Kinesiology

What is Kinesiology? "'Kinesiology' is an academic discipline that involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life." – American Kinesiology Association

Students majoring in kinesiology study the social, behavioral, mechanical, and physiological principles of human movement. Kinesiology students are the future health and fitness providers who use preventative and rehabilitative intervention techniques in commercial health/fitness clubs, community fitness centers, corporate/industrial fitness facilities, and clinical agencies with specialization in cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation. Two tracks are available to Kinesiology students: Exercise Science and Health Promotion.

The Kinesiology major with the Exercise Science track can be tailored to prepare individuals seeking specialized future careers in the allied health/movement science fields, such as athletic training, physical therapy, exercise physiology, or chiropractic care, as well as the medical field in areas such as nursing, physician assistant, or traditional medicine. Typically, these types of careers in Kinesiology require post baccalaureate and continuing education for practice and the Exercise Science track provides flexibility to include required coursework.

Kinesiology majors wishing to gain hands-on skills and practice in applying the science of kinesiology in real world settings can select the Health Promotion track. Students in the Health Promotion track complete an internship in their final semester and are well-positioned to either continue their education in graduate Kinesiology or related programs or move into the workforce.

Both tracks allows students the flexibility to complete a minor or certificate to complement students’ particular interests. For instance, the student could acquire a business minor in preparation for entering the job market at a supervisory/administrative level, which should provide a fast track to management within health and fitness facilities, community fitness centers, and with entrepreneurial ventures.

Nutritional Sciences

The Nutritional Sciences (NUTR) program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in biological, physical, and social sciences, in order to understand the relationships among food, nutrients, eating behavior, and human health. The curriculum provides a varied foundation in research, education, industry, and government and serves as an excellent pre-professional major for students planning a career in health fields such as physical therapy, medicine, pharmacy, or dentistry. The NUTR curriculum also offers an ideal preparation for advanced graduate training in nutrition, biochemistry, molecular biology, public health, and related disciplines.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Athletic Training 

Certified athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing, and rehabilitating injuries in physically active individuals. With the accelerated BS in Kinesiology/MS in Athletic Training you will complete three years as an undergraduate student, then begin the MS in Athletic Training program as a graduate student. At the end of your fourth year (your first year in MSAT), your BS in Kinesiology degree will be granted. After year two as a graduate student, you will earn your MS in Athletic Training degree. Please refer to the Accelerated Master's Degree page for additional information and updates.

Programs

Undergraduate Degrees

 Undergraduate Minors

Undergraduate Certificates

Graduate Degrees 

Requirements for Employment, Licensing, or Professional Organizations

Students should be aware that some professions, occupations, and employers are subject to licensing and/or bonding requirements. When a course of study includes clinical or field training, practice teaching, internships, or the like, students may be subjected to a check of criminal conviction records, prior to acceptance of a student by the placement site. Students are responsible for obtaining the information necessary for them to become knowledgeable about these requirements and plan their studies accordingly. Please contact the appropriate department or program office for further information.

Kinesiology Courses

Nutritional Sciences Courses

Sport & Recreation Courses

NameRankDegreeSchoolGraduate FacultyEmeritus Faculty
Timothy K. Behrens Dean and Professor PhD University of Oklahoma Yes No
Susan Cashin Clinical Professor PhD Southern Illinois University No No
Stephan Cobb Associate Professor PhD Georgia State University Yes No
Margaret Duncan Professor PhD No Yes
Chukuka Enwemeka Distinguished Professor, Dean PhD No Yes
Christy Greenleaf Professor PhD University of North Carolina-Greensboro Yes No
William Gregory Professor PhD No Yes
Barbara Hart Associate Professor PhD No Yes
Cynthia Hasbrook Professor PhD No Yes
Kevin Keenan Associate Professor PhD University of Colorado Yes No
Lori Klos Associate Professor PhD Cornell University Yes No
Susan Kundrat Clinical Assistant Professor MS Iowa State University No No
Kristian O'Connor Associate Professor PhD University of Massachusetts Yes No
Erika Sander Professor PhD No Yes
Ann Snyder Professor PhD No Yes
Scott Strath Professor PhD University of Tennessee Yes No
Ann Swartz Professor Phd University of Tennessee Yes No
Jinsung Wang Associate Professor PhD Arizona State University Yes No