Kinesiology, B.S. (Altoona)

Program Description

Not all options are available at every campus. Contact the campus you are interested in attending to determine which options are offered.

Kinesiology offers a comprehensive program of study in the science of human movement and is designed for students who want to prepare for professions involving physical activity and for graduate study in related areas. The Kinesiology major options are: Applied Exercise and Health; Movement Science; and Exercise Science. All options require a culminating practicum or research experience. Relocation away from the University Park campus is generally necessary for the practicum. All options require a minimum of 120 credits for graduation. Additional requirements are mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for entrance to the Health and Physical Education (HPE) certification emphasis in the Applied Exercise and Health Option (AEH). Information about the major and its options can be found at: https://hhd.psu.edu/kines.

Students who have completed a minimum of 28 credits and have a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average are eligible for entrance into the major after completing an Entrance to Major form.

Applied Exercise and Health Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option provides applied interdisciplinary training in the foundations of the scientific understanding of exercise and health through the lifespan. Students identify one of two areas of emphasis that are certification-based and practice-oriented: (a) courses and practical experiences directed toward certification by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), or (b) a series of courses and student teaching leading to teacher certification. In order to qualify for the teacher certification track, students must meet the requirements mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). PDE requirements can be found at https://hhd.psu.edu/kines/applied-exercise-and-health-option. The completion of the Applied Exercise and Health Option will prepare students to work in the private or corporate fitness arenas, community-based fitness organizations, and university or hospital settings, or be Pennsylvania certified in health and physical education (K-12) and secure teaching positions in public or private schools.

Movement Science Option

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, University Park

This option provides interdisciplinary scientific training in academic areas such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, movement neuroscience, psychology of physical activity, and sport history and philosophy to understand movement for prevention and diagnosis of chronic disease, rehabilitation and treatment, and/or theoretical study. Students are prepared for graduate study in many clinical fields including medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, cardiac rehabilitation, as well as a broad range of careers in biomedical and health-related fields.

Exercise Science Option

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Harrisburg

(Offered only at Penn State Altoona, Penn State Berks, and Penn State Harrisburg) This option is a program of study in the science of exercise. This program offers Kinesiology background and applied experience in fitness assessment, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, motor skill development, nutrition and healthy living skills. Graduates will be able to scientifically assess fitness levels of individuals. Analyzing those assessments, graduates will then be capable of designing and implementing appropriate exercise programs.  Students acquire basic business skills in accounting, marketing, management and entrepreneurial skills. Students choosing the Science Emphasis will select courses from a department list that will enhance their opportunity for graduate studies in Kinesiology-related fields, physical therapy and medical schools. The completion of the Exercise Science Option will enable graduates to compete for employment in the corporate fitness arena, private fitness clubs, community-based fitness organizations, hospital and university settings or possibly to operate their own health and fitness company.

What is Kinesiology?

Kinesiology refers to the study of human movement. This interdisciplinary field of study focuses on physical activity and includes specialized areas of study that include the arts, humanities, sciences and professional disciplines. These areas include biomechanics, psychology of physical activity, exercise physiology, history and philosophy of physical activity, motor development, as well as sports medicine and physical education pedagogy. This multi-disciplinary approach is useful for addressing health and wellness in a complex society.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KINESIOLOGY

You Might Like This Program If...

You enjoy working with people, have a passion for health and wellness, and are open to approaching problems with interdisciplinary strategies. As you learn about the human body as a whole, you will also have the opportunity to understand how you can apply your knowledge and skills to develop solutions that can help others in a number of ways, whether in a rehabilitation facility, with a professional sports team, in a corporate office or in a school setting.

Entrance to Major

Students who have completed a minimum of 29.1 credits and have a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average are eligible for entrance into the major after completing and Entrance to Major form.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology a minimum of 120 credits is required:

15-27 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: Applied Exercise and Health Option - 9 credits GN, 6 credits GQ, 3 credits of GH, 6 credits of GS and 3 credits of GHW. Movement Science Option--9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GS courses; 3 credits of GHW courses. Exercise Science Option--6 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GHW courses.

Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. KINES requires students to complete 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum. For more information, check the Recommended Academic Plan for this major.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol  appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required.)

• Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
• Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Knowledge Domains

• Arts (GA): 6 credits
• Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
• Humanities (GH): 6 credits
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
• Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits

Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)

• Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement    

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

• United States Cultures: 3 credits
• International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
KINES 100	The Cultural and Behavioral Foundations of Kinesiology	3
KINES 101	The Biophysical Foundations of Kinesiology	3
KINES 202	Functional Human Anatomy	4
KINES 295B	Careers/Observations in Kinesiology	1
KINES 321	Psychology of Movement Behavior	3
KINES 341	The Historical, Cultural, and Social Dynamics of Sport	3
KINES 345	Meaning, Ethics, and Movement	3
KINES 350	Exercise Physiology	3
KINES 360	The Neurobiology of Motor Control and Development	3
KINES 384	Biomechanics	3
NUTR 251	Introductory Principles of Nutrition	3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3-6 credits from:		3-6
BIOL 141	Introductory Physiology
BIOL 161	Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture
BIOL 163	Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lecture
Select 3-4 credits of the following:		3-4
SCM 200	Introduction to Statistics for Business
STAT 200	Elementary Statistics
STAT 250	Introduction to Biostatistics
Requirements for the Option
Select an option		52-67

Requirements for the Option

Applied Exercise and Health Option (60-67 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CI 280	Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners	3
EDPSY 10	Individual Differences and Education	3
KINES 200	Muscle Training: Physiology, Programs, Techniques	3
KINES 201	Cardiorespiratory Training for Health and Performance	3
KINES 267	Fundamental Movement Skills Instruction	1
KINES 367	Games and Sports Instruction Across the Lifespan	1
KINES 368	Individual Fitness and Wellnes	2
KINES 401	Applied Group Fitness Exercise Prescription and Program Design	3
KINES 456	Physical Fitness Appraisal	4
PSYCH 100	Introductory Psychology	3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MATH 26 or Satisfactory performance on the MATH placement examination -- i.e., placement beyond the level of MATH 26		3
Select 3-5 credits from:		3-5
CHEM 101	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 106	Introductory and General Chemistry
CHEM 110	Chemical Principles I
CHEM 130	Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry
Select 3-4 credits from:		3-4
PHYS 150	Technical Physics I
PHYS 250	Introductory Physics I
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Take the following required courses with selected emphasis area:		25-29
HPE Certification Emphasis:
KINES 366	The Process of Teaching Physical Education
KINES 395A	Ldrshp Prac:Tchrs
KINES 400	Adapted Physical Education
KINES 464	Physical Education Programming and Practicum
KINES 468W	Health Instruction in the School--Content and Method
KINES 495A	Practicum in Student Teaching
SPLED 400	Inclusive Special Ed Foundations: Legal, Characteristics, Collaboration, Assessment, and Management
ACSM/NSCA Certification Emphasis:
KINES 395B	Leadership Practicum: KINES
KINES 421	Exercise Psychology
KINES 425W	Physical Activity in Diverse Populations
or KINES 481W	Scientific Basis of Exercise for Older Adults
or KINES 492W	Programming for Business and Agencies
or KINES 493W	Principles and Ethics of Coaching
KINES 457	Exercise Prescription and Case Studies
KINES 485	Science of Training Athletes
KINES 495B	Field and/or Research Practicum in Kinesiology
KINES 495E	Advanced Professional Development in Kinesiology
Select 3 credits from approved 400-level KINES courses:
KINES 410	Physical Growth and Motor Development
KINES 411	Introduction to Musculoskeletal Injury and Rehabilitation
KINES 422	Physical Activity Interventions
KINES 424	Women and Sport
KINES 425W	Physical Activity in Diverse Populations
KINES 455	Physiological Basis of Exercise as Medicine
KINES 460	Movement Disorders
KINES 465	Neurobiology of Sensorimotor Stroke Rehabilitation
KINES 467	The Science of Performance Enhancement
KINES 481W	Scientific Basis of Exercise for Older Adults
KINES 483	Motor Patterns of Children
KINES 493	Principles and Ethics of Coaching

Movement Science Option (56-58 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, University Park

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 110	Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity	4
BIOL 162	Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Laboratory	1
BIOL 164	Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Laboratory	1
CHEM 111	Experimental Chemistry I	1
CHEM 112	Chemical Principles II	3
CHEM 113	Experimental Chemistry II	1
KINES 395B	Leadership Practicum: KINES	1
KINES 495B	Field and/or Research Practicum in Kinesiology	6
PHYS 250	Introductory Physics I	4
PHYS 251	Introductory Physics II	4
PSYCH 100	Introductory Psychology	3
Additional Courses
Select an additional 12 credits from approved 400-level KINES courses:		12
KINES 410	Physical Growth and Motor Development
KINES 411	Introduction to Musculoskeletal Injury and Rehabilitation
KINES 419	Disability Sport and Recreation
KINES 420	Psychosocial Dimensions of Physical Activity
KINES 421	Exercise Psychology
KINES 422	Physical Activity Interventions
KINES 423	Psychology of Sports Injuries
KINES 424	Women and Sport
KINES 425W	Physical Activity in Diverse Populations
KINES 426	Physical Activity and Public Health
KINES 427	Developmental Sport & Exercise Psychology
KINES 428	Motivation and Emotion in Movement
KINES 429	Psychology of Sport Performance
KINES 439W	Ethics in Sport and Sport Management
KINES 440	Philosophy and Sport
KINES 441	History of Sport in American Society
KINES 442	Sport in Ancient Greece and Rome
KINES 443	The Modern Olympic Games
KINES 446	History of Sport in the Modern World
KINES 447W	Representing Sport in Popular Film
KINES 452	Applied Cardiovascular Physiology
KINES 453	Environmental Physiology
KINES 454	Women's Health and Exercise Across the Lifespan
KINES 455	Physiological Basis of Exercise as Medicine
KINES 456	Physical Fitness Appraisal
KINES 458	Introduction to Electrocardiogram Interpretation
KINES 457	Exercise Prescription and Case Studies
KINES 460	Movement Disorders
KINES 463	Acquisition of Motor Skills
KINES 465	Neurobiology of Sensorimotor Stroke Rehabilitation
KINES 467	The Science of Performance Enhancement
KINES 481W	Scientific Basis of Exercise for Older Adults
KINES 483	Motor Patterns of Children
KINES 484	Advanced Biomechanics
KINES 485	Science of Training Athletes
KINES 488	Mechanics of Locomotion
KINES 492W	Programming for Business and Agencies
KINES 493W	Principles and Ethics of Coaching
KINES 493	Principles and Ethics of Coaching
KINES 495E	Advanced Professional Development in Kinesiology
KINES 499	Foreign Studies
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CHEM 106	Introductory and General Chemistry	3-5
or CHEM 110	Chemical Principles I
MATH 26 or Satisfactory performance on the MATH placement examination -- i.e., placement beyond the level of MATH 26		3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 9 credits in University-wide offerings from an approved list, in consultation with adviser		9

Exercise Science Option (52-54 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Harrisburg

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
KINES 200	Muscle Training: Physiology, Programs, Techniques	3
KINES 201	Cardiorespiratory Training for Health and Performance	3
KINES 260	Research Skills in Kinesiology	3
KINES 356	Activity and Disease	3
KINES 358	Ergogenic Aids	1
KINES 420	Psychosocial Dimensions of Physical Activity	3
KINES 456	Physical Fitness Appraisal	4
KINES 457	Exercise Prescription and Case Studies	3
KINES 495C	Exercise Science Practicum	4
Additional Courses
Select 3 credits from KINES 1 to KINES 99		3
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MATH 22 or Satisfactory performance on the MATH placement examination -- i.e., placement beyond the level of MATH 22		3
Select one of the following:		3-5
CHEM 101	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 106	Introductory and General Chemistry
CHEM 110 & CHEM 111	Chemical Principles I and Experimental Chemistry I
CHEM 130	Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 16 credits from one of the following emphasis area from an approved list, in consultation with adviser. At least 3 credits must be at the 400 level.		16
Business Emphasis
Science Emphasis

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee’s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Altoona

Tracey J. Elkin
Instructor, Kinesiology
Linden Building 202
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5687
tje10@psu.edu

University Park

Sarah Milito
Lead Academic Adviser
270 Recreation Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-4493
sjb176@psu.edu

Berks

Ben Infantolino
Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
Beaver 114A
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6153
bwi100@psu.edu

Harrisburg

Rebecca Weiler-Timmins, D.Ed.
Program Coordinator
Educational Activities Building, 0216
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6211
rat146@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2019-20 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contain suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Exercise Science Option - Business Emphasis at Altoona Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Exercise Option - Science Emphasis at altoona campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Movement Science Option at Altoona Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Career Paths

Careers

Kinesiology students have many career options after graduation. Discussion with an adviser, Kinesiology faculty, or professionals in the field can provide additional insight. Many students use their Penn State Kinesiology degree in allied health and wellness fields, working with a wide range of populations in many different settings. Our applied options give students hands-on experience to work with children and adults to promote health and wellness. Kinesiology students are valuable employees, with their strong scientific background that they can apply to solving problems related to human movement.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE KINESIOLOGY PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Many students in Kinesiology are looking to attend graduate or professional school after they complete their undergraduate program. Kinesiology students are often interested in careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, medical school, dentistry, nursing, or chiropractic school. The Kinesiology undergraduate program includes many of the prerequisite courses needed for many of these post-bachelor programs, providing students with a strong scientific foundation for further study.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

• National Academy of Kinesiology
• American College of Sports Medicine
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• SHAPE: Society of Health and Physical Educators
• American Kinesiology Association
• PA Department of Education

Contact

Altoona

DIVISION OF EDUCATION, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Hawthorn Building 123
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5687
tje10@psu.edu

http://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/kinesiology/request-information

Berks

SCIENCE DIVISION
Beaver Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6153
bwi100@psu.edu

http://berks.psu.edu/bs-kinesiology

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AND EDUCATION
Educational Activities Building, 0216
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6742
rlp26@psu.edu

http://harrisburg.psu.edu/behavioral-sciences-and-education/kinesiology/bachelor-science-kinesiology

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY
276 Recreation Building
University Park, Pa 16802
814-863-0442
kinesundergrad@psu.edu

http://hhd.psu.edu/kines/kinesiology-major