Majors & Minors

Kinesiology

The Department of Kinesiology provides Physical Activity Courses (PE) and study toward the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Kinesiology (KINS). The major is designed to provide the undergraduate student with a strong liberal arts background and prepares the student in the discipline of kinesiology. Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement and includes such sub-disciplines as biomechanics, physiology of work and exercise, motor control/motor learning, athletic training, sport pedagogy, i.e., teaching and learning of sport skills and strategies, sociology/psychology of sports and exercise, and philosophy of human movement. The department's educational goals encompass both the breadth and depth of knowledge of human movement. Courses address such questions as how and why the body moves, how simple and complex motor skills are acquired and developed over a life span, how the effects of physical activity may be immediate and lasting, and how and why injuries occur in the physically active. Students who major in Kinesiology have a variety of career opportunities, including further study in areas of kinesiology, e.g., physiology, biomechanics, psychology of exercise and sport, motor control/motor learning; further study toward a professional degree, e.g., medical school, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician's assistant; athletic training; researcher at a private or public university, government agency or private organization, such as Gatorade Sport Science Institute or Nike; teacher of physical education; coach, including strength coach of a school or university; exercise technologist in a hospital or clinical setting; program director and exercise leader in corporate wellness programs; personal trainer in private business or in association with health and fitness clubs; instructor in health and fitness clubs, including YMCAs, resort centers, etc.; corporate sport leadership; sports marketing/event planner.

Requirements for a major

Kinesiology (Sports and Exercise Science)

Total courses required	Nine
Core courses	KINS 100, KINS 201 two courses from KINS 231, 232, 354 KINS 254, KINS 353, KINS 309 (formerly 409), KINS 450, KINS 451 either KINS 401 or KINS 290
Other required courses	PSY 214, MATH 141 or MATH 240 is a prerequisite for KINS 450.
Number 300 and 400 level courses	Three and one-half
Senior requirement and capstone experience	The senior requirement consists of the completion of KINS 450, Senior Seminar (fall semester senior year) and KINS 451, Senior Thesis (spring semester senior year). Each senior designs and proposes a research study during KINS 450. During KINS 451 the research is carried out through data collection and analysis. Results are presented in a formal setting. Students are mentored throughout the process by a faculty member.
Additional information	Students seeking teacher certification should take KINS 401.
Recent changes in major	Beginning in 2007-08, majors are required to complete KINS 451, a continuation of the senior seminar, KINS 450. In October 2011, KINS 110, Introduction to Sports Medicine, was deleted and KINS 363 changed from 1/2 to 1 credit.

Kinesiology (Sports Medicine)

Total courses required	Nine
Core courses	KINS 100, KINS 262, KINS 353, KINS 354, KINS 363, KINS 366, KINS 367, KINS 369, KINS 309 (formerly 409), KINS 450, KINS 451
Other required courses	BIO 203 is a prerequisite for KINS 366 and KINS 367. PSY 214, MATH 141, or MATH 240 is a prerequisite for KINS 450. KINS 254 or BIO 335 (with permission) is a prerequisite for KINS 353.
Number 300 and 400 level courses	Six and one-half
Senior requirement and capstone experience	The senior requirement consists of the completion of KINS 450, Senior Seminar (fall semester senior year) and KINS 451, Senior Thesis (spring semester senior year). Each senior designs and proposes a research study during KINS 450. During KINS 451 the research is carried out through data collection and analysis. Results are presented in a formal setting. Students are mentored throughout the process by a faculty member.
Additional information	Students completing the Sports Medicine emphasis are encouraged to meet graduate or professional program course prerequisites in a health science area such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician's assistant, nursing, wellness, nutrition, athletic training, health care administration or pre-med.
Recent changes in major	Beginning in 2007-08, majors are required to complete KINS 451, a continuation of the senior seminar, KINS 450. In Oct. 2011 KINS 110, Introduction to Sports Medicine, was dropped from the list of core courses. KINS 363 changed from 1/2 to 1 credit.

Requirements for a minor

Coaching

Total courses required	Four and one-half
Core courses	KINS 110, KINS 406
Other required courses	One from KINS 211, 212 or 242. KINS 353 or KINS 409. BIO 203 is a prerequisite for KINS 409. KINS 290 is encouraged.
Number 300 and 400 level courses	Two

Kinesiology

Total courses required	Five
Core courses	KINS 100, KINS 201
Other required courses
Number 300 and 400 level courses	One