Program Details
Kinesiology & Health Sciences - Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of ArtsWilliam & Mary
Kinesiology & Health Sciences prepares students for a wide variety of academic and professional pursuits in fields that specialize in human body movement and its effect on human health. An emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion in society is opening opportunities in a variety of health related areas including physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistants, nursing, public health, medicine, nutrition, aging studies, and sports related fields. Our department’s focus is to prepare undergraduate students for post-graduate education and subsequent professional careers in those fields. Since ours is exclusively a baccalaureate degree awarding department, all of our teaching and research efforts are dedicated to our undergraduate students.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | The Kinesiology degree at William & Mary is aimed at providing students a well-rounded education in human physiology, nutrition, and public health. Students that graduate from this program are well prepared to enter various professional programs in the Allied Health fields, such as nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Additionally, students from the department may choose to pursue a Master of Public Health degree or Master of Dietetics. A Kinesiology degree is also a wonderful compliment to the pre-requisite courses for those who wish to enter medical school post-graduation, as the degree focuses on the physiology of the human body and the health system works to provide care for those who are ill. Additionally, due to many research opportunities, students from the department have been successful at procuring career opportunities in scientific research, including with the NIH. This well-rounded program provides a basis for those who wish to work in clinical settings, research settings, or who wish to pursue opportunities in health settings outside of the clinical realm. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students should seek to complete Introductory Biology and Human Anatomy and Physiology prior to transfer. These courses would be equivalent to William & Mary’s BIOL 203/204 and KINE 303+315 and KINE 304+305, respectively. This will satisfy the pre-requisite courses for most of the Kinesiology courses at William & Mary. Additionally, students may wish to take an introductory Public Health or Nutrition course so that they are positioned to take upper level courses within the Kinesiology major post-transfer. Students who seek to enter the health professions after graduating from William & Mary should consider taking General Chemistry prior to transfer. This is equivalent to CHEM 103 and CHEM 208 at William & Mary. Most graduate programs require at least a year of chemistry, and taking such pre-transfer will allow students to pursue enrollment in upper level chemistry courses post-transfer. Additionally, students should also consider taking General Physics prior to transfer, as it is also a common pre-requisite for graduate school entry. These courses would be the equivalent of PHYS 107 and 108 at William & Mary. Students interested in medical school may also wish to purse Organic Chemistry prior to transfer, as this will allow them to take Biochemistry once at William & Mary.
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights | The vast majority of Kinesiology students, including transfer students, are able to complete their degrees within a four-year period. For transfer students, this includes time prior to entering the university. Students are well positioned post-graduation to matriculate into graduate programs, with our students being accepted in doctoral and masters programs in the allied health fields and into research programs to pursue advanced degrees in diverse fields, including Public Health and Physiology. Each year, a great number Kinesiology students graduate with institutional honors. Many of our students also participate in undergraduate research in order to earn departmental honors as well. The pre-professional advisors for the Allied Health fields are faculty within the Kinesiology Department, allowing students to work with these individuals to formulate a plan for their coursework in the major but also for their path to graduate education. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between William & Mary and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | If you are applying to W&M as a true transfer student, meaning you have graduated from high school AND have at least one full time semester in college SINCE your high school graduation, AND you have earned an Associates of Arts, Associate of Sciences, or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in a baccalaureate-oriented program from the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College you are granted junior academic status (you'll get at least 54 transfer credits). You will also have some of our general education requirements met via your Associates degree. An associate's degree in General Studies is not considered a baccalaureate-oriented program, unless approved as such by the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia. Students transferring (not new freshmen) who have earned an Associates degree after their High School graduation date, with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences, or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in a baccalaureate-oriented program from the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College are granted junior academic status (defined as at least 54 credits). An associate's degree in General Studies is not considered a baccalaureate-oriented program, unless approved as such by the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students entering as new freshmen, who have earned an Associates degree concurrent with their High School graduation date, will NOT have the same guarantees as a Transfer student who has earned an Associates degree post their High School graduation date. |
Credit for Prior Learning | William & Mary does accept as transfer credit, credit for prior learning. Please check out this webpage to view the places where we do award transfer credit. https://www.wm.edu/offices/registrar/studentsandalumni/transfercredit/apib/index.php |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | Answer these questions to help you decide if William & Mary is right for you! Do you want to go to school in a small-ish town, but has easily accessible larger cities nearby (like Washington DC, Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach)? Do you want to conduct research with a factulty member as an undergraduate? Do you want to have (mostly) small class sizes? Do you want to take part in service activities? Do you want to have fun, like take part in the "Seventh Grade Comedy Club", or participate in club sports and organizations? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then William & Mary might be right for you. Our students work hard and play hard. Be sure to dig deep into our web page to find out more about all there is to learn and do at W&M! |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. Https://catalog.wm.edu |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.wm.edu/admission/undergraduateadmission/how-to-apply/transfers/vccs_students/index.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Coaching | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Coaching | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies - Specialization in Health & PE | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Health Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Kinesiology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Life Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Sports Management | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Health and Wellness | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Physcial Education Teacher Licensure | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Health and Exercise Science Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Health and Physical Education Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Exercise Studies: Coaching and Sport Performance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Exercise Studies: Health and Fitness | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Human Performance (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Human Performance: Sports Management (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Health and Physical Education Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Health and Physical Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
27-2021.00 | Athletes and Sports Competitors | Compete in athletic events. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-2022.00 | Coaches and Scouts | Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
39-9031.00 | Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
25-1193.00 | Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete
