Kinesiology B.S.

The bachelor of science (B.S.) program in kinesiology is a comprehensive, science-based academic degree program centered around the physical, biological, and social sciences related to the study of physical activity and human movement. Major coursework includes content focusing on human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, movement science, sociology, and sport and exercise psychology.

This curriculum provides exceptional academic preparation for students interested in graduate and professional programs in allied health, biomechanics, chiropractic medicine, dentistry, ergonomics, exercise physiology, exercise rehabilitation, human factors and performance, movement science, motor performance, nursing, occupational therapy, physical education licensure, physical therapy, preventative and rehabilitation medicine, psychology of sport and exercise, sport management, and sport sociology.

Examples of career choices for graduates with a B.S. in kinesiology include, but are not limited to: athletic performance training, coaching, exercise testing and prescription in clinical and health settings, personal training in health clubs and corporate settings, pharmaceutical sales, physical therapist, physical education teacher, occupational therapist, public health management, fitness/sport/medical device sales, wellness and fitness specialist, and youth sports director.

Admission Requirements

A GPA above 2.00 is preferred for the following:
   2.5 for students already admitted to the degree-granting college.
   2.5 for students transferring from another University of Minnesota college.
   2.5 for students transferring from outside the University.

To be eligible to apply to the major, students must have:
¿ Taken, or have in progress at the time of application, one course from four of the five following categories
¿ A minimum 2.50 overall GPA
¿ At least 60 credits completed or in progress

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the   Office of Admissions Web site.

General Requirements

Program Requirements

Students will need to select one of the following sub-plans and fulfill the requirements set for that specific sub-plan:
¿ Clinical movement science
¿ Exercise and health science
¿ Pre-physical education teaching licensure
¿ Sport science

Program Sub-plans

Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans. (Note for the Twin Cities and
Morris campuses: The honors sub-plan does not meet this requirement. Honors students are required to
complete one sub-plan plus the honors sub-plan. Please see an adviser if no honors sub-plan is listed
for the program.)
                 

Students in the pre-physical education teaching licensure Sub-Plan will have the opportunity to prepare themselves to become successful candidates for admission into the M.Ed. in Teaching/Initial Teacher Licensure Program in K-12 Physical Education at the University of Minnesota. Areas of emphasis include a strong scientific background in kinesiology; knowledge and skills in a prescribed, yet broad, range of physical activity; and principles, theory, and research related to education and, in particular, physical education. This sub-plan might also be applicable to those entering fields involving children and youth engaged in physical activity.

Students are required to take a minimum of 22-credits of coursework that support this sub-plan. A minimum of 9 credits must be KIN 1xxx-5xxx. Additional courses should be selected from the following the non-KIN and physical activity courses. Courses that fulfill other kinesiology major requirements cannot be used as a sub-plan, except for the PE courses used to fulfill the major¿s Physical Activity Requirement. The five courses students have to take to fulfill the major¿s Physical Activity Requirement will also count toward this sub-plan.

Note: Students in the sub-plan are strongly encouraged to meet with their adviser prior to registering for each semester.

Students who plan to apply to the UMN Physical Education Teaching Licensure Program must fulfill all of the licensure program's pre-admission requirements before they can be eligible to apply. Pre-admission requirements are outlined on the following Web site: http://cehd.umn.edu/students/Graduate/ILP/Physical/content.html.

This clinical movement science sub-plan provides a broad life-science based program that prepares students for careers focusing on injury prevention, rehab of cognitive and motor function, in research where movement science is applied to human performance. Students have the opportunity to prepare to become successful candidates for admission to professional programs such as physical and occupational therapy, nursing, physician assistant, and rehabilitation and preventive medicine. In addition, well-motivated students will be prepared for graduate work in the broad area of movement science that may lead to careers in academia, research and the medical device or human factors industry.

Students are required to take a minimum of 17-credits of coursework that support this sub-plan. A minimum of 9 credits must be from the KIN prefixed courses list below. All sub-plan coursework must be selected from the following course list(s).

The exercise and health sciences sub-plan is designed to provide a broad sciences-based academic background to prepare students for careers in the medical, health and fitness industry. These careers include roles in health clubs, community and corporate wellness centers, as personal trainers, and in clinical rehabilitation centers as exercise technicians. Students from this sub-plan can also prepare themselves for admission to professional programs in the Health Sciences including nursing, physician assistant, certified athletic trainer, medical degree and chiropractic programs.

Students are required to take a minimum of 17-credits of coursework that support this sub-plan. A minimum of 9 credits must be from the KIN prefixed courses list below. All sub-plan coursework must be selected from the following course list(s).

The sport science sub-plan encompasses behavioral, social, and physical sciences¿such as sport and exercise psychology, sport sociology, training and conditioning, motor development and learning, sport and recreation management, and pedagogy¿that contribute to developing and promoting healthy and effective sports participation among athletes of all ages and abilities. Kinesiology professionals in related careers provide training and services for these athletes, such as athletics coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, athletics directors, youth sport recreation directors, recreational and club sport coordinators, sport educators, mental skills consultants, and sports equipment managers.

Students are required to take a minimum of 17-credits of coursework that support this sub-plan. A minimum of 9 credits must be from the KIN prefixed courses list below. All sub-plan coursework must be selected from the following course list(s).

Students should expect the 5xxx courses on this list to be more advanced graduate-level courses suitable for upper level KIN majors who have completed their core coursework. Students planning on pursuing graduate studies in the following sport sciences should choose not only some of the KIN sub-plans most closely related to that sport science, but also some elective courses or minors like sport and exercise psychology [coursework or minor in psychology (PSY) or child psychology (CPSY)], sport sociology [coursework or minor in sociology (SOC)], sport management [coursework or minor in youth studies (YOST), or coursework in recreation (REC)]. Students planning on pursuing graduate studies in sport sciences should select KIN electives most closely related to sport science.

This is an honors sub-plan.

Students admitted to the University Honors Program (UHP) must fulfill UHP requirements in addition to degree program requirements. For any course required in a degree program, UHP students must register for the honors version if one is offered. Honors courses used to fulfill degree program requirements will also fulfill UHP requirements.