Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other.: The DTI for this program is 77.3%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $31369) to the average debt ($24252) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 77.3%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($31369) against the typical student debt ($24252), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $31369, and the average student debt is $24252, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.77—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 65385 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other (CIP 31.0599) is an interdisciplinary field focused on human movement, physical performance, health, and fitness across the lifespan. This category includes specialized or nontraditional programs that integrate exercise science, physical education, coaching, health promotion, and sport-related studies in ways that do not fit neatly into a single standard label. The emphasis is on understanding how the body moves, adapts, and performs—and how physical activity can be used to improve health, well-being, and performance in diverse populations.
For a degree search site, this CIP code represents flexibility and applied learning in one of the most universally relevant areas of human life: movement and physical health. It appeals to students who enjoy being active, working with people, and applying science in real-world settings. Careers connected to fitness, sports, education, rehabilitation, and wellness continue to grow as societies place more emphasis on preventive health, performance optimization, and lifelong physical activity.
What Is a Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Degree?
A Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness degree is an applied, science-informed program that studies physical activity, exercise, and movement from biological, psychological, and social perspectives. Programs under the “Other” designation typically offer customized concentrations or interdisciplinary blends that may include fitness science, coaching, adapted physical education, sport performance, or wellness leadership.
Rather than focusing only on athletics, this degree examines movement broadly, including:
- Exercise and physical fitness
- Motor learning and skill development
- Sport and athletic performance
- Physical education and instruction
- Health promotion and wellness
- Injury prevention and safe movement
Universities offer these programs to:
- Prepare professionals to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles
- Train coaches, educators, and fitness specialists
- Support pathways to graduate study in kinesiology, physical therapy, or health sciences
- Develop applied skills for community, school, and sport settings
This degree balances scientific foundations with hands-on practice.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how the human body responds to movement, training, and physical stress, and how physical activity affects health, learning, and performance. You’ll study both the science of movement and the practical methods used to teach, coach, and train individuals and groups.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Understanding human movement and biomechanics—how joints, muscles, and forces interact
- Exercise and fitness programming—designing safe, effective workouts
- Coaching and instruction—teaching skills and motivating participants
- Physical assessment—evaluating fitness, movement, and performance
- Health and wellness promotion—encouraging active lifestyles
- Injury prevention and safety—reducing risk during physical activity
- Communication and leadership—working with individuals and teams
- Applied problem-solving—adapting programs to diverse needs and abilities
These skills are transferable across education, fitness, sport, and health-related careers.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies widely depending on program focus, but commonly includes:
- Kinesiology: study of human movement
- Exercise Physiology: how the body responds to physical activity
- Biomechanics: forces and mechanics of movement
- Motor Learning and Development: how movement skills are acquired
- Sport and Exercise Psychology: motivation, focus, and performance
- Physical Education Methods: teaching movement and fitness
- Fitness and Conditioning: strength, endurance, and flexibility training
- Coaching Principles: leadership, ethics, and athlete development
- Health and Wellness Education: promoting lifelong physical activity
Many programs include practicum experiences, internships, or fieldwork.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness degree prepares students for people-centered, activity-focused careers. Some roles require certification, licensure, or graduate education.
Common career paths include:
- Fitness Trainer or Instructor: leading exercise programs
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: training athletes or teams
- Physical Education Teacher: teaching in school settings (with certification)
- Coach or Athletic Program Assistant: supporting sport teams
- Wellness or Health Promotion Coordinator: managing fitness initiatives
- Recreation or Sports Program Coordinator: organizing leagues and activities
- Exercise or Performance Specialist: supporting fitness or sport performance
- Graduate or Professional School Path: preparing for physical therapy, athletic training, or advanced kinesiology
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments centered on physical activity and health:
- Fitness centers and gyms
- Schools and educational institutions
- Sports teams and athletic organizations
- Community recreation programs
- Corporate wellness programs
- Health clubs, camps, and training facilities
- Nonprofit and youth sports organizations
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely by role, location, and credentials.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level fitness or recreation roles: often $35,000–$50,000
- Fitness trainers, coaches, or coordinators: commonly $45,000–$70,000
- Experienced coaches, managers, or specialists: often $70,000–$100,000+
Advanced certifications, graduate degrees, or leadership roles can significantly increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness is considered moderately challenging. It combines science-based coursework (anatomy, physiology, biomechanics) with hands-on practical learning. Students must balance academic study with physical activity, labs, and field experiences.
The difficulty often depends on comfort with science and consistent participation in applied coursework.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy physical activity and movement
- Like working with people and motivating others
- Are interested in health, fitness, or sports
- Prefer applied, hands-on learning
- Want a career promoting active and healthy lifestyles
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a sports, kinesiology, or fitness-focused program:
- Take biology and health courses
- Participate in sports, fitness, or physical activities
- Develop strong communication and leadership skills
- Learn basic anatomy or fitness principles
- Volunteer or work in coaching, camps, or recreation programs
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other (CIP 31.0599) is a versatile, people-focused degree for students who want to turn movement into meaningful impact. It prepares graduates to improve health, performance, and quality of life by helping individuals and communities move better, feel stronger, and live more active lives.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor