Kinesiology, B.S.
Program Description
The kinesiology major program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with the B.S. degree requirements.
Students are advised to be certain they complete all General Education requirements before applying for graduation.
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
Exercise Science Concentration 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.
Applications to begin upper-level Exercise Science are December 15th (fall semester start) and July 31st (spring semester start). Prior to submitting their application, students must have completed the following coursework:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| KIN 100 | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (2,2) [C5W] | 3 |
| KIN 202 | Biological Foundations of Kinesiology | 3 |
Two of the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 270 & 270L | Human Physiology [C3NS] and Human Physiology Laboratory [C3L] | 4 |
| BIO 290 & 290L | Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 131 & 131L | General Chemistry I [C3PP] and General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] | 4 |
Students will need to complete the final pre-requisite course (the remaining Biology or Chemistry course) with a "C-" or better prior to beginning upper-level Exercise Science coursework. Students may utilize one repeat-forgive course as part of their application; the repeated attempt must have been completed at the time of application.
Students denied admission may reapply during the next admission cycle for a total of two applications.
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Concentration Admission Policy
The admission and retention standards are designed to instill a professional attitude and commitment to the profession of teaching. The admission and retention standards complement the JMU Teacher Education application process. The following outlines the admission and retention standards and procedures for PHETE.
PHETE Admission Standards
- Full acceptance to the JMU Teacher Education Program
- Submission of:
- Work Experience Verification Form
- Professional Resume
- Personal Statement
- Demonstration and appreciation of professional dispositions
- Successful completion of the following course work:
Course List Code Title Credits BIO 290
& 290LHuman Anatomy
and Human Anatomy Laboratory4 EDUC 200 Foundations of Education in the United States 3 PSYC 160 Life Span Human Development [C5SD] 1 3 KIN 224 Skill Laboratory: Court and Field Games 3 KIN 303 Motor Development and Learning 1 3 KIN 312 The Profession of Teaching Health and Physical Education 1 3
Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education 1 | 41 |
| Quantitative Requirement (in addition to General Education) 2 | 3 |
| Scientific Literacy Requirement (in addition to General Education) 2 | 3-4 |
| Kinesiology Core Courses | 21 |
| Major, Concentration, and Kinesiology Elective Requirements 3 | 46-55 |
| University Electives | 0-16 |
| Total | 120 |
- 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
Quantitative and scientific literacy requirements may be fulfilled with major required courses.
- 3
The number of credits taken to meet major and concentration requirements may vary if courses are double-counted for General Education.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIO 290 | Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BIO 290L | Human Anatomy Laboratory | 1 |
| KIN 100 | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (2,2) [C5W] | 3 |
| KIN 201 | Introduction to Kinesiology as a Profession | 2 |
| KIN 202 | Biological Foundations of Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN 303 | Motor Development and Learning | 3 |
| NUTR 280 | Nutrition for Wellness | 3 |
| MATH 220 | Elementary Statistics [C3QR] | 3 |
| Subtotal | 21 | |
| Kinesiology Concentrations | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 46-54 | |
Exercise Science | ||
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education | ||
| Subtotal | 46-54 | |
| Total Credits | 67-75 | |
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 athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medicine or other pre-professional health programs should review the Pre-Professional Health Advising 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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science Concentration Requirements | ||
| BIO 270 & 270L | Human Physiology [C3NS] and Human Physiology Laboratory [C3L] | 4 |
| CHEM 131 & 131L | General Chemistry I [C3PP] and General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] 1 | 4 |
| KIN 302 & 302L | Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| KIN 306 & 306L | Human Biomechanics and Human Biomechanics Laboratory | 4 |
| KIN 321 & 321L | Exercise Testing and Prescription and Exercise Testing and Prescription Laboratory | 4 |
| KIN 381 | Practicum in Exercise Science | 3 |
| KIN 481 | Internship in Exercise Science | 4-12 |
| MATH 205 | Applied Calculus [C3QR] 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 140 | College Physics I [C3PP] 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 140L | General Physics Laboratory I [C3L] 1 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 34-42 | |
| Psychological/Behavioral Course | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Psychological Foundations of Sport and Performance | ||
| Developing Mental and Life Skills through Sport and Physical Education | ||
| Psychological Foundations of Exercise and Health Behavior | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Departmental Electives | ||
| Choose nine credit hours of the following: | 9 | |
| Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Sport and Physical Activity | ||
| Social Aspects of Sport | ||
| Exercise and Nutrition in Chronic Disease | ||
| Concepts of Strength and Conditioning | ||
| Advanced Topics in Exercise Science and Leadership | ||
| Special Topics in Adapted Physical Education | ||
| Exercise Across the Lifespan | ||
| Environmental Exercise Physiology | ||
| Physiology of Endurance Performance | ||
| Exercise, Cardiovascular Disease and ECG Assessment | ||
| Exercise Immunology | ||
| Strength and Conditioning II: Advanced Training Methods and Concepts | ||
| Strength and Conditioning III: Philosophy, Leadership and Managerial Responsibilities | ||
| Advanced Respiratory Physiology in Exercise Science | ||
| Special Studies in Kinesiology and Recreation | ||
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 46-54 | |
- 1
This course may be counted for both General Education and major degree requirements.
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Concentration
The Physical and Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE) concentration is committed to educating future leaders in the profession of teaching physical and health education. The program encourages the teacher candidate to advocate for effective educational changes, work collaboratively and collectively for social change, and to continue to grow professionally.
The PHETE concentration is intended for students who wish to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree. Upon successful completion of the first four years, students earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in kinesiology. It is necessary to be admitted to the teacher education program prior to enrolling in professional education courses. For more information contact the PHETE coordinator, Dr. Susan Nye, Godwin Hall, Room 315, (540) 568-4865, nyesb@jmu.edu.
Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 200 | Foundations of Education in the United States | 3 |
| KIN 221 | Skill Laboratory: Rhythmic and Dance Activities | 3 |
| KIN 222 | Skill Laboratory: Teaching Fitness and Wellness in Schools | 3 |
| KIN 223 | Skill Laboratory: Individual and Lifetime Activities | 3 |
| KIN 224 | Skill Laboratory: Court and Field Games | 3 |
| KIN 225 | Skill Laboratory: Wilderness and Adventure Education | 3 |
| KIN 309 | School Health Content | 3 |
| KIN 312 | The Profession of Teaching Health and Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 353 | Developing Mental and Life Skills through Sport and Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 410 | School Health Content for PHETE | 3 |
| KIN 417 | Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 418 | Assessment in Elementary Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 420 | Instructional Methods in Elementary Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 421 | Elementary Curriculum in Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 480 | Student Teaching in Physical Education | 8 |
| LED 420 | Content Area Literacy, K-12 | 2 |
| PSYC 160 | Life Span Human Development [C5SD] | 3 |
| Total Credits | 55 | |
PHETE Graduate Requirements
Information on the graduate requirements can be found on the page for the 5th-year M.A.T. in Education with a Concentration in Physical and Health Education Teacher Education.
Recommended Schedule for Exercise Science Concentration
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 131 | General Chemistry I [C3PP] | 3 |
| CHEM 131L | General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] | 1 |
| KIN 100 | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (2,2) [C5W] | 3 |
| KIN 201 | Introduction to Kinesiology as a Profession | 2 |
| MATH 220 | Elementary Statistics [C3QR] | 3 |
| General Education | 18 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Second Year | ||
| BIO 270 | Human Physiology [C3NS] | 3 |
| BIO 270L | Human Physiology Laboratory [C3L] | 1 |
| BIO 290 | Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BIO 290L | Human Anatomy Laboratory | 1 |
| KIN 202 | Biological Foundations of Kinesiology | 3 |
| MATH 205 | Applied Calculus [C3QR] | 3 |
| NUTR 280 | Nutrition for Wellness | 3 |
| General Education requirement | 10 | |
| Elective or minor courses | 3 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Third Year | ||
| KIN 302 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| KIN 302L | Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| KIN 303 | Motor Development and Learning | 3 |
| KIN 306 | Human Biomechanics | 3 |
| KIN 306L | Human Biomechanics Laboratory | 1 |
| KIN 321 & 321L |
Exercise Testing and Prescription and Exercise Testing and Prescription Laboratory |
4 |
| KIN 381 | Practicum in Exercise Science | 3 |
| PHYS 140 | College Physics I [C3PP] | 3 |
| PHYS 140L | General Physics Laboratory I [C3L] | 1 |
| Minor or general elective courses | 8 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| One psychological/behavioral course from list above | 3 | |
| KIN 481 | Internship in Exercise Science | 4 |
| KIN electives | 9 | |
| Minor or general elective courses | 14 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Recommended Schedule for PHETE Concentration
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| KIN 100 | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (2,2) [C5W] | 3 |
| KIN 201 | Introduction to Kinesiology as a Profession | 2 |
| General Education | 25 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Second Year | ||
| BIO 290 | Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BIO 290L | Human Anatomy Laboratory | 1 |
| KIN 202 | Biological Foundations of Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN 353 | Developing Mental and Life Skills through Sport and Physical Education | 3 |
| General Education | 8 | |
| Electives | 7 | |
| PSYC 160 | Life Span Human Development [C5SD] | 3 |
| Credits | 28 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| EDUC 200 | Foundations of Education in the United States | 3 |
| KIN 224 | Skill Laboratory: Court and Field Games | 3 |
| KIN 303 | Motor Development and Learning | 3 |
| KIN 312 | The Profession of Teaching Health and Physical Education | 3 |
| NUTR 280 | Nutrition for Wellness | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| KIN 222 | Skill Laboratory: Teaching Fitness and Wellness in Schools | 3 |
| KIN 225 | Skill Laboratory: Wilderness and Adventure Education | 3 |
| KIN 309 | School Health Content | 3 |
| LED 420 | Content Area Literacy, K-12 | 2 |
| MATH 220 | Elementary Statistics [C3QR] | 3 |
| Electives | 1 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| KIN 223 | Skill Laboratory: Individual and Lifetime Activities | 3 |
| KIN 421 | Elementary Curriculum in Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 417 | Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 420 | Instructional Methods in Elementary Physical Education | 3 |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| KIN 221 | Skill Laboratory: Rhythmic and Dance Activities | 3 |
| KIN 410 | School Health Content for PHETE | 3 |
| KIN 418 | Assessment in Elementary Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 480 | Student Teaching in Physical Education | 8 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Recommended Schedule for Accelerated Pathway to Athletic Training Students
After completing the 3 years below, students segue into the MSAT program. See the Athletic Training, M.S.A.T. page for more information.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| KIN 100 | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (2,2) [C5W] | 3 |
| WRTC 103 | Rhetorical Reading and Writing [C1W] | 3 |
| General Education courses, including American Experience | 10 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHEM 131 | General Chemistry I [C3PP] | 3 |
| CHEM 131L | General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] | 1 |
| HTH 210 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| KIN 201 | Introduction to Kinesiology as a Profession | 2 |
| MATH 220 | Elementary Statistics [C3QR] | 3 |
| PSYC 101 | General Psychology [C5SD] | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 290 | Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BIO 290L | Human Anatomy Laboratory | 1 |
| KIN 202 | Biological Foundations of Kinesiology | 3 |
| MATH 205 | Applied Calculus [C3QR] | 3 |
| General Education | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ATEP 205 | Introduction to Athletic Training | 3 |
| BIO 270 | Human Physiology [C3NS] | 3 |
| BIO 270L | Human Physiology Laboratory [C3L] | 1 |
| NUTR 280 | Nutrition for Wellness | 3 |
| PHYS 140 | College Physics I [C3PP] | 3 |
| PHYS 140L | General Physics Laboratory I [C3L] | 1 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| KIN 302 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| KIN 302L | Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| KIN 303 | Motor Development and Learning | 3 |
| KIN 321 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| KIN 321L | Exercise Testing and Prescription Laboratory | 1 |
| KIN 381 | Practicum in Exercise Science | 3 |
| KIN electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| KIN 306 | Human Biomechanics | 3 |
| KIN 306L | Human Biomechanics Laboratory | 1 |
| KIN 481 | Internship in Exercise Science | 4-12 |
| KIN psychology requirement (see above) | 3 | |
| KIN electives | 3 | |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Credits | 17-25 | |
| Total Credits | 98-106 | |
Accelerated Pathway to the Master of Science in Athletic Training
Kinesiology majors who choose a concentration in exercise science and are interested in an athletic training career are eligible to apply to an accelerated pathway (3+2) leading to the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree. The purpose of this pathway is to prepare students to become certified athletic trainers with the clinical knowledge, skills and professional attitudes that will enable them to deliver health care effectively in various clinical settings. Highly motivated and academically talented students will complete both the undergraduate degree in kinesiology and graduate degree in athletic training programs in 5 years, compared to the traditional 6 years for completing both degrees. Students interested in this pathway must complete a very specific set of course requirements as part of the kinesiology degree. See those details below.
Admission and Application Requirements
Students interested in the accelerated pathway will begin their undergraduate studies with a focused curriculum designed to meet the prerequisites for their graduate program while meeting their major requirements. Upon successful completion of the required coursework at a high academic standard, students will transition into the graduate program.
Interested students will need to:
- Declare an undergraduate major in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science.
- Attain admission into the exercise science concentration (see admission policy above).
- Discuss their intent to pursue the 3+2 accelerated pathway to the Master of Science in Athletic Training with their academic advisor and pre-professional health advisor (if applicable).
- Submit their declaration of intent for pursuing the 3+2 accelerated pathway to the Master of Science in Athletic Training. Ideally, this declaration is made as a first-year student at JMU. Submitting the declaration of intent in the first year allows adequate time to plan and schedule year two and year three courses.
Students pursuing the 3+2 accelerated pathway to the Master of Science in Athletic Training are required to meet the following criteria for admission:
- Preferred GPA of 2.7 or higher
- Successful completion of the following MSAT prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C-" by the end of the third year. The JMU courses in parentheses are part of the exercise science concentration in kinesiology and fulfil the prerequisite requirements:
- General Psychology (PSYC 101)
- Nutrition (NUTR 280)
- Statistics or Research Methods (MATH 220)
- Human or Mammalian Anatomy & Physiology BIO 270/BIO 270L;and BIO 290/BIO 290L)
- Physics or Biomechanics (PHYS 140/PHYS 140L or KIN 306/KIN 306L)
- General Chemistry (CHEM 131/CHEM 131L)
- Exercise Physiology (KIN 302/KIN 302L)
- Students who are uncertain whether a course meets prerequisites should email athletictraining@jmu.edu and include a copy of the syllabus from the semester they took the course.
- The following courses are not prerequisites but are highly recommended: ATEP 205, ATEP 306
- Submission of formal application to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program through ATCAS and the Graduate School of JMU by September 1 of the third year.
- Successful completion of an admission interview during September of the third year.
- Successful completion of major courses by the end of the third year.
Program Structure
The 3+2 accelerated pathway to the Master of Science in Athletic Training allows undergraduate students to enroll in and apply 21-22 graduate credit hours toward the completion of the B.S. in Kinesiology. For a list of courses, please see the MSAT page.
In their first year, students meet with academic major advisors and indicate interest in the accelerated pathway, declaring their intent to pursue this pathway, while beginning their major coursework. In the fall of their third year, students apply to the MSAT program. Students must complete all undergraduate major and prerequisite coursework by the end of the spring semester of their third year at JMU. Students admitted to the accelerated MSAT program will begin their graduate coursework in May after their third year at JMU. Admitted students take 21-22 credit hours at the graduate level during the summer after their third year and the fall of their fourth year. These 21-22 graduate credits will be applied to their undergraduate transcript to fulfill the remaining credits needed for the undergraduate degree. Students enrolled in graduate coursework are required to adhere to The Graduate School Academic Requirements for progression. The undergraduate degree will be conferred at the end of the fall semester of year 4, allowing students to participate in December commencement. Students transition to graduate student status for the spring of the fourth year and complete the remaining courses in the graduate program over the following semesters. Upon successful completion of all courses in the MSAT program, students will earn their master's degree at the end of their fifth year at JMU. Students will participate in the May commencement.
Students pursuing the accelerated pathway should meet with their academic advisor each semester to discuss their progress toward undergraduate degree completion and staying on track with MSAT prerequisites to ensure prerequisite and graduate requirements are being met.