Christopher Cesario
PT, DPT, MBA
Clinical Professor; Associate Program Director Physical Therapy, Human Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences
YOU ARE BOUVÉ
The Kinesiology Program at Northeastern University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and optimizing human movement across the lifespan. Drawing on the tools of biomechanics, neuroscience, physiology, and rehabilitation science, students investigate how the body moves and how to restore, enhance, and sustain that movement in the face of injury, disease, and the demands of everyday life.
Rooted in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences’ mission to impact the health and well-being of the global community through interprofessional experiential education, translational research, and excellence in clinical practice, the program uniquely positions students at the intersection of movement science and clinical care. Our students gain valuable knowledge and experience through our hands-on approach, with deep connections to healthcare industry partners throughout the greater Boston area and beyond. Whether your goal is clinical practice, research, graduate study or launching your career, the kinesiology program prepares you to become a leader in the science and application of human movement.
Augmented and virtual reality tools are reshaping prevention, performance training, and rehabilitation. Students will engage with AI-powered gait and movement analysis, robotics-assisted therapy for neuromuscular relearning, and wearable smart sensor systems.
Your education will prepare you to pursue professional certifications such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and contribute to collaborative, evidence-based research.
Students can gain valuable research experience on campus by becoming a member of a campus research team. Examples include:
Kinesiology students will have the opportunity to complete at least one co-op (cooperative education) during their undergraduate curriculum. Utilizing our deep relationships within the Boston healthcare space, students will have the opportunity to do co-ops in a variety of roles and organizations, including:
The BS in Kinesiology is designed to position you competitively for a wide range of graduate and professional health programs, including:
Degree type:
– Bachelor of Science (BS) in Kinesiology
Study options:
– 4 years with 1 Co-op
– Boston, MA
Contact: [email protected]
How to Apply:
Learn about our application process.
DPT Guaranteed Acceptance:
Students interested in pursuing a DPT are guaranteed a place in Northeastern’s DPT program provided they meet academic requirements.
The BS in Kinesiology is designed to competitively position you for a wide range of graduate and professional health programs, including:
We offer a direct guaranteed acceptance* for Northeastern undergraduate students interested in continuing their studies in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. By working with your academic advisor and completing the BS Kinesiology degree, you fulfill all prerequisites for entry into the DPT program.
As a Northeastern undergraduate student, you may also be able to take advantage of the Double Husky Scholarship when enrolling in the DPT program, which offers a 25% tuition discount to students who already have a Northeastern degree.
*For guaranteed acceptance, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPA, complete the required prerequisite coursework and submit a resume, transcript, letter of reference and a personal statement.
Dr. Yen completed his postdoctoral fellowship in robotic rehabilitation at The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago/Northwestern University before joining Northeastern University as a faculty member. Dr. Yen’s research interests are in neuromechanics, motor control, and motor learning.
faculty spotlight
Please view the university’s academic catalog for full course details.
Please note course details will be available in the catalog fall, 2026.
The Kinesiology BS curriculum focuses on the scientific study of physiological and metabolic responses to energy expenditure, from rest to high-intensity exercise. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of skeletal anatomy, cellular muscle function, neurophysiology of motor control, and metabolic responses enables students to comprehend energy expenditure, injury, disease, and disability for the improvement of quality of life through functional movement.
Core requirements include, but are not limited to:
All prerequisite courses for the DPT are included in the Kinesiology curriculum.
Learning at Northeastern extends well beyond the classroom. Experiential education, connecting coursework to real-world practice, is central to the missions of both the University and Bouvé College of Health Sciences.
Through co-op, research, service learning, and global experiences, Bouvé students gain hands-on opportunities to explore careers, build professional skills, and work as part of healthcare teams. The six-month co-op experience allows students to gain full-time, paid experience while developing industry connections and practical expertise.
The Northeastern University Physical Therapy Club (NUPTC) is a student organization dedicated to the professional, academic, and personal growth of students interested in Physical Therapy program and rehabilitation care. Working closely with the Physical Therapy Department, the club bridges classroom learning with real-world experience through a diverse range of educational, community, and social initiatives.
Whether you’re a first-year student finding your footing, a seasoned upperclassman, or graduate student, the NU PT Club offers something for everyone — a community, a platform, and a launchpad for your career in physical therapy.
For students who know they want to become a Physical Therapist, a BS in Kinesiology is a natural first step toward that profession. Our undergraduate degree provides students with the academic foundation and practical experience needed to be successful in our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
Other career and post-graduate opportunities include but are not limited to Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Sports and Exercise Psychology, or Orthotics and Prosthetics.
If you wish to continue with our DPT program, you have guaranteed admission if you meet the GPA and course requirements. You’ll work with your academic advisor to stay on track for this pathway.
You also have guaranteed admission in the PhD program if a faculty member is elected to sponsor you.
We have students in co-ops related to many career paths such as opportunities in professional sports, parks and recreation, working in research labs, industry, training centers, personal training, sport analytics, and more.
Yes! All students can have a global experience, regardless of their major. There are many options for students, including Dialogue of Civilizations, a short-term summer program that is a unique and popular choice for Northeastern students. Mobility is a key component of the Northeastern student experience, and opportunities are available at Northeastern’s global campuses.
PT, DPT, MBA
Clinical Professor; Associate Program Director Physical Therapy, Human Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences
PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor Physical Therapy, Human Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences
