THE
MAJOR
The Kinesiology
major is a department within the College
of Integrated Science & Technology.
For more information on careers, graduate school, and the job/internship search, visit our Health Related careers site.
JMU
Concentrations:
Exercise Science
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE)
Sport
and Recreation Management
Admission and Progression Standards for this major:
Click on the link to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major: http://www.jmu.edu/advising/snapshots/SSKIN.shtml
Description
of Major:
Kinesiology is offered as a major at JMU. 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. The department’s core courses are designed to provide the Kinesiology major, regardless of specific concentration, with a basic understanding of the disciplines of human physical activity, sport and leisure. The core courses provide course work to answer the following questions: Why do people engage in exercise, sport and leisure? and What are the biological, psychological, historical, philosophical and social factors that influence and are influenced by exercise, sport and leisure activities? A minor in Coaching, leading to a national Coaching Certificate and a minor in Sport Communication are also offered through the Department of Kinesiology.
Tell
me more about this field of study.
Kinesiology is the study of human movement and performance. Students examine the effects of participation in physical activity on the physical, psychological and social dimensions of the human condition. Fitness and leisure time occupations are among the most rapidly growing professions in America. Some examples of services in which people are becoming involved are: teaching and coaching in public and private schools; careers as exercise leaders and fitness directors; careers in sports information, journalism, and broadcasting; physical therapy; exercise testing and prescription; personal training; design and production of sporting and recreation equipment; facility planning and construction; commercial sport entertainment and professional sport organization involvement. Opportunities for the graduate level education include research in exercise science, teaching, sport management, sport medicine, and related fields of human performance.
Tell
me more about specializations in this major.
There are three different concentrations: Physical and Health Education Teacher Education, Exercise Science, and Sport & Recreation Management. The Physical and Health Education Teacher Education concentration prepares students for careers in teaching school physical and health education. This is a five-year program culminating in a M.A.T. degree and graduates can earn a Virginia teaching license in physical and health education. Students who desire teaching certification should consult the "Teacher Certification Requirements Manual". Exercise Science prepares students 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. Sport and Recreation Management prepares students for employment in the business of sport and a variety of other work settings, including administrative positions within wellness facilities, university recreation centers, broadcasting, retail and sporting agencies.
What
common major or minor combinations from other departments
complement this major?
Kinesiology majors seek minor concentrations in Coaching, Conflict Analysis and Intervention, English as a Second Language, Gerontology, Health Communication, Modern Foreign Language – Spanish, Pre‑Physical Therapy, Special Education, Sport Communication, Substance Abuse Intervention or Theater and Dance.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
Self-direction is essential; industriousness, relating and working well with others, and of course, a love for physical activity.
CAREERS
Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated careers that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.
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