The Department of Kinesiology offers both undergraduate and graduate curricula. Undergraduates programs include athletic training, exercise science, health fitness specialist, sport marketing and management, and physical education teacher education. The Dr. John M. Cooper Graduate Program in Kinesiology (Cooper Graduate Program) offers curricula in applied sport science, athletic training, biomechanics, ergonomics, exercise physiology, motor learning/control, physical activity, fitness and wellness, and sport management. The department operates human performance research laboratories.

The American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education ranked the human performance doctoral program seventh out of 62 programs in the nation. As IU's life sciences initiative moves forward, the Department of Kinesiology is leading the way with a nationally acclaimed program and a strong commitment to life sciences research.

The department offers an extensive program in physical activity instruction that is open to majors as well as students from other departments and/or schools on the Bloomington campus. Included in the elective courses are aquatics, conditioning, dance, fitness, individual sports, martial arts, racquet sports, and team sports.