Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major
Description of the Major
The Department of Kinesiology is dedicated to the development of future leaders in professions that maximize the potential of individuals and society through exercise, sport and leisure activities. There are two different concentrations in Kinesiology: Exercise Science and Physical and Health Education Teacher Education.
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education ConcentrationThis concentration prepares you for careers in teaching school physical and health education. The Physical and Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE) concentration is a five-year Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program. Upon successful completion of the first four years, students earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in kinesiology. The fifth year M.A.T. degree provides the requisite courses to obtain a Virginia state teaching license in Health and Physical Education (prek-12).
Exercise Science
This concentration prepares you for employment in fitness-related agencies such as wellness centers, hospitals and rehabilitation programs, and to pursue graduate degrees in exercise science. Graduates of this program are prepared to enroll in the fitness instructor certification program sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine. Students interested in physical therapy find this concentration a complement to the Pre-Physical Therapy program.
Degrees Offered
B.S.
Concentrations
Exercise Science
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education
Minors
Coaching Education
Sport Communication
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Declare the Kinesiology major when your register for orientation. In consultation with your kinesiology advisor you will select a concentration in exercise science or physical and health education teacher education.
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Submit a "Change or Declaration of Major" form to the kinesiology adviser in Godwin Hall, room 220.
Admission to the Concentrations
Exercise Science Concentration
All students must apply for a limited number of seats in the exercise science concentration. To apply for admission, students must complete the following pre-requisite courses:
Grades in the prerequisite courses are weighed heavily in the admission decision and admission is offered to the top students on a space available basis. Courses taken on a repeat/forgive basis will not be accepted. Only those grades received in prerequisite courses taken for the first time will be counted.
Applications are due October 1 for spring semester and March 1 for summer and fall semester. See the Kinesiology departmental adviser for specific application procedures.
Students denied admission may reapply during the next admission cycle.
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Concentration
You must meet all admission requirements for entry into the teacher education pre-professional program by the beginning of the fall semester your junior year. Admission requirements are listed on the Teacher Education website.
You must be admitted to the teacher education pre-professional program before you can enroll in professional education courses. For more information contact the Physical and Health Education Teacher Education coordinator Dr. Jackie Williams, Godwin Hall, Room 317, 540-568-6957, williaja@jmu.edu.
Progressing in the Major
Remain in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
