The mission of the Department of Kinesiology is to prepare students to and enhance the health, fitness and quality of life of themselves and the people they serve. The department is committed to educating our students and community in the science and benefits of optimal health and human performance; to developing in all students a lifelong habit of living healthfully; and to preparing students for the variety of career opportunities that utilize Kinesiology as a foundation.

KINESIOLOGY DEPARTMENT PURPOSES

To introduce the liberal arts student to the benefits of physical activity, fitness and nutrition as a means to enhance their health, wellness and overall quality of life.

To provide a broad base of knowledge which will allow a student to specialize in or adapt to various career opportunities, including: 

• Graduate study in the health sciences (e.g. physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, chiropractic, athletic training, medicine).
• Exercise Physiology
• Fitness Professions: Performance Coach, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Fitness Manager
• Biomechanics
• Sport Management
• Sport Science
• Corporate Wellness & Community Health
• Health Coach
• Elementary or Secondary Teacher 
• Athletic Coach at the elementary, junior high, and senior high levels

Two major programs exist within the department to accomplish our mission:

Program 1: The Applied Health Science major

Focused on the application of the biological and physical sciences in the study of human movement, with regard to their effects on the health and quality of life of people of all ages and abilities. A course of study is offered to students interested in preparation for graduate study in allied health and therapeutic sciences, including physical and occupational therapy, physician assistant, chiropractic, and osteopathic medicine. This is a pre-professional major as students will necessarily attend graduate school to accomplish professional degrees and state licensures.

Program 2: The Health and Human Performance major

Designed for students who desire careers or vocations of promoting optimal health through influencing the lifestyle factors of physical activity, wellness, rehabilitation and disease prevention. This program allows students to specialize in or adapt to various career opportunities in fitness, physical activity, health, or other clinical and educational settings. Students may also prepare for careers in the sub-disciplines of Kinesiology (i.e., Physical Education, athletic training, strength and conditioning, community health, occupational therapy, accelerated nursing, motor development and exercise physiology).