School of Health & Human Sciences
Undergraduate Programs
Department of Kinesiology
Department of Kinesiology undergraduate programs
The kinesiology department offers three different programs for earning a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (B.S.K.). Students can earn a B.S.K. with a major in exercise science, fitness management and personal training, or physical education teacher education. The department offers two certificate degree programs for personal training and youth physical wellness coaching. Or, students can complement their bachelor's degrees with one of the department's four minors offered in kinesiology-related fields of study.
Exercise Science (B.S.K.)
Exercise science is the study of human health, wellness, and movement. Our degree equips students with a science-based understanding of human movement that will enable students to contribute to the health and well-being of communities. Exercise Science majors also complete a Personal Training certificate as part of the program.
Students develop foundational knowledge of kinesiology, fitness, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, and more.
Students have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, mentored by outstanding faculty who are experts in the field.
Exercise science graduates have applied their training to help solve the nation’s growing health issues, such as diabetes and obesity. Many advance into graduate or professional schools, on their way to becoming exercise physiologists, physical therapists, physician assistants, and occupational therapists.
View the exercise science major curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes - Exercise Science
- Identify the general principles of exercise science concepts.
- Conduct health and fitness appraisals and clinical exercise testing.
- Describe the key electrocardiography, diagnostic, patient management, medication, pathophysiology and risk factors associated with exercise and clinical exercise testing.
- Develop prescription and programming for clients.
- Explain the essentials of nutrition and weight management.
- Apply basic human behavior principles and counseling skills as it applies to strategies of enhancing exercise and health behaviors.
- Demonstrate safety, injury prevention and emergency procedures in various physical activity settings.
- Be able to list key program administration goals and outcomes assessment for exercise testing and programming.
- Employ practical skills (i.e., technology-based, quantitative, or qualitative) to analyze and describe human movement.
- Demonstrate dispositions essential to becoming effective professionals
Fitness Management and Personal Training (B.S.K.)
The Fitness Management and Personal Training major combines the knowledge and application of techniques to advance the wellness and fitness of others. Fitness Management and Personal Training majors also complete a Personal Training certificate as part of the program.
Students work with real clients and build their knowledge through research projects, internships, and opportunities to study abroad.
Graduates from this program are getting the country in shape at clinics, health and fitness clubs, community centers, nursing homes, hospitals, sports organizations, and businesses nationwide. They have the power to change lives through their jobs as personal trainers, health coaches, and fitness directors at every level.
View the fitness management & personal training major curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes - Fitness Management and Personal Training
- Identify the general principles of exercise science concepts.
- Conduct health and fitness appraisals and clinical exercise testing.
- Describe the key electrocardiography, diagnostic, patient management, medication, pathophysiology and risk factors associated with exercise and clinical exercise testing.
- Develop prescription and programming for clients.
- Explain the essentials of nutrition and weight management.
- Apply basic human behavior principles and counseling skills as it applies to strategies of enhancing exercise and health behaviors.
- Demonstrate safety, injury prevention and emergency procedures in various physical activity settings.
- Be able to list key program administration goals and outcomes assessment for exercise testing and programming.
- Employ practical skills (i.e., technology-based, quantitative, or qualitative) to analyze and describe human movement.
- Demonstrate dispositions essential to becoming effective professionals
Physical Education & Health Education Teaching (B.S.K.)
Physical education teachers transform lives. For some children, they’re the first adults to promote healthy, active lifestyles. A degree in Physical Education Teacher Education provides an understanding of effective and innovative programming to support youth physical activity and wellness
Graduates earn an all-grade (pre-K–12) Indiana teacher’s license for physical education and have many options for student teaching.
View the physical education teacher education major curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes - Physical Education Teacher Education
- Apply discipline specific and theoretical concepts when developing physically educated individuals.
- Demonstrate competent movement and health enhancing fitness skills.
- Implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences to address the diverse needs of all students.
- Use effective communication and pedagogical skills and strategies to enhance student engagement and learning.
- Utilize assessments and reflection to foster student learning and make informed instructional decisions.
- Demonstrate dispositions essential to becoming effective professionals.
- Employ practical skills (i.e., technology or theory) to analyze and describe human movement.
Certificates
Personal Training
The certificate in personal training gives students a basic understanding of the principles of personal training. Students complete academically relevant courses that will prepare them to sit for one of three national certification exams.
View the personal training certificate curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes - Personal Training Certificate
- Obtain a health/medical history, medical clearance, and informed consent.
- Identify modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and teaching clients about risk reduction.
- Determine appropriate fitness assessments based on the initial client consultation.
- Follow protocols during fitness assessment administration
- Set effective client-oriented s.m.a.r.t. behavioral goals.
- Choose and apply appropriate health behavior modification strategies based on the client’s skills, knowledge and level of motivation
- Locate/palpate pulse landmarks, accurately measuring heart rate, and obtaining rating of perceived exertion (rpe).
- Select and administer health-related fitness assessments.
- Deliver test and assessment results in a positive manner
- Demonstrate a wide-range of exercises designed to enhance health-related and functional fitness
- Implement proper spotting positions and techniques for injury prevention and exercise assistance
- Demonstrate and carry out emergency procedures during exercise testing and/or training.
Youth Physical Wellness Programming
View the youth physical wellness programming certificate curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes - Youth Physical Wellness Certificate
- Construct movement opportunities for youth that meet daily guidelines for moderate to vigorous daily physical activity for youth;
- Identify the determinants of youth enjoyment and motivation from physical activity participation.
- Demonstrate effective and essential communication and personal disposition behaviors in a youth physical activity setting.
- Exhibit effective and essential planning, preparation, and program delivery skills in a youth physical activity and sport setting.
- Describe appropriate health promotion skills for youth in an afterschool setting.
- Exhibit effective skills in fostering healthy decision-making skills to enhance health in youth.
- Explain the process of learning and maintaining health-enhancing behaviors in youth.
- Summarize evidence-based recommendations on healthy eating, snacking, and nutrition as it relates to youth.
- Support best practices as it relates to the physical environment and healthy eating for youth during unattached school time.
Minors
Coaching
The minor in coaching is based on the national standards for athletic coaches developed by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). This program teaches how to coach athletes at various age and ability levels, from physical preparation to understanding the emotional, social, and cognitive needs of athletes. Students learn the principles and practices of exercise science, including how to treat and prevent athletic injuries.
View the coaching minor curriculum.
Dance
The dance minor develops the talents of students as dancers. Students learn technique, choreography, and performance skills, and put that knowledge to practice through performance.
View the dance minor curriculum.
Health Education
This minor studies the principles of health, wellness, physical fitness, and nutrition. Students learn how to address health problems on a community level as they gain the knowledge and skills for promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing disease. This minor adds a distinctive health focus to majors and career tracks such as teaching, nursing, social work, and public health.
View the health education minor curriculum.
Wellness Coaching
In this minor, students learn the principles of coaching, lifestyle wellness, and physical activity as well as how to teach healthy behaviors and habits. Wellness coaches may work with clients in a variety of areas, including behavior change, stress management, relaxation techniques, time management, smoking cessation, weight loss, or exercise programming.
