Students who major in kinesiology will acquire knowledge and explore skills related to the human body's study. Kinesiology is the study of physical activity/exercise and its impact on physical health and quality of life . The kinesiology major enables students to integrate scientific research with educational and practical applications and focus on subdisciplines, including human physiology and exercise; biomechanics of human movement; neuromotor control of human movement; and nutrition and human performance. Students are exposed to hands-on experiences in the laboratory, develop research studies and have the freedom to use a diverse set of equipment, experience seldom seen at undergraduate institutions.
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, exposing 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 Sports 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.
CAREER OPTIONS
Clinical exercise physiologist, Coach, Dentist, Fitness/strength and conditioning instructor, Nurse, Nutritionist/dietician, Occupational therapist, Physical therapist, Physician, Professor of kinesiology, Public health practitioner, Researcher, Sport/exercise scientist, Sports medicine/Athletic training, Teacher, Wellness coach.