Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology program at Northern Illinois University is designed for students who are passionate about helping others improve their quality of life. This experiential and research-informed program prepares students to work in various health, wellness, and sport performance settings, utilizing exercise as a form of medicine. The curriculum also prepares students for graduate school in exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, sport and exercise psychology, and sport management.

Requirements

Students admitted to the program must maintain a university GPA of 2.5 or above and satisfactorily complete all required coursework prior to the culminating internship. Grades of C or better are required in specific major courses.

Real-world Learning

The program embeds diverse, real-world learning opportunities, including:

• Internship sites aligned with future career goals, such as cardiac rehabilitation centers, fitness centers, sport performance centers, and corporations
• Participation in intramural leagues, weekend trips, and monthly workshops through the Sport, Recreation, and Wellness Community
• Opportunities to participate in local, US, and international experiences through the College of Education's Educate and Engage series

Innovative Experiences

The department operates an outreach program with DeKalb's Oak Crest Retirement Center, providing students with hands-on experience in a health and wellness setting. Students work individually with clients under the supervision of a graduate assistant, developing relationships and gaining new perspectives and experiences in the exercise gerontology field.

Internship

The KNPE 494 internship is the culminating requirement for the program, providing students with a six-credit-hour field experience to develop practical skills and knowledge in a professional kinesiology setting.

Coursework Highlights

• KNPE 300 Field Experience in Kinesiology (1 credit hour)
• KNPE 301 Introduction to Kinesiology and Sport Professions (3 credit hours)
• KNPE 305 Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Exercise and Physical Activity (3 credit hours) or KNPE 310 Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise (3 credit hours)
• KNPE 314 Applied Kinesiology (4 credit hours)
• KNPE 346 Methods of Group Fitness Instruction (3 credit hours)
• KNPE 350 Principles and Techniques of Resistance Training (3 credit hours)
• KNPE 443 Principles of Exercise for Acute and Chronic Conditions (3 credit hours)
• KNPE 445 Measurement and Evaluation in Exercise Science (3 credit hours)
• KNPE 452 Applied Physiology of Exercise (4 credit hours)
• KNPE 463 Exercise and Physical Activity across the Lifespan (3 credit hours)
• KNPE 493 Supervised Clinical Experience in Exercise Gerontology (2 credit hours)
• KNPE 494 Internship in Kinesiology (6 credit hours)
• LESM 438 Sport and Fitness Management Strategies (3 credit hours) or LESM 442 Promotion of Sport and Fitness Programs (3 credit hours)

Careers in Kinesiology

Graduates of the program can pursue careers as:

• Corporate wellness manager
• Coach
• Fitness instructor
• Intramural sports director
• Personal trainer
• Strength-and-conditioning coach
• Weight training instructor

Testimonial

The program has received positive feedback from students, who appreciate the opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world situations and gain practical experience in their field of interest.