Health and Kinesiology

The Department of Health and Kinesiology’s mission is to keep people of all ages healthy and moving. From participating in innovative, student-driven research to leading community fitness programs, you’ll develop a strong understanding of human movement, sports performance and management, exercise and fitness and disease prevention. From undergraduate and graduate degree programs to online certifications, we’ll help you take your next giant leap across all stages of your career.

Undergraduate Program

The kinesiology major is designed for students interested in studying and researching human movement and sport. Many students in this major plan to attend graduate school or professional school to study kinesiology, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy or other allied health professions. Optional concentrations are available in clinical exercise physiology and sports medicine.

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Graduate Programs

Graduate students can choose to pursue a Master of Science (MS) and/or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), working with faculty members within five research training areas: athletic training education administration; biomechanics, motor control and motor development; exercise physiology; exercise psychology; and recreation and sport management.

Department Research

Faculty in the Department of Health and Kinesiology aim to understand both the benefits of human movement and the consequences of inactivity throughout the life span, whether they’re investigating balance in young children or exploring the relationship between exercise and chronic disease.

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department of Health and Kinesiology aims to foster a safe and welcoming environment that prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for all in our research, academic programs and community engagement activities. In addition to DEI opportunities within our academic programs, there are opportunities to join a variety of organizations that emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion, such as the American Kinesiology Association, American Society of Biomechanics and the American College of Sports Medicine.

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Community Resources

Through our outreach programs — the A.H. Ismail Center for Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine; Exercise is Medicine on Campus; Purdue Athletes Life Success (PALS) Program; and the Physical Education Homeschool Program — we work to partner with individuals and organizations to build the foundations for healthy and productive lives.


“Three core beliefs shape and give life to the Department of Health and Kinesiology’s pursuit of excellence: commitment to discovery, mutual respect, and intellectual and sociocultural diversity.”


Health and Kinesiology Directory

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Health and Kinesiology Newsletter

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Contact Us

Tim Gavin

Department Head

Christy Daugherty

Graduate Program Coordinator

Connect with Us!

Prospective undergraduate students may register for a session online, email questions to HHSRecruitment@purdue.edu or call the Office of Student Services at (765) 494-8533. Prospective graduate students may email hkgrad@purdue.edu.

Contact Us

Purdue University
Department of Health and Kinesiology
Lambert Fieldhouse
800 West Stadium Avenue
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2046

(765) 494-3170

(765) 496-1239