Penn State - College of Health and Human Development
What is Health and Human Development?

Diverse fields of study that share one
common goal: enriching the lives of others.

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Kinesiology

Student doing an health assessment at the health center

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Studying the science of human movement to improve an individual’s physical activity, health, and wellness through prevention, treatment, coaching, or rehabilitation

You might like this program if you

  • Enjoy working with a diverse group of people. 

  • Are passionate for health and wellness and want to share that with others. 

  • Have solid communication and interpersonal skills. 

  • Value experiential learning. 

  • Want to address physical problems through an interdisciplinary understanding of human health and wellness. 

Options

Movement Science

This option focuses on understanding how human movement, physical activity, and biomedical research relate to the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. This option prepares students for acceptance into graduate school for allied health, medicine, and kinesiology sub-disciplines

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Applied Exercise and Health

This option focuses on courses and practical experiences in preparation to become certified as an exercise physiologist, a strength and conditioning coach, or a physical and health education teacher.

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Types of classes you’ll take

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Sports History
  • Biomechanics
  • Ethics
  • Psychology of Movement

Possible careers

Movement Science Option

  • Physician Assistant
  • Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy
  • Physical Therapy 
  • Occupational Therapy 
  • Chiropractic Medicine
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation 

Applied Exercise and Health Option

  • K-12 Health and Physical Education Teaching
  • Coaching Youth, Interscholastic, Intercollegiate Sports
  • Corporate Wellness Programs
  • Fitness Facilities 
  • Health Promotion
  • Public Health
Major
Minor
Student Profiles
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Whatever your interests, whichever direction you want to go—business, science, medicine, healthcare, social science—the Penn State College of Health and Human Development has programs and options that lead to a future where you can do good work, and work while doing good.

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Health and Human Development
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Biobehavioral Health Communication Sciences and Disorders Health Policy and Administration Hospitality Management Human Development and Family Studies Kinesiology Nutritional Sciences Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
About
Overview
History
Strategic Plans
Profiles
Employers and Industry
Donate
Undergraduate
Getting Started
Honors Programs
Advising
Student Profiles
Student Organizations
Financial Aid
Visit and Apply
Graduate
Degree Options
Faculty and Research
Student Council
Career
Funding
Visit and Apply
Alumni
Get Involved
Update Info
News and Events
Alumni Profiles
Magazine
Career Opportunities
Donate
Research
Expertise
Funding
Centers
Contact
Administration
Alumni Relations
Graduate
Social Media
Student Resource
Undergraduate
Departments
Biobehavioral Health
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Health Policy and Administration
Hospitality Management
Human Development and Family Studies
Kinesiology
Nutritional Sciences
Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management