Overview of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology (KINS)

The Department of Kinesiology offers programs of study to prepare undergraduate students for careers in a variety sports, fitness, and recreation environments that focus on promoting health for all people. The Kinesiology curriculum leads to a Bachelor of Science degree that will prepare students to apply the knowledge and skills needed to conduct and interpret assessments of health and fitness, determine safe and effective exercise programing, and gain applicable experience through clinical and business industry internships.

Through the integration of high-quality instruction, research, and community engagement activities, faculty scholars are leading interdisciplinary initiatives that address pressing health concerns of our society such as:

AREAS

• lifetime health and fitness
• sports management and recreation
• health promotion in athletic, active, and sedentary populations
• prevention of chronic disease through exercise and stress-reduction techniques
• racial health disparities in cardiovascular and metabolic health

Graduates are highly sought for positions of leadership within clinical, academic, and corporate settings.

COURSE OF STUDY

The undergraduate Kinesiology program provides the student with a broad general education in Exercise Science with an emphasis on hands-on learning through laboratory, research, and internship opportunities. Kinesiology undergraduate students are introduced to the following concepts:

TOPICS

• Exercise stress, movement efficiency, and fitness
• Exercise physiology
• Principles of strength and conditioning
• Exercise prescription for healthy and special populations
• Introduction to biomechanics and neuromuscular control
• Prevention and care of athletic injury
• Instruction in leading/teaching/coaching physical activity and sport.

Concentrations

There are two concentrations in the Department of Kinesiology:

Exercise Science and Recreation & Sports Management. Exercise Science concentration students take additional courses in sports nutrition, fitness across the lifespan, exercise pharmacology, pathophysiology and exercise, and preparation for certification exams.

Recreation & Sports Management concentration students take additional courses in sport and recreation facilities management, sport and recreation marketing, management operations in sport and exercise, and sport and recreation finance.

Work/Internship and Research Experience

• With faculty guidance and supervision, undergraduates may choose to gain real-world experience in research (faculty lead research in health, disease, and physical activity related areas) or work/internship experiences with agencies such as:

AGENCIES

• Local high school and collegiate athletic departments
• Health clubs, park districts and YMCAs
• Corporate fitness and wellness centers
• Occupational therapy and physical therapy departments of clinics and hospitals
• Sports information offices and injury clinics
• Minor and major league area sports teams
• Nursing homes