Faculty and students in our department examine human movement from a physiological, biomechanical, developmental and psychosocial perspective.
Undergraduates receive a B.S. in Kinesiology, with coursework focusing on either Exercise Science (ES) or Physical & Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE).
The ES concentration prepares students for careers in area such as strength and conditioning, personal training, corporate wellness, and cardiac rehabilitation. Many of our Exercise Science graduates choose to continue their education in order to pursue various health-related professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant and medicine.
Physical Education and Health students complete a five-year program which leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). What this means is that at the end of four years, students will receive a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in PHETE. The fifth-year MAT program starts after graduation in May. After successful completion of the MAT students are able to obtain a PK-12 VA state teaching license in Physical and Health Education.
In addition to the MAT, the Department also offers a graduate program in Exercise Science with an emphasis in exercise physiology. The ES graduate program prepares students to enter fields related to exercise testing, fitness training, sport, research and/or the health and wellness industry.
And finally, the department also offers a minor in Coaching Education. This NCACE accredited program prepares students for youth and high school coaching positions.