The Kinesiology degree is based on exploring the human response to physiological stress caused by exercise. Students examine the relationship between health, wellness and physical activity to help people of all abilities start, maintain and improve an active lifestyle.  

 While one outlet of this degree is athletic performance, the Kinesiology degree at Briar Cliff is designed to prepare students for graduate studies in health care through the inclusion of physical and life sciences coursework.  

Briar Cliff also offers degrees in Human Performance and Human Performance and Management that provide different paths to careers in the sports performance and fitness industry.

• Know Your Professors: As a Kinesiology student at Briar Cliff, you will learn through hands-on experiences in small lab classes using industry-standard equipment and technology. Our full-time faculty teach all classes and labs from freshman through senior level and will help you realize your educational and career goals by getting to know you well. Our goal is your success.
• Experiential Learning: In the Kinesiology program, you will acquire at least 150 hours of experiential learning through practicum and internship classes, allowing you to explore different areas of exercise science and health care while providing service and gaining valuable clinical experience. Through these opportunities, important relationships are fostered that promote the Franciscan tradition of service, caring and openness to all.
• Prepare for Graduate School: The capstone of the Kinesiology degree at Briar Cliff is Advanced Anatomy Lab, a full semester human dissection lab led by our full-time anatomy professor. Through this unique class you will not only gain dissection skills and experience human anatomy in real life, but you will also learn the ethical behaviors and responsibilities that are expected in a human donor lab. This experience will optimally prepare you for any anatomy class you will encounter upon entering a graduate health program.