Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences

The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with concentrations in Exercise and Movement Sciences, and in Physical Education. Both concentrations require a set of pre-major prerequisites and core requirements, some of which may be utilized to fulfill general education requirements, and which establish the framework for the study of movement, skills, and physical activity from a variety of perspectives. In addition a set of concentration-specific courses serves the purpose of preparing the student for specific careers and/or graduate study within the field or related disciplines. Students must select one of the two concentrations. All courses including physical activity courses used to satisfy completion of major requirements must be taken for a letter grade. No CR/NC grades may be used on the major petition for graduation. Students majoring in Physical Education and taking courses in Exercise Science Emphasis areas (i.e., Physiology of Fitness and Health; Fitness Programming in Youth and Elderly Populations) are required to show proof of current First Aid/CPR certification upon application for graduation. This can be obtained via receiving off-campus certification by an agency such as the American Red Cross. Students majoring in Physical Education must earn a grade of C or higher in all required Kinesiology theory courses and grade of B or higher in all movement-based courses. Each concentration within the B.S. commences with a foundation in science, mathematics, and kinesiology, and a sequence of required core courses designed to progressively develop the students’ knowledge of movement, skill, and physical activity. The graduating student will have the skills and knowledge to engage in the observation, analysis, and measurement of movement, fitness, learning, skill, and physical activity; will have the tools and knowledge to engage in synthesis and systematic inquiry; and will be capable of using necessary computerized programs and supporting technologies for systematic inquiry and/or professional practice. The Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences serves students interested in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, motor learning and development, sport and exercise psychology, sport history, sport sociology, socio-cultural studies of physical activity, urban youth development, and physical or occupational therapy. Qualified students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for advanced study in any of the above-mentioned domains or for employment in fitness settings, physical activity programming, the sports media, sports industries, and as consultants for agencies developing sports policy. The program examines those factors that influence the form, function, and effectiveness of movement and physical activity across the lifespan and for special populations, such as the disabled and individuals with chronic diseases. The framework for the degree program encompasses three major subject areas: Social Science: the socio-cultural and psychological factors that serve to constrain and/or define human movement, fitness, and physical activity; Movement Science: the factors that influence the neuromotor control, learning, relearning, and development of motor skills and analysis; and Exercise Science: the variables involved in physiology of fitness and health, exercise prescription, and fitness programming in youth and elderly populations.