Best institutions to study Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
A general program that focuses on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals.
370 U.S. institutions graduated 12,973 Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 31.0501, a specialization of Sports (CIP 31.05), and leads most directly to the Athletes and Sports Competitors occupation (BLS SOC 27-2021).
About Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness programs
A general program that focuses on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals. Includes instruction in human movement studies, motivation studies, rules and practice of specific sports, exercise and fitness principles and techniques, basic athletic injury prevention and treatment, and organizing and leading fitness and sports programs.
See also: 13.1314 - Physical Education Teaching and Coaching., 51.0001 - Health and Wellness, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Sports program, officially titled Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General, focuses on promoting physical fitness and athletic excellence. It is designed for individuals interested in understanding the principles of human movement, fitness, and sports management. This program is suitable for those looking to pursue careers in various sports-related fields.
Learn more about Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness →
Students in this program will gain knowledge in human movement studies, exercise principles, injury prevention, and the organization of fitness programs. Key skills include critical thinking, communication, and active learning, which are essential for success in the sports and fitness industry.
Credentials awarded
What Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree8,938 graduates / yr · 211 institutions69%
- Associate's degree2,336 graduates / yr · 110 institutions18%
- Master's degree970 graduates / yr · 62 institutions7.5%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year351 graduates / yr · 37 institutions2.7%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years269 graduates / yr · 13 institutions2.1%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate57 graduates / yr · 9 institutions0.4%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship23 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.2%
- Award of less than 12 weeks18 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.1%
- Post-master's certificate11 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.1%
Graduates over time
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 10,902 |
| 2013 | 12,601 |
| 2014 | 13,066 |
| 2015 | 12,975 |
| 2016 | 13,409 |
| 2017 | 14,167 |
| 2018 | 14,307 |
| 2019 | 14,088 |
| 2020 | 13,947 |
| 2021 | 13,787 |
| 2022 | 13,191 |
| 2023 | 12,652 |
| 2024 | 12,477 |
| 2025 | 12,973 |
Top 50 institutions for Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 610 | 70% | — | $23,543 |
| 2 | San Diego State University San Diego, CAPublicBachelor's | 381 | 76% | — | $26,327 |
| 3 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 370 | 57% | — | $27,952 |
| 4 | Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 345 | 45% | — | $19,869 |
| 5 | College of the Canyons Santa Clarita, CAPublicAssociate's | 320 | 45% | — | — |
| 6 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NCPublicBachelor's | 294 | 91% | — | $31,165 |
| 7 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 292 | 69% | — | $22,148 |
| 8 | California State University - Sacramento Sacramento, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 285 | 56% | — | $31,901 |
| 9 | San Jose State University San Jose, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 259 | 69% | — | — |
| 10 | California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CAPublicBachelor's | 252 | 55% | — | $29,143 |
| 11 | California State University - San Marcos San Marcos, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 248 | 55% | — | $26,203 |
| 12 | California State University - Fresno Fresno, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 240 | 57% | — | $26,931 |
| 13 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 235 | 45% | — | $31,905 |
| 14 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 216 | 68% | — | $28,364 |
| 15 | Connors State College Warner, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 214 | 36% | — | — |
| 16 | California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 209 | 53% | — | $28,687 |
| 17 | Cabrillo College Aptos, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 198 | 38% | — | $38,985 |
| 18 | San Francisco State University San Francisco, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 170 | 50% | — | $26,176 |
| 19 | West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PAPublicBachelor's | 148 | 71% | — | — |
| 20 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WVPublicBachelor's | 147 | 65% | — | $30,145 |
| 21 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 141 | 80% | — | $35,955 |
| 22 | Brigham Young University Provo, UTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sDoctoral | 136 | 81% | $13,712 | $25,253 |
| 23 | California State University - Dominguez Hills Carson, CAPublicBachelor's | 128 | 43% | — | $25,349 |
| 24 | University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAssociate's | 127 | 50% | $11,672 | $31,401 |
| 25 | University of Massachusetts - Boston Boston, MAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 126 | 49% | — | $37,703 |
| 26 | Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, PAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 124 | 56% | — | $31,311 |
| 27 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 121 | 80% | $35,682 | $33,921 |
| 28 | California State University - Bakersfield Bakersfield, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 111 | 50% | — | — |
| 29 | Shasta College Redding, CAPublicAssociate's | 110 | 23% | — | — |
| 30 | William & Mary Williamsburg, VAPublicBachelor's | 110 | 89% | — | $27,114 |
| 31 | California State University - Monterey Bay Seaside, CAPublicBachelor's | 106 | 59% | — | $29,929 |
| 32 | California State University - East Bay Hayward, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 105 | 48% | — | $33,189 |
| 33 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 105 | 65% | — | $35,165 |
| 34 | Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TNPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 100 | 58% | — | $33,170 |
| 35 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitMaster's | 96 | 57% | $10,199 | $51,381 |
| 36 | Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TNPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 91 | 40% | — | $31,846 |
| 37 | Blinn College District Brenham, TXPublicAssociate's | 90 | 11% | — | — |
| 38 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 89 | 68% | — | $32,709 |
| 39 | Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CAPublicBachelor's | 85 | 58% | — | $33,022 |
| 40 | East Central University Ada, OKPublicBachelor's | 84 | 34% | — | $29,616 |
| 41 | Riverside City College Riverside, CAPublicAssociate's | 83 | 37% | — | $25,516 |
| 42 | Eastern Oregon University La Grande, ORPublicBachelor's | 82 | 43% | — | $32,584 |
| 43 | University of Louisville Louisville, KYPublicBachelor's | 81 | 61% | — | $33,241 |
| 44 | The University of Tennessee - Martin Martin, TNPublicBachelor's | 81 | 53% | — | $30,587 |
| 45 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CAPublicBachelor's | 76 | 86% | — | $30,472 |
| 46 | Coastal Bend College Beeville, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 76 | 25% | — | — |
| 47 | Howard University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 73 | 70% | $48,194 | $30,733 |
| 48 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, NCPublicBachelor's | 72 | 44% | — | $25,623 |
| 49 | California State University - Chico Chico, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 69 | 63% | — | $28,236 |
| 50 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster's | 69 | 75% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Sports field (CIP 31.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 50 states & territories
Where Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness graduates come from. Each state links to all Sports programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-2021, Athletes and Sports Competitors, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Sports program can pursue careers as athletes, coaches, or fitness instructors. The job outlook for related occupations is faster than average, with an annual growth rate of 5.5% and approximately 2,100 openings each year. The median wage in this field is $62,360, with many positions requiring no formal educational credential.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 31.0501
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Athletes and Sports Competitorsprimary SOC 27-2021 | $66,710 | +5.5% Faster than average | ~2,100 | No formal educational credential |
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors SOC 39-9031 | $47,160 | +11.9% Much faster than average | ~74,200 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Coaches and Scouts SOC 27-2022 | $47,320 | +6.4% Faster than average | ~41,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1193 | $77,270 | +2.4% About as fast as average | ~1,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.
- Maintain equipment used in a particular sport.
- Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.
- Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.
- Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.
- Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.
Tools and technology used
Other Sports specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Sports (CIP 31.05).
- Exercise Science and KinesiologyCIP 31.050532,855 graduates / yr823 institutions
- Sport and Fitness Administration/CIP 31.0504
Management 18,633 graduates / yr666 institutions - Physical Fitness TechnicianCIP 31.05071,451 graduates / yr118 institutions
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/CIP 31.0599
Fitness 1,040 graduates / yr64 institutions - Sports StudiesCIP 31.0508545 graduates / yr47 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or a Master's degree, among other certifications.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in speaking, critical thinking, and active learning, among others.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can become an athlete, coach, exercise trainer, or a recreation and fitness studies teacher.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with about 2,100 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness?+
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness is CIP 31.0501 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Sports (CIP 31.05). NCES defines it as: A general program that focuses on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals. Includes instruction in human movement studies, motivation studies, rules and practice of specific sports, exercise and fitness principles and techniques, basic athletic injury prevention and treatment, and organizing and leading fitness and sports programs.
How many institutions offer Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness programs?+
370 U.S. institutions reported Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 50 states & territories, awarding 12,973 credentials in the year. That is 19.2% of all Sports graduates.
How much do Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Athletes and Sports Competitors occupation, which Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness most directly leads to, pays a median of $66,710 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Sports field report median earnings of $30,314 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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