B.S. in Kinesiology

Faculty and students in our department examine human movement from a physiological, biomechanical, developmental and psychosocial perspective.

Undergraduates receive a B.S. in Kinesiology, with coursework focusing on either Exercise Science (ES) or Physical & Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE).

The ES concentration prepares students for careers in area such as strength and conditioning, personal training, corporate wellness, and cardiac rehabilitation. Many of our Exercise Science graduates choose to continue their education in order to pursue various health-related professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant and medicine.

Physical Education and Health students complete a five-year program which leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). What this means is that at the end of four years, students will receive a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in PHETE. The fifth-year MAT program starts after graduation in May. After successful completion of the MAT students are able to obtain a PK-12 VA state teaching license in Physical and Health Education.

In addition to the MAT, the Department also offers a graduate program in Exercise Science with an emphasis in exercise physiology. The ES graduate program prepares students to enter fields related to exercise testing, fitness training, sport, research and/or the health and wellness industry.

And finally, the department also offers a minor in Coaching Education. This NCACE-accredited program prepares students for youth and high school coaching positions.

Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Concentration

This concentration prepares students for careers in teaching school physical and health education. The Physical and Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE) concentration is a five-year Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program. Upon successful completion of the first four years, students earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in kinesiology. The fifth year M.A.T. degree provides the requisite courses to obtain a Virginia state teaching license in Health and Physical Education (pre k-12).

Exercise Science

This concentration prepares students for employment in fitness-related agencies such as wellness centers, hospitals and rehabilitation programs, and to pursue graduate degrees in exercise science. Graduates of this program are prepared to enroll in the fitness instructor certification program sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine. Students interested in physical therapy find this concentration a complement to the Pre-Physical Therapy program.

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.