Undergraduate Academic Programs

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (BSK), Fitness Specialist Major

Description of Program

The undergraduate degree program focuses on the practical preparation of a fitness and wellness professional that is qualified to seek certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and to work in a variety of health and fitness venues. The curriculum is based on guidelines and standards developed by the ACSM. Students receive a comprehensive theoretical background and practical experience in the areas of fitness assessment, exercise prescription and leadership, resistance training movement analysis, nutrition concepts, and behavior change, to name a few.

Admission

Apply online for undergraduate admission to Indiana University at http://admit.indiana.edu/.

A newly admitted freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree with a major in fitness specialist will receive an offer of direct freshman admission to the fitness specialist program if he or she meets both of the following criteria:

  • The applicant must have earned one of the following minimum standardized test scores: A combined critical reading and math score of 1270 on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or a composite score of 29 on the ACT (American College Test).
  • The applicant must have either graduated in the top 12 percent of his or her high school graduating class or earned a minimum high school GPA of 3.5.

Before entering the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation as a fitness specialist major, all other students must meet both of the following criteria:

  • The student must successfully complete at least 26 credit hours.
  • The student must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at Indiana University.

Students in the University Division must also declare their intention to major in fitness specialist to the University Division Records Office. Undergraduate students who complete the semester before certification of admission to the school with less than a 2.0 GPA for the semester will be admitted on a probationary status.

International transfer applicants to the School of HPER, whose primary language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper- based test, or 213 on the computer-based test, or a 79 on the Internet-based test, is required for direct admission to the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. For students from countries where the TOEFL is not available, other evidence of English proficiency may be considered. All entering international students whose primary language is not English will be required to take the Indiana University English language examination before registering for course work. Appropriate remedial English courses may be prescribed on the basis of test results.

All entering international students whose primary language is not English will be required to take a special examination in English with IU prior to registering.  Prepared by IU and designed to test a student’s ability to use English in an academic setting, the exam consists of three parts: an essay on a general topic, a listening comprehension exercise, and a grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension section.  There is little that one can do to prepare for this exam other than to continue using written and spoken English at every opportunity.  

International students whose primary language is not English must agree to take any English language courses prescribed from the results of this examination. Fees for special part-time English courses are the same as for other courses; however, credits earned do not meet degree requirements.  If the results of the proficiency examination indicate that full-time work in English is required, the student will be assigned to the Intensive English Program (IEP).  

Students enrolled in IEP do not take academic courses until they achieve adequate English proficiency.  If a student has serious doubts about English ability and is not financially prepared to undertake the additional time and expense of an intensive English program here, the student should consider completing English study in the student’s home country.  In addition, the student may consider delaying admission to a future session.

Degree Requirements

The four-year fitness specialist curriculum is designed to prepare students to work in the fitness industry.  There is a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) entrance requirement, and a minimum 2.3 GPA eligibility requirement for the internship. The internship is generally completed near the end of the program. The core course work is designed to follow the behavioral objectives of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health Fitness Instructor (HFI) certification. Students are encouraged to also sit for other fitness certifications. Graduation requirements include:

  • completion of general education requirements.
  • completion of fitness specialist major requirements.
  • a minimum of 124 successfully completed credit hours which count toward the degree program.
  • a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
  • a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in a combination of ANAT-A 215 and courses with the following department code-prefixes: HPER-A, HPER-D, HPER-K, and HPER-P. 
  • No Pass/Fail except for free electives.
General Education (20 – 39 credits)

All undergraduate students who matriculate as degree-seeking students at IU Bloomington in or after the summer term of 2011 must complete the IU Bloomington campus-wide general education common ground requirements. Such students must visit the 2011-2012 General Education Bulletin to view these requirements.

Undergraduate students who matriculate as degree-seeking students on the IU Bloomington campus in the summer or fall terms of 2010, or the spring term of 2011, must complete the School of HPER general education requirements which are described below. Unlike the 2011-2112 Bloomington campus-wide general education requirements, the 2010 School of HPER general education requirements do not include a residency requirement, nor do they restrict the use of extended-term, independent study or correspondence courses.

2010 School of HPER General Education Requirements

English Composition (0 to 3 credits required, C- minimum required in the course used to satisfy this requirement)
Complete one of the following options:

  • CMCL-C 110 Writing the World (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition 1 (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 170 Introduction to Argumentative Writing: Projects in Reading and Writing (3 cr. - this topic only)
  • ENG-W 131 EX  Elementary Composition by Examination (0 cr.)

Mathematical Modeling (3 to 4 credits required)
Complete one of the following options:

  • MATH-A 118 Finite Mathematics for the Social and Biological Sciences (3 cr.)
  • MATH-D 116 AND MATH-D 117 Introduction to Finite Mathematics I-II (4 cr.)
  • MATH-M 118 Finite Mathematics (3 cr.)
  • MATH-S 118 Honors Finite Mathematics (3 cr.)
  • MATH-V 118 Finite Mathematics with Applications: Finite Mathematics for the Social and Biological Sciences (3 cr.)
  • MATH-V 118 Finite Mathematics with Applications: Finite and Consumer Mathematics (3 cr.)
  • MATH-J 113 Introduction to Calculus with Applications (3 cr.)
  • MATH-M 119 Brief Survey of Calculus 1 (3 cr.)
  • MATH-M 211 Calculus I (4 cr.)
  • MATH-M 213 Accelerated Calculus (4 cr.)

Note: The course(s) used to satisfy the mathematical modeling requirement may NOT also be applied to the natural and mathematical sciences requirement.

Natural and Mathematical Sciences (5 to 6 cr.)

Complete either six credits of acceptable natural and mathematical sciences (N&M) courses, or a single, approved, five-credit N&M course with a substantial laboratory component. The course used to satisfy the mathematical modeling requirement may NOT also be used to fulfill this requirement. Visit the list of acceptable natural and mathematical sciences (N&M) courses for choices and more information.

Arts and Humanities (6 credits required)     
Complete six credits of acceptable arts and humanities (A&H) courses.

Social and Historical Studies (6 credits required.)
Complete six credits of acceptable social and historical studies (S&H) courses.

World Languages and Cultures (0 to 14 cr., most commonly 6 credits)
There are three options for completion of the world languages and cultures requirement.

Major (92 cr.)

Fitness Specialist Course Requirement (62 cr.)
Complete each of the following courses:

  • CHEM-C 101 Elementary Chemistry I (3 cr.) +(N&M)
  • CHEM-C 121 Elementary Chemistry Laboratory 1 (2 cr.) +(N&M)
  • CMCL-C 121 Public Speaking (3 cr.) +(A&H)
  • HPER-N 231 Human Nutrition (3 cr.) +(N&M)
  • HPER-P 205 Structural Kinesiology (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 216 Current Concepts and Applications in Physical Fitness (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 217 Methods of Group Exercise Instruction (3 cr.) (P: P 216)
  • HPER-P 218 Methods of Personal Fitness Instruction (3 cr.) (P: P 216)
  • HPER-P 280 Basic Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (2 cr.)
  • HPER-P 319 Fitness Specialist Practicum (2 cr.) (P: P216, P218)
  • HPER-P 391 Biomechanics (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 405 Introduction to Sport Psychology (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 409 Basic Physiology of Exercise (3 cr.): (P: A215/P 205 & P 215)
  • HPER-P 416 Fitness Management (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 417 Physical Activity and Disease: Prevention and Treatment (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 419 Fitness Testing and Interpretation (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 420 Exercise Leadership and Program Design (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 448 Internship in Exercise Science (3 cr.) (2.3 GPA eligibility requirement)
  • HPER-P 452 Motor Learning (3 cr.)
  • PHSL-P 215 Basic Human Physiology (5 cr.) +(N&M)
  • PSY-P 101 Introductory Psychology I (3 cr.) +(N&M) or PSY-P 155 Introduction to Psychological and Brain Sciences (3 cr.) +(N&M)

Human Development Requirement (6 cr.)
Complete two of the following courses:

  • HPER C-315 Health in the Later Years (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 325 Health Informatics and Aging (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 366 Community Health (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 354 Multidisciplinary Perspectives in Gerontology (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 234 Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H-235 Obesity and Health (3 cr.) +(S&H)
  • HPER-P 490 Motor Development and Learning (3 cr.)

Statistics Requirement (3 cr.)
Complete one of the following courses:

  • PSY-K 300 Statistical Techniques (3 cr.)
  • SPEA-K 300 Statistical Techniques (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 391 Introduction to Health Information and Statistics (3 cr.)
  • HPER-R 390 Statistical Applications in Leisure Studies (3 cr.)

Computer Competency Requirement (3 cr.)
Complete one of the following courses:

  • BUS-K 201 The Computer in Business (3 cr.)
  • CSCI-A 110 Introduction to Computers and Computing (3 cr.) +(N&M)
  • HPER-P 200 Microcomputer Applications in Kinesiology (3 cr.)
  • HPER-R 237 Computers in Park, Recreation, and Tourism Management (3 cr.)

Communications Requirement (3 cr.)
Complete one of the following courses:

  • BUS-X 204 Business Communications (3 cr.)
  • CMCL-C 122 Interpersonal Communication (3 cr.) +(S&H)
  • ENG-W 103 Introduction to Creative Writing (3 cr.) +(A&H)
  • ENG-W 143 Interdisciplinary Writing (1 cr.)
  • ENG-W 203 Creative Writing (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 231 Professional Writing Skills (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 240 Community Service Writing (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 270 Argumentative Writing (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 280 Literary Editing and Publishing (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 350 Advanced Expository Writing (3 cr.)
  • TEL-T 211 Writing for Electronic Media (3 cr.)

Fitness Elective Requirement (15 cr.)
These courses enhance professional development in the health and fitness industry. Consult your academic advisor when selecting electives from this list of courses. Courses are commonly selected with the intent of completing a minor.
Select 15 credits from the following courses:

  • HPER-P 212 Introduction to Exercise Science (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 416 Introduction to Health Counseling (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 160 First Aid and Emergency Care (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 180 Stress Prevention and Management (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 305 Women's Health (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 306 Men's Health (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 315 Consumer Health (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 318 Drug Use in American Society (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 320 The Nature of Cancer (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 350 Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Health (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 401 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)—Ambulance I (3 cr.)
  • HPER-H 404 Emergency Medical Technician Lab (1 cr.)
  • HPER-P 238 Methods of Water Fitness Instruction (2 cr.)
  • HPER-P 301 Job Strategies for Kinesiology Students (1 cr.)
  • HPER-P 316 Theories of Advanced Conditioning (2 cr.)
  • HPER-P 317 Theory and Practice of Resistance Training (2 cr.)
  • HPER-P 412 Exercise in Health and Disease (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 421 Field Assessment of Physical Activity and Health (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 488 Athletic Training Assessment of and Adaptation for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (3 cr.)
  • HPER-P 492 Laboratory Assisting or Field Experience in Kinesiology (1-3 cr.)
  • HPER-T 142 Living Well (3 cr.) +(S&H)

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification Requirement
Present current evidence of CPR certification in HPER Room 115. Note: Current CPR certification is required for students to sit for a national certification examination. Certification in CPR is only acceptable from the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or the National Safety Council.

+ Courses followed by a N&M notation apply toward completion of both the major requirement and the general education, natural and mathematic sciences requirement.

+ Courses followed by a A&H notation apply toward completion of both the major requirement and the general education, arts and humanities requirement.

+ Courses followed by a S&H notation apply toward completion of both the major requirement and the general education, social and historical studies requirement.


Suggested Courses for the First-Year Fitness Specialist Student
First Semester (16 cr.)
ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition (3 cr.)
CHEM-C 101 Elementary Chemistry (3 cr.)
CHEM-C 121 Elementary Chemistry Laboratory (2 cr.)
Arts and Humanities Course (3 cr.)
Fitness Specialist Elective (3 cr.)
HPER-P 280 Basic Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (2 cr.)

Second Semester (15 cr.)
CMCL-C 121 Public Speaking (3 cr.)
Math Modeling Course (3 cr.)
HPER-P 205 Structural Kinesiology (3 cr.)
HPER-P 216 Current Concepts and Applications in Physical Fitness (3 cr.)
Fitness Specialist Elective (3 cr.)

Special Opportunities

The IU Fitness Specialist Program has the distinction of being endorsed by the ACSM (in May 2004) as having fulfilled the educational requirements established by the Committee on Certification and Registry Boards. This means that the current curriculum covers the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of an ACSM Health and Fitness Specialist. This certification can only be taken by those individuals with a four-year degree in an allied health field.

In addition, students are encouraged to complete a 200-hour internship and encouraged to complete a 50-hour practicum during their matriculation. Students are given numerous opportunities to demonstrate their skills by working at the Briscoe Fitness and Wellness Center located on campus and managed by the Fitness Specialist Program.

All students are encouraged to sit for the ACE, NSCA, or ACSM personal training certification within their junior or senior years. Many students are actively involved both on campus and in the community as fitness consultants, instructors, and personal trainers gaining invaluable experience working directly with individuals.

Careers

There are many exciting, rewarding, and challenging careers in the health/fitness industry. These include positions such as personal trainers, group exercise instructors, exercise leaders, club managers, fitness directors, fitness sales professionals, program directors, post-rehab fitness specialists, and geriatric or pediatric fitness specialists.

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