The Department of Kinesiology faculty engages in research and creative activity in a variety of areas, including the exercise sciences, sport management, sport communication, pedagogy, and dance.

Within exercise science, the department supports research in ergonomics, exercise physiology, exercise biochemistry, motor learning, motor control, and biomechanics. Additionally, studies involving the effects of physical activity on special populations have received considerable emphasis. Over the years, funding for these scholarly activities has included such sources as the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Athletic Congress, Lilly Endowment, and the Amateur Athletic Union. Faculty and graduate students have presented research reports at various scientific meetings and published their research efforts in scientific journals. Faculty members have also presented and published papers dealing with various topics in sport as viewed from a social science perspective. Research in sport management focuses on sport communication, sport marketing, sport history, and sociocultural issues in sport. Within these areas, studies examine issues related to sport and the media and consumption of the sport product.

The department has been concerned with the dissemination of new knowledge at all levels. Scholars have been invited to present research colloquia at national and international meetings. Graduate students have been successful in obtaining university teaching and postdoctoral research positions following completion of their doctoral programs.