Kinesiology—Physical Activity and Coaching

Kinesiology—Physical Activity and Coaching

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Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Physical Activity and Coaching

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Prepares you to become a leader in sport instruction, team leadership, youth development and physical activity promotion

02

Equips you with knowledge in motor learning, sport psychology, pedagogy and performance evaluation

03

Prepares you for real-world coaching roles and helps you develop leadership, communication and instructional skills

04

Focuses on the science and art of coaching, including techniques for teaching motor skills, promoting teamwork, building athlete confidence and managing effective practice environments

05

Empowers you to make a lasting impact in athletic, school and community-based physical activity settings

Core
Skills

  • A solid foundation in kinesiology, including exercise science, motor behavior and human movement
  • Training in physical activity promotion and program design for individuals, schools and community-based populations
  • Experience leading physical activity sessions, coaching youth or adult sports, and working in real-world environments through internships and fieldwork

Sample
Jobs

  • School or Youth Sports Coach
  • Recreation or Camp Director
  • Collegiate Coach
  • Youth Sports Program Leader
  • Physical Education Instructor

Successful Career Outcomes

MSU kinesiology students have a 95% successful career outcome rate 2023-24 First Destination Survey Report

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Careers that support athletic instruction, youth development and physical activity promotion
  • High school or college athletic departments
  • Recreational sports and activities organizations

Brag
Points

  • Allows you to tailor your degree toward teaching, coaching, recreation or sport management pathways
  • Offers flexibility for you to customize your academic path based on interests

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Hands-on experience designing drills, leading warm-ups, teaching skills and managing group activity sessions

Volunteering with youth sports programs, schools and after-school initiatives

Kinesiology Student Ambassadors

 

Kinesiology—Physical Activity and Coaching

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Physical Activity and Coaching

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

General Ed Curriculum
MA 1313 - College Algebra
BIO 1004 or KI 2304 - Anatomy and Physiology or The Science of Health, Fitness, and Sport
CH 1043 - Survey of Chemistry I
EP 2013 - Fundamentals of Kinesiology

2nd Year

General Ed Curriculum
EP 3304 - Exercise Physiology
PSS 2113 - Introduction to Turfgrass Science

3rd Year

Emphasis Area Courses
PE 4283 - Sport Biomechanics 
EP 4153 - Training Techniques for Exercise and Sport

4th Year

Internship

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Join clubs/organizations through Cowbell Connect.

2nd Year

Get involved in local youth sports. Look for opportunities to get involved at the Sanderson Center on campus.

3rd Year

Look for opportunities to coach in on- or off-campus sports. Explore summer job and internship opportunities.

4th Year

Complete an internship.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Get involved in community physical activity events like MSU Adapted Swim Camp, parks and recreation, and Boys and Girls Club.

2nd Year

Continue volunteering in the community. Attend community sports events.

3rd Year

Look for leadership roles in community sports/leagues (including officiating). Begin networking with community leaders.

4th Year

Join and network with LinkedIn groups. 

Explore the World

1st Year

Explore study abroad opportunities at MSU. 

2nd Year

Attend a study abroad fair or self-enroll in the free Study Abroad 101 Canvas course.

3rd Year

Consider an international internship or study abroad opportunity.

4th Year

Network with professionals from international sports leagues and recreational organizations. Take advantage of study abroad opportunities.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Meet with your advisor for guidance and identify your Career Center liaison. Explore the Career Center website. Job shadow professionals in potential career paths to begin developing the skills needed for success.

2nd Year

Connect with professionals and alumni to learn from their experiences. Schedule a meeting with your advisor or the Career Center for additional support and guidance. Attend Career Center events, workshops and information sessions. Create/update your resume tailored to your accomplishments and skills.

3rd Year

Work with your advisor to identify potential field experience opportunities. Build transferable skills by taking on leadership roles in student organizations and other activities. Develop an action plan for post-graduation goals. Participate in mock interviews. Begin researching/applying to graduate schools.

4th Year

Finalize plans for graduate school and/or employment. Collaborate with your advisor to fine-tune a strong resume and participate in workshops to enhance your interview skills. Meet with your Career Center liaison about job search strategies, navigating job offers, etc. Apply for jobs or graduate schools.

Alumni
Success

Our alumni build careers in coaching and recreation roles within sport environments. Graduates lead community-based programs in parks and recreation systems, tourism and outdoor settings, recreation camps, YMCA and YWCA facilities, and youth sport organizations. Other graduates focus on more competitive sports settings including club, travel and collegiate teams.

Student
Testimonial

"Attending Mississippi State has always been a huge dream of mine, and it has truly become home for me. The PACO concentration at MSU has given me the knowledge, hands-on experience and mentorship needed to grow my leadership, communication and coaching skills. The professors truly invest in you and prepare you to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I am so grateful to be part of a program that helps prepare you for the real world while also making the journey unforgettable. Forever thankful to be a Bulldog!
- Katelynn King
Physical Activity and Coaching | Fulton, Mississippi

Learn More

CurriculumPlan of StudyDepartment of Kinesiology WebsiteCollege of Education WebsiteApply to MSU