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Biokinetics is about more than exercise. It’s about using science to promote healthy lives.

The biokinetics major will prepare you to be an applied scientist who can address a wide range of health needs related to lifestyle, aging, physical performance, and inactivity. You’ll examine human biological systems and their reaction to stressors on the body in order to develop strategies for preventing disease and injury, improving physical performance, and increasing quality of life.

Majors, Minors, and Programs

Biokinetics (B.S.) Major

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APR 6 2024

Understanding Creation: A Christian Reflection on Artificial Intelligence

8:30 a.m. Anderson Center Community Room

The annual faith/science mini-conference, co-hosted by Bethel University and Crown College, will explore a Christian perspective on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

APR 20 2024

BUFF (Bethel University Fun and Fitness) Camp

9 a.m. Sports and Recreation Center (SRC)

K-5 students are invited to a FREE action-packed day of learning about healthy living and the way our bodies move!

MAY 11 2024

Science Research Symposium

1:30 p.m. Brushaber Commons Atrium

Come support and celebrate our Bethel Science students! Find out about their research and internships during their presentations at our Science Research symposium.

A Top Program, Defined by Faith

What is biokinetics?

“Bio” = study of life and living organisms
“kinetics” = (1) physics: study of bodies and system in motion and at rest and (2) chemistry: rate of chemical reactions

The name represents the deep cross-discipline nature of the major. The core curriculum includes courses from multiple natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology) and upper-level applied courses within the program to focus on the human system.

Bethel’s biokinetics program will prepare you to serve and lead as you promote health and wellness in all aspects of life. You'll participate in cutting-edge, award-winning research, collaborate with distinguished professors, and prepare for a wide range of careers through hands-on experience—all within a Christian learning environment. You'll learn how to take your faith in Christ and integrate it into everything you learn, so you can accomplish incredible things—in your career, in your community, and in your world.

Biokinetics students in the lab.

97%

recent graduates are employed or in graduate school

91%

of seniors rank their Bethel education as good or excellent

Program Highlights

Hands-on clinical experience

You’ll gain experience outside the typical classroom setting through teaching experiences, simulations, internships, and research in our student-run Exercise Medicine and Prevention Center.

Student community

You'll be encouraged to join the Bethel University Biokinetics Club. This group builds a sense of unity among students and faculty, providing a strong, supportive community of mentors and peers.

Award-winning student research

You'll collaborate with professors on original research projects that will prepare you for your career or graduate school.

State-of-the-art facilities

You'll have access to the latest hardware and software to study applied human physiology and anatomy.

Integrated academics

Your academic experience will include courses in a variety of disciplines, preparing you for a wide range of careers.

Faculty mentors

You'll build one-on-one relationships with professors who partner with and encourage you to pursue your professional goals and calling.

Job and grad school placement

Many alumni immediately enter careers in medicine, research, or health-related fields. Others go on to earn graduate degrees at universities and medical schools across the country.

The experiences and education that I received in the Biokinetics program at Bethel have been invaluable to me as a current full-time graduate student. I chose the Biokinetics program in order to be as fully prepared as possible. I wouldn't trade my undergraduate experience for anything.

The experiences and education that I received in the Biokinetics program at Bethel have been invaluable to me as a current full-time graduate student. I chose the Biokinetics program in order to be as fully prepared as possible. I wouldn't trade my undergraduate experience for anything.

Krista Nauman '12
Grad school: Bethel University Physician Assistant Program

What can I do with a biokinetics major?

Biokinetics majors prepare to promote health and wellness in a variety of settings, and are well equipped for graduate study in health-related fields.

Careers

Careers of biokinetics graduates:

  • Preventive medicine
  • Exercise physiologist
  • Health specialists
  • Human performance specialists
  • Research technician
  • Physical therapy aid
  • Wellness professional
  • Personal care attendant
  • Exercise therapist

Graduate Schools

Our alumni attend:

  • Mayo School of Health Sciences
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Illinois-Chicago
  • University of Colorado-Denver
  • Southwest Baptist University
  • Regis University
  • Stony Brook University
  • Pacific University
  • University of Miami
  • University of Florida
  • St. Catherine University
  • College of St. Scholastica
  • Bethel University Graduate School

Graduate Fields

Graduate fields our alumni go into:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Chiropractic
  • Medical
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Public Health
  • Biomedical