Kinesiology, Minor

Program Code: KINES_UMNR

What is KinesIology?

Kinesiology refers to the study of human movement. This interdisciplinary field of study focuses on physical activity, movement and sport 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

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNDERGRADUATE CORE IN 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, or in a corporate office.

Program Requirements

Requirement Credits
Requirements for the Minor 18-19

Students in the Athletic Training Major are not permitted to obtain a Kinesiology Minor.

Students may need additional prerequisites to complete this minor.

Requirements for the Minor

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).

Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6-7 credits from the following:6-7
The Cultural and Behavioral Foundations of Kinesiology
The Biophysical Foundations of Kinesiology
Functional Human Anatomy
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12 credits from approved list, 6 credits must be at the 400-level: 112
The Cultural and Behavioral Foundations of Kinesiology
The Biophysical Foundations of Kinesiology
Functional Human Anatomy
Psychology of Movement Behavior
The Historical, Cultural, and Social Dynamics of Sport
Meaning, Ethics, and Movement
Exercise Physiology
The Neurobiology of Motor Control and Development
Biomechanics Keystone/General Education Course
Bicycling Culture and Urban Design Keystone/General Education Course
Physical Growth and Motor Development
Introduction to Musculoskeletal Injury and Rehabilitation
Disability Sport and Recreation Keystone/General Education Course
Psychosocial Dimensions of Physical Activity
Exercise Psychology
Physical Activity Interventions
Psychology of Sports Injuries
Women and Sport
Physical Activity in Diverse Populations
Physical Activity and Public Health
Developmental Sport & Exercise Psychology
Motivation and Emotion in Movement
Psychology of Sport Performance
Groups in Physical Activity
Concussion in Athletics: Brain to Behavior
KINES 439W
Philosophy and Sport
History of Sport in American Society
KINES/CAMS 442
Alcohol and Drug Education
History of Sport in the Modern World
Representing Sport in Popular Film
Sport in African History Keystone/General Education Course
Applied Cardiovascular Physiology
Environmental Physiology
Women's Health and Exercise Across the Lifespan
Physiological Basis of Exercise as Medicine
Physical Fitness Appraisal
Exercise Prescription and Case Studies
Introduction to Electrocardiogram Interpretation
Community Engagement and Outreach in Kinesiology
Movement Disorders
Acquisition of Motor Skills
Neurobiology of Sensorimotor Stroke Rehabilitation
The Science of Performance Enhancement
Genetics and Human Physical Performance
MOTOR CONTROL
Scientific Basis of Exercise for Older Adults
Motor Patterns of Children
Advanced Biomechanics
Science and Practice of Training Athletes
Mechanics of Locomotion
Programming for Business and Agencies
Principles and Ethics of Coaching
Principles and Ethics of Coaching
Advanced Professional Development in Kinesiology
Foreign Studies
1

Exclude:

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

University Park

Sarah Milito
Lead Academic Adviser
270 Recreation Park 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
BKKinesiology@psu.edu

Career Paths

Careers

Students with a Kinesiology minor 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 minor in allied health and wellness fields, working with a wide range of populations in many different settings. Our applied learning opportunities give students hands-on experience to work with children and adults to promote health and wellness. Kinesiology minor 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 WITH A MINOR IN KINESIOLOGY

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Many students in the Kinesiology minor are looking to attend graduate or professional school after they complete their undergraduate program. Kinesiology minor students are often interested in careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, medical school, dentistry, nursing, or chiropractic school. Students may also opt to attend graduate programs in Kinesiology to advance their understanding in one of the sub-disciplines in the field. The Kinesiology undergraduate minor program can include a strong scientific foundation for further study in these fields.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Contact

University Park

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

https://hhd.psu.edu/kines/undergraduate/major-kinesiology

Berks

SCIENCE DIVISION
Luerssen Science Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6153
BKKinesiology@psu.edu