Kinesiology Major – Key Concepts (Last-Minute Review)

Degree overview

• Major: Kinesiology; housed in the College of Education
• Concentrations: Exercise Science (ES) and Physical Education (PE)
• Enrollment snapshot: $1300$ kinesiology majors; $1270$ ES; $30$ PE
• Graduation requirement: at least $120$ credit hours

Degree structure and progress

• Gen Ed requirements: writing, reading, public speaking, math, basic science
• Kinesiology core: courses required for all majors
• Concentration core: ES or PE-specific courses
• Electives: fill remaining hours; many students plan for PT/OT/PA/Med paths
• Overall: all tracks must meet at least $120$ credits to graduate

DegreeWorks and Advising

• DegreeWorks used to plan progress and check requirements
• Advisers: Gretchen Wisinat, Christie Jordan, Tyler Cranmer
• Next Friday: advisers visit class to assist with registration
• As freshmen, you typically sign up for classes last; use adviser guidance

Writing requirements (W designations)

• Graduation requires two writing-designated courses (W)
• Designated writing courses include KIN 468 (Adapted Physical Education) and KIN 491 (writing course)
• KIN 468 is a W course with labs (108/109; 114/115)
• 468 counts toward degree requirements; both 468 and 491 count as writing
• DegreeWorks lists which courses have a W designation
• If a required course for professional schools is not in the approved electives, email the program coordinator for approval

Prerequisites and gateway courses

• KIN 303 (Intro to Exercise Physiology) is a gateway course to many classes
• Prereqs include Anatomy I; anatomy II covers deeper systems (hormones, metabolism, etc.)
• Plan to take 303 early; it’s challenging but essential for progression

Credit hours, time commitment, and planning

• Course credits: 1 credit ≈ weekly 1 hour; 3 credits ≈ weekly 3 hours
• Total goal: $120$ credits
• Core vs electives: roughly 75$-$80 credits are core; ~$40$ credits are electives

Electives and pathways to grad/professional programs

• For PT/OT/PA/Med paths, required science courses (organic chem I & II, bio I & II, physics I & II) are included in approved electives
• If a needed course isn’t in approved electives, request approval from the program coordinator
• These professional-school prerequisites are typically handled via electives, not core

Core ES-related courses and sequencing

• ATR 272 (Athletic Training) required for all majors; not optional
• KIN 303 (Intro to Exercise Physiology) is a key gateway course; plan to take early
• KIN 468 (Adapted Physical Education) and KIN 491 (writing course) are W-designated
• Anatomy I and II build from structure to function and systems (cardiovascular, metabolism, hormones)
• Exercise science focus includes physiology, biochemistry of movement, and statistics applicable to movement
• Exercise as Medicine (KIN 367/3677) highlighted as a notable course

Study habits, communication, and readiness

• Exercise science is science- and math-intensive (~$0.95$ of degree content is science/math)
• Reading and writing research papers are essential for evidence-based practice
• English composition (101/103) required depending on placement; strong writing helps across all fields
• Professional email etiquette is important; aim for clear, formal communication

Planning tips and advising culture

• Don’t expect to grab 468/491 early; juniors/seniors fill seats—plan ahead
• Use DegreeWorks to track progress and adviser assignments
• If aiming for pre-professional programs, map required courses early and confirm with adviser

Long-term perspective

• Being a kinesiology major provides flexibility toward PT/OT/PA/med pathways with appropriate electives
• The field centers on the science of movement and health; expect ongoing, evidence-based practice updates