Kinesiology, BS
The Kinesiology major’s theoretical and experiential approach enables students to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for careers and graduate education in kinesiology, fitness, wellness, exercise science, and human performance. In addition, it provides students with the undergraduate degree and courses required for admission to graduate health professional education programs including, but not limited to, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractics, biomechanics, exercise physiology, strength & conditioning, motor behavior, and athletic training.
Kinesiology students are provided with opportunities to shape and practice ethical behaviors relative to fitness and allied health professions. The goal of the experiential component is to provide students with an opportunity to develop “applied skills” and acquire best practices in a service-oriented manner.
The Kinesiology major consists of a combination of classroom lectures, laboratory work, co-curricular activities, service-learning, and community outreach experiences. Students learn the most current technologies and techniques used in the profession and engage in experiential learning via course-embedded laboratory practice, service-learning, internships, and volunteer experiences. The students gain practical, workplace-ready skills, including: health and fitness appraisals, exercise testing and prescription, risk management, interpersonal communication, socio-cultural competency, and teamwork. Students are provided with opportunities to work with individuals of various ages and cultures, skill levels, fitness status, and physical capabilities.
Kinesiology are encouraged to participate in research and publication. While on campus, students have access to the Exercise Physiology and Movement Analysis Research Laboratories, and the Wellness and Recreation Center.
Upon graduation, students are expected to possess the professional knowledge, skills, values, dispositions, and experiences required in allied health professions where under-represented populations are not found in large numbers.
SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECT
Kinesiology majors are required to complete a senior capstone project which permits students to select a research project or internship enabling them to apply their knowledge in a practical real-world setting. Students are required to write an extensive report and to display their work in a final oral presentation.
CAREERS
Career options include, but are not limited to:
- Adapted Physical Activity
- Athletic Administration in School or College
- Biomechanist
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
- Coaching at School or College
- Physical Activity Epidemiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Fitness Instructor or Program Director at Commercial Fitness Center
- Program Director of Corporate Fitness Center
- Sports Director at Resort
- Personal Trainer
- Research Assistant
In addition, the curriculum provides students with an educational and experiential foundation that incorporates lecture, laboratory, practice, and service learning experiences to prepare them to meet requirements for admission to Allied Health Professional graduate programs, including, but not limited to:
- Athletic Trainer
- Medical School
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapist
- Physician Assistant
- Professor of Kinesiology