Kinesiology Major, B.A./B.S.

Pott College of Science, Engineering and Education  >> Kinesiology and Sport  

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology prepares students for entry-level positions in the following areas: fitness clubs, YMCAs, recreation centers, corporate fitness and wellness centers, health departments, senior centers, and hospital fitness and wellness centers. Examples of kinesiology positions include, but are not limited to personal trainers, group exercise instructors, community wellness program managers, worksite fitness or wellness center managers, health coaches, and private or commercial fitness club general managers or consultants. It is also designed to prepare students to test for the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Personal Trainer and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America’s Primary Group Exercise Instructor Certification. Specialty areas within kinesiology major include: group exercise instructor, nutrition, personal training, fitness and recreational management, health and safety education, and senior fitness. The curriculum is based on the guidelines and standards developed by the American College of Sports Medicine. It is scientific based but incorporates practical experiences in fitness and physical activity assessment, group exercise instruction, exercise prescription and programming, nutrition, human behavior, safety procedures, and program administration. There are currently six distinct academic tracks for students to choose from:  a) group exercise instructor, b) nutrition, c) personal training, d) fitness and recreational management, e) health & safety education, and f) senior fitness. This major is also designed to prepare student to continue their education at the graduate level.