Majors & Minors
Kinesiology
The Kinesiology major provides a breadth and depth of knowledge of human movement in the context of a strong liberal arts education. Courses address how the human body functions from a physiological, biochemical, mechanical, and psychological view using exercise and physical activity as the model for study. Students gain hands-on experience through multiple rich laboratory experiences. Each student completes a research project as a culminating experience for their degree that exposes the student to all aspects of the research process. Kinesiology majors graduate to become researchers at universities, government agencies and private organizations (such as Nike and the Gatorade Sport Science Institute); strength and conditioning coaches; exercise technologists in healthcare settings; leaders of corporate wellness programs; personal trainers; fitness instructors; and corporate sports leaders. After graduation, students can pursue graduate school in a Kinesiology-related topic, or seek advanced professional degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, medicine, and the like.
Requirements for a major
Kinesiology
| Total courses required | Ten KINS plus statistics |
|---|---|
| Core courses | KINS 100, KINS 255, KINS 256, KINS 309, KINS 353, KINS 450 |
| Other required courses |
|
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Six |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | The senior capstone experience consists of the completion of KINS 450. Students learn how to use the scientific literature to answer a question of their choosing. |
| Writing in the Major | Writing in a scientific discipline is an integral part of disseminating knowledge. Gaining new knowledge through the scientific process is meaningless unless the knowledge is passed on to a wider audience. All writing in the sciences requires the presentation of data or ideas with precision, clarity, and objectivity so the reader can evaluate the research based on the facts presented. At all levels students will be exposed to courses that develop their ability to write in this manner. In the Kinesiology courses leading up to the senior capstone, majors will write lab reports, and reviews and summaries of original research. For the senior capstone, majors identify a scientific question they are interested in, and review the scientific literature, using the evidenc-based research process as a guide. Students must earn a C on their review to complete the writing in the major requirement. |
Requirements for a minor
Kinesiology
| Total courses required | Six |
|---|---|
| Core courses | KINS 100, KINS 230, KINS 255, KINS 256, KINS 309, KINS 353 |
| Other required courses | |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Two |