Program Overview

Kinesiology Undergraduate Major (BS, HBS)

The Kinesiology major prepares students for careers in physical activity and fitness/wellness, such as organizing, directing, or managing physical fitness programs; personal trainer; fitness instructor; exercise physiologist; strength and fitness coach; and fitness entrepreneur. The degree can also serve as preparation for applications to a master's level physical education teacher education program, medical school, a professional program in the allied health professions (e.g., physical or occupational therapy, nursing, physician assistant) or other graduate education.

Available Campuses

• The Kinesiology major is available on Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses.

Overview of the Major

The Kinesiology major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, including the social, cultural, and biological aspects of physical activity and health. Students will gain knowledge and skills in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, and psychology of sport and physical activity.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate Core: Select 48 credits
• Major Requirements:
  • Kinesiology Core:
    • KIN 131: Introduction to Kinesiology (1 credit)
    • KIN 311: Motor Behavior (4 credits)
    • KIN 312: Sociocultural Dimensions of Physical Activity (3 credits)
    • KIN 314: Introduction to Adapted Physical Activity (3 credits)
    • KIN 321: Biomechanics of Human Movement (4 credits)
    • KIN 324: Exercise Physiology (4 credits)
    • KIN 370: Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (3 credits)
    • KIN 481: Analysis of Critical Issues in Kinesiology (3 credits)
  • Required Supporting Courses: Select one of the following options (15 credits)
    • Option A:
      • BI 231, BI 232, BI 233: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
      • BI 241, BI 242, BI 243: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory
    • Option B:
      • BI 331, BI 332, BI 333: Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology
      • BI 341, BI 342, BI 343: Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory
    • Additional courses:
      • CH 121: General Chemistry (5 credits)
      • CH 122: General Chemistry (5 credits)
      • CH 123: General Chemistry (5 credits)
      • H 100: Introduction to Public Health (4 credits)
      • MTH 112: Elementary Functions (4 credits)
      • NUTR 240: Human Nutrition (3 credits)
• KIN Courses Beyond the Core: Select a minimum of 24 credits
  • These courses are chosen to meet individual students' educational goals in preparation for their chosen careers.
  • Must take at least 24 total credits of 300- and 400-level KIN courses not included in the Kinesiology Core.
  • Among these credits:
    • Must take at least 3 KIN Lab courses (KIN course with a lab component; credits per course may vary).
    • Must take at least 3 credits of Experiential Learning from the following courses: KIN 301 Research and Scholarship, KIN 306 Projects, KIN 401 Research and Scholarship, KIN 406 Projects, KIN 410 Internship, and KIN practicum courses; or credits earned in research, study abroad, or service-learning experiences.
    • No more than 9 Experiential Learning credits will count toward the 24 total credits required.

Minimum Grade Policy

A grade of C or better is required in all courses fulfilling Kinesiology major requirements (Kinesiology Core, Required Supporting Courses, and KIN Courses Beyond the Core).

Repeated Courses Policy

The university's repeated courses policy will be followed. Kinesiology students are allowed at most two attempts to meet individual course degree requirements. Students who do not receive the minimum grade required for a course after two attempts (including courses transferred from other institutions) will not be allowed to have grades earned in subsequent attempts count toward meeting Kinesiology degree requirements.

Pre-Therapy and Allied Health Option

The Pre-Therapy and Allied Health option has admission standards that may be added to the major. Students may apply for admission to the PTAH option after completion of 90 credits. Requirements for admission can be found under the catalog listing for the PTAH option.

Major Code

The major code for the Kinesiology Undergraduate Major is 840.

Total Credits Required for Graduation

The total credits required for graduation is 180.