Join the movement

Powered by a community of over 1,200 Cyclones dedicated to careers in health-related professions, kinesiology and health combines academic rigor with hands-on experience that will prepare you for your future career.

Kinesiology and health is one of the largest majors at Iowa State with students preparing for future careers in health-related professions grounded in the study of biological and behavioral aspects of human movement. Many health-related professionals work with people. It’s why your education in kinesiology and health will combine the coursework to power your career and the hands-on practice you need to apply what you learn.

Choose Your Option

As a kinesiology and health major, you’ll choose an option that aligns with your future career goals. Explore the options and connect with us to help answer questions and choose your path.

  • Pre-Health Professions

    Prepare for future health professional school in chiropractic, dentistry, human medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant

  • Exercise Science

    You can specialize in the scientific study of how the body responds and adapts to various types of exercise. You’ll graduate prepared for roles in cardiac rehabilitation centers, health clubs, sports enhancement facilities, and other organizations that focus on human movement.

  • Community and Public Health

    If you enjoy helping people live healthier lives, this option focuses on community and public health programming. You’ll be prepared to work with agencies that offer community health services and education.

  • Physical Activity and Health Promotion

    If creating healthier environments in society is your passion, the physical activity and health promotion option may be for you. Curriculum covers behavioral and physiological aspects of physical activity and nutrition.

  • Physical Education, Teacher Education

    You’ll graduate prepared to teach physical education (PE) at the elementary, middle, and high-school levels. We also offer endorsements in health education and coaching.

Hands-On Experience

Kinesiology and health students gain hands-on experience through coursework and internships. You can explore their stories – in their own words – through our Career Connections web page.

Study Abroad

Take your education abroad! There are many options for students in the Department of Kinesiology and Health that will further your academic and career goals.

Facilities

Our 90,000-square-foot facility is home to classrooms, teaching labs, physical activity areas, and well-equipped research spaces where undergraduates routinely work with researchers who are changing the world through health and wellness research studies.