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.

Overview of the Major

• The Kinesiology major offers the following option: Pre-Therapy and Allied Health.
• Also available at OSU-Cascades and via Ecampus.
• Major Code: 840

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Kinesiology major will be able to:

• Understand the methods by which public health identifies potential causes of population health status and identifies potential targets for intervention.
• Describe the fundamental roles of public health and how those roles are operationalized in public health organization, funding, workforce, and regulations.
• Describe the role of physical activity in health and wellness.
• Demonstrate knowledge of scientific concepts related to physical activity.
• Apply scientific concepts towards assessing, promoting, or enhancing physical health, fitness, or performance.
• Demonstrate skill in communication.
• Integrate principles of the physiologic responses to exercise, including the causes of these responses and their effector mechanisms.
• Describe issues of equity, inclusion, diversity, and social justice in relation to physical activity.

Requirements

Major Requirements (94 credits)

• Kinesiology Core (29 credits)
  • KIN 131: Introduction to Kinesiology (1 credit)
  • KIN 206: Projects (3 credits)
  • KIN 311: Motor Behavior (4 credits)
  • KIN 312: Sociocultural Dimensions of Physical Activity (4 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 (41 credits)
  • Select one of the following biology series:
    • Series A: BI 231, BI 232, BI 233, and BI 241, BI 242, BI 243
    • Series B: BI 331, BI 332, BI 333, and BI 341, BI 342, BI 343
    • Series C (Ecampus students): BI 254, BI 255, BI 256
  • CH 121: General Chemistry (5 credits) or CH 231 and CH 261
  • CH 122: General Chemistry (5 credits) or CH 232 and CH 262
  • CH 123: General Chemistry (5 credits) or CH 233 and CH 263
  • 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 (minimum 24 credits)
  • Must take at least 24 total credits of 300- and 400-level KIN courses not included in the Kinesiology Core.
  • Must take at least 3 KIN Lab courses.
  • Must take at least 3 credits of Experiential Learning from specified courses.

Minimum Grade Policy

A grade of C or better is required in all courses fulfilling Kinesiology major requirements.

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.

Pre-Therapy and Allied Health Option

• This 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.