major in Kinesiology
Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology
B.S. in Kinesiology Program Overview
If you have a passion for movement and athletics and want to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry, FHU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology is the perfect program for you. This program provides a comprehensive overview of the various sub-disciplines within kinesiology while emphasizing the importance of human performance and movement.
Department:
Department of Biological, Physical, and Human Sciences
Department chair name:
Brian P. Butterfield
B.S., M.S., Ph.D.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Jana Meninno
Learning at FHU
Why study kinesiology at FHU?
A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at FHU combines science and practical application. With a focus on human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, you’ll learn the fundamentals of human movement and exercise. What sets FHU apart is its attention to physical and psychological variables that affect human performance and motor skill development. Through hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge research, FHU prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the field of kinesiology while positively impacting society.
Program Highlights:
- Fundamentals of human movement and exercise
- Faculty experienced in anatomy, training, and physical education
- Hands-on experience
- Get access to the latest kinesiology research
- Gain an understanding of motor skill development
- Help others maintain healthy, active lifestyles
Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology Four-Year Plans
As the excitement of beginning college starts to build, there’s nothing like having an uplifting four-year plan in place to keep that motivation going strong. And when pursuing a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, there’s no better time to start! With the help of an expertly crafted four-year plan, kinesiology students can tackle the many exciting challenges that come with studying kinesiology.
2023-2024 4-Year Plan(s)
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Health and Human Performance with Teaching Licensure
BS/MS in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Exercise Science (4+1)
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Exercise Science
BS/MS in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Health & Human Performance (4+1)
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Health & Human Performance
2022-2023 4-Year Plan(s)
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Health and Human Performance with Teaching Licensure
BS/MS in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Exercise Science (4+1)
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Exercise Science
BS/MS in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Health & Human Performance (4+1)
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Health & Human Performance
2021-2022 4-Year Plan(s)
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Health and Human Performance with Teaching Licensure
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Health & Human Performance
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Exercise Science
BS/MS in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Health & Human Performance (4+1)
BS/MS in Kinesiology – Emphasis in Exercise Science (4+1)
Careers for Kinesiology Majors
With a kinesiology degree, students have many exciting career opportunities to explore. This degree is the foundation for various health and fitness-related careers. Graduates could become sports therapists, athletic trainers or personal trainers, working one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. Alternatively, they could move into physiotherapy or occupational therapy, helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses and regain strength and mobility. Whatever your passion, there’s a career in kinesiology waiting for you!
- Athletic Trainer
- Coaching
- Physical or Occupational Therapy
- Nutritionist
- Physiotherapy
- Recreation Therapy
- Sports Therapist
- Sport Psychologist
Kinesiology Degree Requirements
Embarking on a journey to major in Kinesiology means delving into a world of movement, discovery, and development. The course requirements for this major offer a unique opportunity to explore the historical and philosophical foundations of kinesiology, understanding how it has become the academic discipline it is today.
B.S. Major in Kinesiology – 126 hours
Program Coordinator: Dr. Jana Meninno
For a complete listing of requirements for graduation, see Academics: Degree/Graduation
Must choose an emphasis: Exercise Science or Health and Human Performance (with or without Teacher Licensure)
I. Liberal Arts Core Requirements
(Listed in this catalog under Academics: “General Education Display”.)
Limit II. C. Quantitative Reasoning to MAT101 College Algebra
Limit III. B. 1. Biology to BIO 211 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
II. Major Requirements - 34 hours
| HEA 121 | Principles of Nutrition | 3 |
| HEA 217 | First Aid and CPR | 3 |
| KIN 120 | Foundations of Kinesiology (W) | 3 |
| KIN 327 | Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (W) | 3 |
| KIN 328 | Anatomical Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN 329 | Biomechanics of Human Movement | 3 |
| KIN 338 | Physiology of Exercise (W) | 3 |
| KIN 420 | Motor Learning | 2 |
| KIN 425 | Organization and Administration of Physical Education (W) | 3 |
| KIN 426 | Adaptive Physical Education (W) | 3 |
| PEA 100 | Lifetime Wellness | 1 |
| PEA 156 | Weight Training | 1 |
III. Additional Requirements (choose one emphasis below) - 18 hours
A. Exercise Science*
| BIO 212 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| KIN 397/497 | Practicum in Kinesiology | 4 |
| KIN 437 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| HEA/KIN/PEA | Elective(s) | 3 |
| MAT 235 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
B. Health and Human Performance
| HEA 216 | Personal Health | 3 |
| KIN 100 | Fundamentals of Movement | 1 |
| KIN 225 | Physical Activities for Children | 3 |
| KIN 235 | Fundamentals of Sport Skills | 3 |
| KIN 320 | Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education (W) | 3 |
| HEA/KIN/PEA | Elective(s)** | 5 |
* Exercise Science emphasis requires taking BIO 211 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and strongly recommends taking CHE121 General Chemistry I and CHE121L General Chemistry I Lab.
**Three (3) hours must be upper-division.
IV. Electives (including additional Bible) - 43 hours
Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Physical Education (Kinesiology)
2. Required professional education courses. (See “Department of Education” entry.)
Meet Our Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions About a Major in Kinesiology
Below are answers to questions prospective students often have when considering a major in Kinesiology. If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact [email protected] and they will happily answer questions and provide additional details about our program.
What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the study of human movement, exercise, and physical activity. It involves the scientific investigation of how the body moves and functions during various forms of physical activity, including conditioning, sports, and everyday movements.
Kinesiology draws on knowledge from several disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and psychology. It explores the relationship between physical activity and human health, focusing on promoting physical fitness, preventing injury, and enhancing athletic performance.
In general, kinesiology can be divided into two main areas: exercise science and sport science. Exercise science focuses on understanding how the body responds to physical activity to promote health and prevent disease. This includes studying the effects of exercise on the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and metabolic system.
On the other hand, sports science focuses on understanding how the body performs during athletic competition. This includes studying the biomechanics of movement, the physiology of exercise, and the psychological factors that influence athletic performance.
There are many different career paths for individuals from kinesiology programs and graduate programs, including:
- A personal trainer or fitness instructor: Kinesiology graduates can work as personal trainers or fitness instructors, developing exercise programs and providing instruction to clients.
- Athletic trainer: Kinesiology graduates can work as athletic trainers, providing preventative care, emergency response, and rehabilitation services to athletes and active individuals.
- Physical therapy: Kinesiology graduates can pursue advanced degrees in physical therapy, which involves helping individuals recover from injuries and regain physical function.
- Sports medicine: Kinesiology graduates can work in sports medicine, providing medical care and treatment to athletes at all levels of competition.
- Coaching: Kinesiology graduates can work as coaches, developing training programs and guiding athletes and sports teams.
Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary field that explores how the body moves and functions during physical activity, with applications in exercise science, sport science, and various healthcare professions.
What are the benefits of studying kinesiology at FHU?
Studying kinesiology at FHU (Freed-Hardeman University) offers several benefits for students interested in pursuing a career in exercise or sports science. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Comprehensive Education: FHU’s kinesiology program provides students with a comprehensive education in the field, covering anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise science. This provides students with a strong foundation of knowledge that they can apply to various career paths.
- Hands-On Experience: FHU’s kinesiology program emphasizes hands-on experience, with opportunities for students to work in a variety of settings, including athletic training rooms, rehabilitation clinics, and fitness centers. This helps students develop practical skills and gain valuable experience in the field.
- Individualized Attention: FHU’s kinesiology program provides students individualized attention from faculty members who are experts in their field. This ensures that students receive high-quality instruction and support throughout their educational journey.
- Advanced Technology: FHU’s kinesiology program is supported by advanced technology, including state-of-the-art equipment for measuring movement, muscle activity, and metabolic function. This provides students access to cutting-edge tools and technology used in the field.
- Christian Foundation: FHU’s kinesiology program is grounded in Christian values, emphasizing the importance of ethical and moral principles in all areas of study. This helps students develop a strong sense of integrity and responsibility, which is essential for success in any career path.
- Career Preparation: FHU’s kinesiology program is designed to prepare students for various careers, including personal training, athletic training, physical therapy, sports medicine, and coaching. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce directly after graduation.
Studying kinesiology at FHU provides students with a comprehensive education, hands-on experience, individualized attention, access to advanced technology, a Christian foundation, and career preparation. These benefits make FHU’s kinesiology graduate program an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in exercise science or sports science.
What can I do with a kinesiology degree?
A kinesiology degree provides graduates with a wide range of career options in exercise science and sport science. Here are some of the most common career paths:
- Personal Trainer or Fitness Instructor: Kinesiology graduates can work as personal trainers or fitness instructors, developing exercise programs and providing instruction to clients.
- Athletic Trainer: Kinesiology graduates can work as athletic trainers, providing preventative care, emergency response, and rehabilitation services to athletes and active individuals.
- Physical Therapist: Kinesiology graduates can pursue advanced degrees in physical therapy and physical health, which involves helping individuals recover from injuries and regain physical function.
- Sports Medicine Physician: Kinesiology graduates can attend medical school and specialize in sports medicine, providing medical care and treatment to athletes at all levels of competition.
- Exercise Physiologist: Kinesiology graduates can work as exercise physiologists, studying the effects of physical activity on the body and developing exercise programs to improve health and fitness.
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Kinesiology graduates can work as strength and conditioning coaches, developing training programs and guiding athletes and sports teams.
- Occupational Therapist: Kinesiology graduates can pursue advanced degrees in occupational therapy, helping individuals recover from injuries or illnesses that affect their ability to perform daily tasks.
- Rehabilitation Specialist: Kinesiology graduates can work as rehabilitation specialists, providing therapy and support to individuals who have suffered injuries or disabilities that affect their ability to move or function.
Overall, a kinesiology degree provides graduates with various career options in exercise and sport science. Graduates can pursue careers as personal trainers, athletic trainers, physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation specialists. With the increasing emphasis on health and wellness, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in kinesiology and related fields.
What courses will I take for my Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at FHU (Freed-Hardeman University) provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of exercise science and sport science. Here are some of the courses that students can expect to take as part of this program:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: This course introduces the structure and function of the human body, focusing on the musculoskeletal system and its role in movement.
- Exercise Physiology: This course examines how the body responds to physical activity, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic systems.
- Biomechanics: This course explores the mechanics of movement, including the forces that act on the body during physical activity.
- Motor Learning and Control: This course studies how individuals acquire motor skills, focusing on the role of feedback and practice.
- Kinesiology: This course provides an overview of the field of kinesiology, including its history, theories, and applications.
- Nutrition: This course examines the role of nutrition in health and wellness, with a focus on food groups, nutrient metabolism, and dietary guidelines.
- Exercise Prescription: This course covers the principles of exercise prescription, including the design and implementation of exercise programs for individuals and groups.
- Sports Medicine: This course explores preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries and illnesses.
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise: This course examines the psychological factors influencing athletic performance, including motivation, anxiety, and stress.
- Research Methods in Kinesiology: This course introduces research methods in kinesiology, including experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
Overall, the Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at FHU provides students with a broad foundation of knowledge in exercise science and sport science, with courses covering anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology of sport and exercise, and research methods. This comprehensive education prepares graduates for a variety of career paths in the field.
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