Academic Programs Catalog

College of Education

Department of Kinesiology

Undergraduate Programs
Kinesiology

The major in kinesiology places emphasis on the multi dimensional study and application of physical activity to enhance health and well-being. Kinesiology explores not only anatomical, biological, biomechanical, and neurological aspects of physical activity; but also psychological, social-humanistic, and medical perspectives.

The bachelor’s degree program in kinesiology is designed to prepare students to enter a variety of fields associated with sport, exercise, and allied health, including professional graduate schools in medicine, physician assistant, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, athletic training, and chiropractic medicine.  Students who graduate from this program often enter professional exercise science programs or graduate programs in the applied health sciences.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology

  1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology.

    Students enrolled in the Kinesiology major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Kinesiology may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses: Chemistry 141 and 161, Kinesiology 251, and Physiology 250. The completion of Chemistry 161 and Kinesiology 251 satisfies the laboratory requirement. Chemistry 141 and 161, Kinesiology 251, and Physiology 250 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 2.a. below.

    The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Kinesiology major is met by completing Kinesiology 345 or 445. Those courses are referenced in item 2.d. below.
  2. The following requirements for the major:
    a.          All of the following with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course (11 credits):
          CEM 141 General Chemistry       4
          MTH 103 College Algebra   3
          PSL   250 Introductory Physiology   4
    b. All of the following with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course (16 credits):       
         KIN   210 Principles of Exercise Physiology   3
          KIN   216 Applied Human Anatomy   3
          KIN   220 Principles of Sports Medicine   3
          KIN   240 Principles of Biobehavioral Health   3
          KIN   251 Principles of Human Movement   4
    c. All of the following courses with a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 (12 credits): 
          KIN 310 Physiological Bases of Physical Activity   3
          KIN   330 Biomechanics of Physical Activity   3
          KIN   345 Sport and Exercise Psychology (W)   3
          KIN   360 Physical Growth and Motor Behavior   3
    d. Both of the following courses (2 credits):       
          CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I   1
          KIN   190 Frontiers in Applied Health Sciences   1
    e. Completion of an approved cognate in kinesiology (a minimum of 12 credits).
    f. Completion of a minimum of 3 credits in Experiential Learning. Completion of this requirement may be fulfilled by enrollment in KIN 492, KIN 493, KIN 494, KIN 495, KIN 496, or any approved study abroad, service, research, or internship experience. Students must consult with their academic advisor for specific details of this requirement.