Department of Kinesiology

Liz Edwards, Academic Unit Head

Email: jmukinesiology@jmu.edu
Phone: (540) 568-6145
Location: Godwin Hall, Room 307
Website: https://www.jmu.edu/chbs/kinesiology/

Professors
S. Carson Sackett, E. Edwards, T. Hargens, D. Hochstetler, N. Luden, T. Moran, S. Nye, M. Saunders, C. Womack

Associate Professors
L. Gano-Overway, S. Kurti-Luden, C. McKay

Assistant Professors
E. Magrum, A. D’Lugos

Senior Lecturer
C. Duncan

Lecturers
R. Lifka, J. Walters

Mission

The Department of Kinesiology is dedicated to the development of future leaders in professions that maximize the potential of individuals and society through physical activity. Programs include exercise science and teacher education in physical education and health.

The department is committed to providing:

Outstanding undergraduate programs based on the criteria of relevant professional associations which will enable graduates to achieve success in their professional endeavors.
Programs that build upon the strong liberal studies background provided through General Education.
Opportunities that challenge students to think critically
Use of technological advances.
An appreciation of the global community.
Quality graduate programs that complement the undergraduate programs and provide qualified students with an opportunity for advanced study in the disciplines of kinesiology.
Contributions to the university’s general education curriculum through programs designed to promote lifelong fitness and wellness.
Service to JMU, the professions and local community through our unique knowledge and expertise.
Research and development projects that push back the boundaries of knowledge and promote effective practice in the kinesiology disciplines.

Our aim is to develop professionals committed to engaging with diverse communities in ways that help all individuals reach their full potential. We are dedicated to appreciating differences in perspective, identity, and experience through cultivating class environments, curriculum, and pre-professional opportunities that align with the spirit of inclusion. This mission ultimately gets us closer to our vision of high-quality education.

Career Opportunities and Marketable Skills

The Exercise Science concentration provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and applied experiences to enter fields such as:

Fitness and Wellness Industry
- Personal Trainers
- Corporate Wellness/Fitness Directors
- Certified Exercise Physiologists
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches
Health Care Industry (when combined with a pre-professional health minor and graduate studies)
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Medicine
- Athletic Training
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Medical Technician

The Physical and Health Education concentration provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and applied experiences to enter the field of teaching Health and Physical Education pre-K-12.

The Coaching Education Minor provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and applied experiences to enter fields such as:

Coaching youth and interscholastic teams
College/University coaching
Strength and Conditioning coaching