Are You an Undergraduate or Transfer Student Interested in Kinesiology at JMU?
There are many options available to interested students in Kinesiology and Recreation Studies at JMU. Within the Kinesiology major, we offer concentrations in Exercise Science & Leadership, Sport Management and Physical & Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE).
Exercise Science & Leadership
This concentration prepares students for employment in fitness-related agencies and/or pursuit of graduate degrees in exercise science. Examples of courses include human anatomy & physiology, exercise physiology and biomechanics. There are two "tracks" within this concentration:
- Exercise Leadership Track: This track prepares students for leadership roles in fitness-related agencies, including commercial, corporate, hospital and community-based programs.
- Exercise Science Track: This track prepares students to pursue graduate studies in exercise science, pre-professional or an allied health field (physical therapy, medicine, exercise physiology).
Sport Management
This concentration prepares students for entry into the business end of the expanding sport industry. Students in Sport Management must declare a business minor through the College of Business, which provides basic knowledge in accounting, business law, marketing, public relations, management and economics. Examples of courses include sport facility design and management, sport promotion and fundraising, and event management.
Physical & Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE)
The Physical & Health Education Teacher Education concentration is committed to educating future leaders in the profession of teaching through physical & health education. The 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 VA state teaching license in Physical & Health Education (PK-12). It is necessary to be admitted to the teacher education program prior to enrolling in professional education courses.
How Can I Become a Kinesiology Major
Current students may meet with Paula McMahan, Academic Advisor for the Department of Kinesiology, to officially declare a major in Kinesiology. Students must complete a "Change or Declaration of Major" form (available from our Academic Advisor) and obtain the necessary signatures. Our Academic Advisor will assist students in choosing a specific concentration, planning required coursework, and answering any questions/concerns that may arise. Prospective students may also meet with our Academic Advisor to discuss their planned program of study at James Madison University and specifically address questions concerning course requirements, course planning, and general academic policies and procedures.
Information for Transfer Students
Students planning to transfer to JMU should plan coursework at their current institution carefully in order to successfully complete JMU’s General Education program in a timely manner. Students wishing to concentrate in Exercise Science and Leadership should have the following courses completed prior to their junior-year entry to JMU: Human Anatomy w/ Lab, Human Physiology w/ Lab, Nutrition, and a full year of General Chemistry. For students who will have earned an approved associate’s degree from one of the Virginia community colleges (VCCS), these VCCS course equivalents are recommended: BIO 141 and 142, HLT 138 and CHM 111-112.
Contact Information
Paula McMahan, Academic Advisor
School of Kinesiology & Recreation Studies
Godwin Hall, Room 213-D
(540) 568-2948
mcmahapm@jmu.edu
