Kinesiology, Exercise Science Concentration, B.S.

Dr. Janet Wigglesworth, Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-6145
Email: wigglejk@jmu.edu
Location: Godwin Hall, Room 213
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/kinesiology

Professors
S. Nye, M. Saunders, J. Williams, C. Womack

Associate Professors
E. Edwards, T. Hargens, N. Luden, T. Moran, S. Carson Sackett

Assistant Professors
C. McKay, G. Young

Instructors
R. Lifka, P. McMahan, 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 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 kinesiology discipline.
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 discipline.

Career Opportunities and Marketable Skills

Athletic coach
Exercise specialist
Fitness facility manager
Physical and health education
Pre-professional health programs (pre-physical therapy, pre-medicine, pre-physician’s assistant, pre-occupational therapy)

Degree and Major Requirements

Students are advised to be certain they complete all General Education requirements before applying for graduation.

The kinesiology major program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with the B.S. degree requirements.

Students who major in kinesiology work toward a B.S. degree by selecting and completing one of the following concentrations:

Exercise Science
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

General Education 41 Credit Hours ¹
Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education ) 3 Credit Hours
Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education ) 3-4 Credit Hours
Kinesiology Core Courses 12 Credit Hours
Major and concentration requirements 60-68 Credit Hours ²
Electives 15-23 Credit Hours

Total: 120 Credit Hours

Footnotes

¹ The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
² The number of credits taken to meet major and concentration requirements may vary if courses are double-counted for General Education .

Kinesiology Core Courses

Required Courses

KIN 100. Lifetime Fitness & Wellness (2,2) 3.00
KIN 202. Biological Foundations of Kinesiology & Recreation 3.00
KIN 303. Motor Development & Learning 3.00
KIN 426. Physical Activity Behaviors 3.00

Total: 12 Credit Hours

Exercise Science Concentration

The concentration prepares students to pursue careers in the fitness industry as well as graduate education in exercise science, pre-professional or an allied health field.

Students interested in physical therapy, medicine or other pre-professional health programs should review the pre-professional health programs section for prerequisite courses and recommendations for entrance to graduate professional health programs. Pre-professional health program coordinators are available to assist students with career planning and preparation.

Admission Policy

Any student can declare the exercise science concentration; however, students must apply to be fully admitted to the major for a limited number of spaces. Declaring the exercise science concentration does not guarantee full admission to the major.

To apply for admission to the exercise science concentration, students must complete the following prerequisite courses:

Grades in the prerequisite courses are weighed heavily in the admission decision, and admission is offered to the top students on a space-available basis. Courses taken on a repeat/forgive basis will not be accepted. Only those grades received in prerequisite courses taken for the first time will be counted.

Applications are due October 15 for the spring semester and March 15 for summer and fall semester. Students denied admission may reapply during the next admission cycle.