily Duties
- Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses
- Conducting and publishing research
- Advising and mentoring students
- Securing research funding through grants
- Participating in academic committees and conferences
2. Research Scientist
For those passionate about advancing the field of kinesiology through research, a career as a research scientist is ideal. These professionals work in various settings, including universities, research institutes, government agencies, and private industry. If you have a kinesiology degree, you may be interested in furthering the field through research.
Career Growth
Research scientists can progress to senior researcher positions, principal investigators, or directors of research programs. Their work can lead to significant contributions to public health policies and practices, providing a sense of accomplishment and impact.
Job Security
Job security in research is often linked to the ability to secure funding. However, with a PhD, individuals have a competitive edge in obtaining grants and fellowships. Positions in government agencies and established research institutions tend to offer more stability.
Typical Daily Duties
- Designing and conducting experiments
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Publishing research findings in scientific journals
- Collaborating with other researchers and institutions
- Writing grant proposals to secure funding
3. Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Clinical exercise physiologists work in healthcare settings, helping patients improve their health through exercise programs. This role is ideal for those who wish to apply their graduate degree knowledge directly to patient care and contribute to improving public health outcomes.
Career Growth
Career growth can lead to supervisory or managerial positions within clinical settings. Some may choose to specialize further or engage in research related to clinical exercise physiology.
Job Security
With the growing emphasis on preventative healthcare and the management of chronic diseases, the demand for clinical exercise physiologists is increasing, providing robust job security.
Typical Daily Duties
- Assessing patients’ fitness levels and health conditions
- Developing personalized exercise programs
- Monitoring patients’ progress and adjusting programs as needed
- Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers
- Educating patients about the benefits of physical activity
4. Sports Scientist
Sports scientists work with athletes and sports teams to enhance performance and reduce injury risks. This career in sports is perfect for those who have a passion for sports or exercise science and wish to work closely with athletes.
Career Growth
Sports scientists can advance to senior roles within sports organizations, lead research and development teams, or become consultants for elite sports teams and governing bodies.
Job Security
The field of sports science is continually evolving, and there is a consistent demand for professionals who can provide evidence-based insights to improve athletic performance. Job security is strong, particularly with professional sports teams and organizations.
Typical Daily Duties
- Conducting performance assessments
- Analyzing biomechanics and physiology data
- Designing training and recovery programs
- Collaborating with coaches, fitness instructors, and medical staff
- Researching new techniques and technologies in sports science
5. Corporate Wellness Director
Corporate wellness directors develop and manage programs that promote health and well-being among employees. This role is ideal for those who want to make a positive impact on workplace health and productivity.
Career Growth
Career growth opportunities include moving into higher-level management positions within corporate health departments or transitioning to consulting roles. The field also offers opportunities to work with diverse organizations and industries.
Job Security
As companies increasingly recognize the value of employee wellness programs, the demand for skilled wellness directors is rising, offering good job security.
Typical Daily Duties
- Designing and implementing wellness programs
- Conducting health assessments and screenings
- Organizing fitness and nutrition workshops
- Analyzing program effectiveness and making improvements
- Coordinating with external health professionals and vendors
6. Biomechanist
Biomechanists study the mechanics of human movement and apply this knowledge to improve performance and reduce injuries. This role is ideal for those with a strong interest in physics, engineering, and human anatomy.
Career Growth
Biomechanists can progress to senior research positions, lead biomechanics labs, or work in product development for sports and medical equipment companies. Academic roles are also an option, allowing for a combination of research and teaching.
Job Security
The demand for biomechanists is growing in various sectors, including sports, healthcare, and rehabilitation, ensuring good job security. Their expertise is essential for developing new technologies and improving existing ones.
Typical Daily Duties
- Conducting motion analysis studies
- Developing models to simulate human movement
- Collaborating with engineers and product designers
- Publishing research findings
- Consulting with sports teams and healthcare providers
7. Strength and Conditioning Coach
Strength and conditioning coaches collaborate with athletes to improve their physical performance and reduce the risk of injury. This role is ideal for those who have a passion for fitness and athletic training.
Career Growth
Career growth opportunities include moving into head coaching positions, working with professional sports teams, or becoming a director of strength and conditioning programs. Many coaches also choose to open their own training facilities for increased earnings.
Job Security
The demand for strength and conditioning coaches is robust, especially in collegiate and professional sports. Job security is solid, with many opportunities for employment across different levels of sport. This type of athletic trainer is highly sought after in the sports industry.
Typical Daily Duties
- Designing and implementing training programs
- Conducting fitness assessments
- Monitoring athletes’ progress
- Collaborating with other coaching staff and medical professionals
- Educating athletes on proper training techniques
8. Sports Medicine Physician
Sports medicine physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries. This role is perfect for those who want to combine their medical knowledge with a passion for sports.
Career Growth
Sports medicine physicians can advance to senior roles within medical practices, become team doctors for professional sports teams, or lead sports medicine clinics. They may also engage in research or teaching within medical schools.
Job Security
With the increasing participation in sports and physical activities, the demand for sports medicine physicians is high, providing strong job security.
Typical Daily Duties
- Diagnosing and treating sports injuries
- Developing rehabilitation programs
- Performing physical examinations
- Providing medical advice on injury prevention
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals
9. Sports Nutritionist
Sports nutritionists work with athletes to optimize their dietary intake for performance and recovery. This role is perfect for those who have a passion for nutrition and sports.
Career Growth
Sports nutritionists can advance to senior roles within sports organizations, work with professional athletes, or become directors of nutrition programs. They may also engage in research or teaching.
Job Security
The emphasis on nutrition in sports and general health ensures a consistent demand for sports nutritionists, providing solid job security.
Typical Daily Duties
- Developing individualized nutrition plans
- Conducting dietary assessments
- Educating athletes on proper nutrition
- Monitoring and adjusting dietary plans
- Collaborating with coaches and medical staff
10. Athletic Director
Athletic directors oversee the athletic programs at educational institutions, managing budgets, coordinating events, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role is ideal for those who have strong leadership skills and a passion for sports administration.
Career Growth
Athletic directors can progress to senior administrative roles within educational institutions, such as vice president or dean of student affairs. They can also transition to similar roles within professional sports organizations.
Job Security
The demand for athletic directors is steady, particularly in high schools and colleges where sports programs are integral to student life. This ensures good job security.
Typical Daily Duties
- Managing athletic department budgets
- Coordinating sports events and schedules
- Hiring and supervising coaching staff
- Ensuring compliance with athletic regulations
- Promoting athletic programs within the community
11. Rehabilitation Specialist
Rehabilitation specialists collaborate with patients recovering from injuries or surgeries, helping them regain their physical abilities. This role is ideal for those who want to apply their kinesiology knowledge in a clinical setting to aid patient recovery.
Career Growth
Rehabilitation specialists can advance to supervisory roles, manage rehabilitation programs, or specialize in specific types of rehabilitation, such as cardiac or orthopedic. Some may also pursue research or teaching positions.
Job Security
The growing focus on rehabilitation and physical therapy in healthcare ensures a steady demand for rehabilitation specialists, providing solid job security.
Typical Daily Duties
- Assessing patients’ physical conditions
- Developing and implementing rehabilitation plans
- Monitoring patients’ progress
- Collaborating with other healthcare providers
- Educating patients on recovery exercises and techniques
12. Human Performance Consultant
Human performance consultants work with organizations to enhance the performance and well-being of their employees. This role is ideal for those who want to apply their kinesiology expertise to improve productivity and health in the workplace.
Career Growth
Human performance consultants can advance to senior consulting roles, manage consulting teams, or establish their own consulting firms. They may also transition into corporate wellness or human resources roles.
Job Security
The increasing recognition of the importance of employee health and performance ensures a steady demand for human performance consultants, providing good job security.
Typical Daily Duties
- Assessing organizational performance needs
- Developing and implementing performance improvement programs
- Conducting workshops and training sessions
- Monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness
- Collaborating with organizational leaders and employees
Kinesiology Career Options Are Endless
For new doctoral graduates in kinesiology, the career opportunities are both diverse and rewarding. A doctoral degree in kinesiology prepares graduates for a variety of potential careers. Whether one’s passion lies in academia, research, clinical practice, sports, corporate wellness, biomechanics, or sports nutrition, there is a fitting role that offers growth, job security, and the chance to make a meaningful impact. Each of these career paths leverages the advanced knowledge and skills obtained through graduate school, ensuring that graduates can contribute significantly to the field of human movement and health.
Earn Your Kinesiology Degree Online from CSP Global
CSP Global offers fully online doctoral programs in kinesiology that enhance your skills and knowledge to support career advancement.
Our kinesiology programs are designed to prepare graduates for the kinesiology careers mentioned along with a myriad of others. PhD graduates can pursue careers in kinesiology working in fitness centers, medical facilities, research centers, and more. With four emphasis options, students can specialize in their chosen area.
If you’re ready to further your education on your own schedule, contact us to learn more or apply now! Pursue a rewarding career in kinesiology with CSP Global.