Science Degrees Online

Kinesiology [KIN]

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Students selecting this major will earn a B.S. in kinesiology and complete a concentration in either exercise science, sport studies or coaching.

Exercise science is concerned with how and why the human body responds to physical activity. There are two primary areas of inquiry where exercise scientists focus their attention: health-related aspects of physical activity and sports performance.

In regard to health-related aspects of physical activity, exercise scientists have studied how exercise benefits health. The study of sports performance by exercise scientists involves diverse areas, which can include the growth and development of athletes, nutritional needs of athletes and movement analysis.

Sport studies is the liberal arts and sciences approach to studying human movement through the humanities and social science subdisciplines of the field. The humanities subdisciplines include sport history and sport philosophy and can be expanded to include sport art, sport communication and journalism, sport literature and sport law. The social science subdisciplines include sport psychology and sport sociology.

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in coaching provides the academic preparation for those students wanting a career in the coaching profession. Academic content includes study in key sports science disciplines described by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education’s (NASPE) domains of coaching effectiveness. This 39 credit hour concentration contains a unique sequence of subjects that focus on theory and practice of coaching. It also provides students with an experiential learning component with a coaching internship.

Program objectives are established to make students aware of the multiplicity of the demands involved in coaching and the important role that coaches have in society. Through this program, students will gain the knowledge and expertise to become successful coaches on several levels including sports programs in junior high or high school, college and at the international level.
A. General Education and Liberal Arts: 75 credit hours
General Education Courses (28 cr. hr.)
Liberal Arts Electives (29 cr. hr.)
BIO 301 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 cr. hr.)
BIO 302 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3 cr. hr.)
CAP 100 - Introduction to Computer Applications (3 cr. hr.)
CPN 100 - Academic Writing I (3 cr. hr.)

or
CPN 102 - Academic Writing in the Community I (4 cr. hr.)
PSY 101 - General Psychology I (3 cr. hr.)
Select Either:
CPN 101 - Academic Writing II (3 cr. hr.)

or
CPN 103 - Academic Writing in the Community II (4 cr. hr.)
B. Kinesiology Theory Core: 21 credit hours

The following courses may count toward liberal arts credit hours.
EXS 100 - Introduction to Kinesiology (3 cr. hr.)

or
EXS 197 - History and Philosophy of Physical Education and Sport (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 287 - Social Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 297 - Motor Behavior (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 351 - Philosophy of Sport (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 387 - Biomechanics (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 397 - Exercise Physiology I (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 420 - History of Physical Activity and Sport in American Culture (3 cr. hr.)
C. Concentration Requirements (must complete a concentration)
Sport Studies Concentration Requirements: 30 credit hours
ENG 260 - Literature of Sports (3 cr. hr.)

May count toward liberal arts credit hours.
EXS 345 - Sport and Society (3 cr. hr.)

May count toward liberal arts credit hours.
EXS 346 - Sport Psychology (3 cr. hr.)

May count toward liberal arts credit hours.
EXS 410 - Ethics in Sport (3 cr. hr.)

May count toward liberal arts credit hours.
EXS 445 - Women and Sport (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 468 - African-American Sport History (3 cr. hr.)
Track (courses outside the major): 12 credit hours
The track will consist of 12 credit hours outside the major comprised of appropriate courses taken from the following areas:

African American Studies (AAS)
Cinema Study (CIN)
Communication Studies (COM)
English (ENG)
Health (HLH)
History (HIS)
Philosophy (PHI)
Psychology (PSY)
Sociology (SOC)
Sport Management (SPM)
Women’s Studies (WST)

A minimum of six credit hours must have the same prefix. These 12 credit hours must not include courses that fulfill general education requirements. Students will determine these credit hours in consultation with their advisor and department approval.
Exercise Science Concentration Requirements: 24 credit hours
CHE 221 - General Chemistry I (4 cr. hr.)

May count toward liberal arts credit hours.
CHE 222 - General Chemistry II (4 cr. hr.)

May count toward liberal arts credit hours.
EXS 489 - Exercise Science Research Methods (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 490 - Independent Research in Exercise Science (3 cr. hr.)
PHY 105 - Elementary Mechanics and Heat (4 cr. hr.)

May count toward liberal arts credit hours.

or
PHY 201 - Principles of Physics I (4 cr. hr.)

May count toward liberal arts credit hours.
Quantitative Skills - GE 1

Three credit hours, select one course from the following:
COM 230 - Statistical Methods (3 cr. hr.)
ECO 221 - Economic Statistics (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 201 - Statistics in Exercise Science (3 cr. hr.)
MAT 201 - Statistical Methods (3 cr. hr.)
PSY 201 - Statistical Methods (3 cr. hr.)
Coaching Concentration Requirements: 39 credit hours
Category A. Required Core (28 credit hours)
ATR 421 - Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 230 - Foundations of Coaching: Principles and Theories (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 325 - Principles of Strength and Conditioning (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 346 - Sport Psychology (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 410 - Ethics in Sport (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 455 - Philosophy, Principles and the Administration of Sport (3 cr. hr.)
HLH 120 - Responding to Emergencies (2 cr. hr.)
PSY 333 - Developmental Psychology (3 cr. hr.)
SPM 311 - Legal Issues in Physical Education and Sport (3 cr. hr.)
And select one from the following:
PED 404 - Activity Clinic: Baseball (2 cr. hr.)
PED 405 - Activity Clinic: Basketball (2 cr. hr.)
PED 406 - Activity Clinic: Field Hockey (2 cr. hr.)
PED 407 - Activity Clinic: Football (2 cr. hr.)
PED 409 - Activity Clinic: Gymnastics (2 cr. hr.)
PED 411 - Activity Clinic: Ice Hockey (2 cr. hr.)
PED 412 - Activity Clinic: Lacrosse (2 cr. hr.)
PED 414 - Activity Clinic: Soccer (2 cr. hr.)
PED 415 - Activity Clinic: Softball (2 cr. hr.)
PED 416 - Activity Clinic: Swimming (2 cr. hr.)
PED 417 - Activity Clinic: Track and Field (2 cr. hr.)
PED 418 - Activity Clinic: Volleyball (2 cr. hr.)
PED 419 - Activity Clinic: Wrestling (2 cr. hr.)
Category B. Practica/Internship Requirements (8 credit hours)
EXS 260 - Coaching Practicum I (1 cr. hr.)
EXS 360 - Coaching Practicum II (1 cr. hr.)
EXS 475 - Internship in Coaching (6 cr. hr.)
Category C. Required Workshops (non-credit)

CAR: Child Abuse Identification and Reporting
SAVE: School Violence Prevention Training
Category D. Concentration Elective

(Choose at least three credit hours; students may also choose additional electives)
SPM 345: Sport in Society
ATR 352 - Strength and Conditioning for Athletic Trainers (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 357 - Nutrition and Sport Performance (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 435 - Neuromuscular Fitness Assessment and Programming (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 438 - Cardio-Respiratory Fitness Assessment and Programming (3 cr. hr.)
EXS 450 - Disability and Sport (3 cr. hr.)

(also listed as SPM 450)
SPM 238 - Sport Videography (3 cr. hr.)
SPM 335 - Information Technology in Sport (3 cr. hr.)
D. Exercise Science, Sport Studies and Coaching Activity Requirements
Sport Studies Concentration Activity Requirements: Five credit hours
Aquatics activity elective
Activity electives
PED 181 - Adventure Activities (1 cr. hr.)
PED 182 - Health-Related Physical Fitness (1 cr. hr.)
Exercise Science Concentration Activity Requirements: Five credit hours
Aquatics activity elective
Activity electives
PED 182 - Health-Related Physical Fitness (1 cr. hr.)
Coaching Concentration Activity Requirements: Five credit hours
Aquatics activity elective
Activity electives
PED 181 - Adventure Activities (1 cr. hr.)
PED 182 - Health-Related Physical Fitness (1 cr. hr.)
E. Free Electives
Sport Studies Concentration: 16 credit hours
Exercise Science Concentration: 27 credit hours
Coaching Concentration: 7 credit hours
Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 124

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Studies

Department

Overview of the program

Kinesiology is defined as the scientific study of the anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of body movement, especially in humans. A degree in Kinesiology leads to careers in exercise, fitness, sport, and rehabilitation, and is an appropriate undergraduate degree for professional graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health areas. Coursework includes that in motor learning, biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, nutrition, fitness testing, and prescription. Students majoring in Kinesiology also select a concentration (focus area) for their degree.

Concentrations

Exercise Science
The Exercise Science concentration is designed to provide a strong science-based academic preparation for students who wish to pursue study in physical therapy. It will also train students who wish to enter a graduate program in occupational therapy, exercise science, or who plan to work in fitness and cardiac rehabilitation.
Fitness and Human Performance
The concentration in Fitness and Human Performance is designed to prepare students for careers in fitness and exercise specialties, including personal training, corporate fitness/wellness, and strength & conditioning coaching. It also provides entry requirements for most occupational therapy programs.

Strengths of the program

The Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Southeastern is the largest department of its type in Louisiana, with over 600 undergraduate majors, and offers a variety of degree programs in the diverse field of Kinesiology.
Students have access to four teaching/research laboratories (Exercise Physiology, Motor Behavior and Biomechanics, Strength and Conditioning, and Athletic Training) as well as an indoor heated pool and outdoor tennis courts.
Faculty in the department are nationally-recognized scholars with strong records of publication. Students have opportunities to assist in ongoing research as well as engage in undergraduate research projects.

Preparing for a job in the program

Students hoping to pursue a career in Kinesiology should:
Have a strong interest in exercise, physical activity, health, and/or sport.
Seek information about potential careers in the areas of Kinesiology.
Seek information about and membership in professional organizations.
Gain volunteer and work experience related to exercise, fitness, sports leadership, coaching, etc.

Careers in the program

A major in Kinesiology prepares students to for careers in:
Fitness
Allied health/medical areas
Athletics
Recreation
Sports organizations

Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)

$25,000 to $40,000

Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program

How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program

This might be the degree for you if you have:
Interest in fitness, exercise, and sport.
Desire to work with and help people.
Interest in working with youth.
Strong communication skills.
Organizational and creative skills.

Sports Studies and Exercise Science
Minor offered

Sport is deeply embedded in our national consciousness, both reflecting and shaping our daily lives. Since the middle of the 20th century, sport has emerged as a rapidly expanding scholarly endeavor that offers students a logical forum for the study of the traditional liberal arts disciplines and sub-disciplines found in the humanities, natural sciences and pedagogy. Most courses are introductory in nature and therefore do not have prerequisites. Thus, some students will be taking courses framed in a particular liberal arts perspective for the first time while others enter with experience. For students without prior experience in the theories, conventions and methodologies of the traditional discipline, courses are successful if they develop a solid understanding of the relationships between the disciplinary perspective and sport and physical activity. For students with disciplinary experience, courses are successful if they exit with an understanding that the study of sport and physical activity is another relevant dimension that can deepen their ability to analyze the constructs associated with the discipline.

Requirements for Minors

Students who are interested in the sports studies and exercise science minor must complete a five-course sequence. Students will be advised by the department’s director of instructional programs.

Courses

107. Functional Anatomy
115. Introduction to Kinesiology.
212. Sociological Perspectives on Sport.
216. Philosophical Perspectives on Sport.
234. Human Exercise Physiology
248. Principles of Fitness and Wellness
306. Human Growth and Motor Development.
319. Sport Medicine.
320. Coaching Theory.
390. Independent Study
391. Internship.
415. SYE: Senior Seminar.
490. SYE: Independent Study

The following courses may also receive credit toward the minor:

Biology
240. Human Anatomy.

Psychology
255. Sport Psychology.

Coaching Certification

Students completing the following courses in -sequence will earn a certificate to coach in the public schools of New York State. Students pursuing teacher certification in other disciplines are strongly encouraged to explore this option. The required three-course sequence includes

115. Introduction to Kinesiology.
or
216. Philosophical Perspectives on Sport.
319. Sport Medicine.
320. Coaching Theory.

Associate Professor

Margaret Fisher Strait (Chair), B.S., SUNY Cortland; M.Ed., St. Lawrence
Associate Professor of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation and Chair of Department; Director of Athletics

Exercise Science
Program Description:
A bachelor of science degree in
exercise science prepares you to
work in a variety of professional
settings, ranging from corporate
fitness to hospital clinical to
educator and trainer.
Upon graduation, students are
prepared and qualify to sit for
both American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM) and National
Strength and Conditioning
Association (NSCA) certifications.
Graduate School Preparations:
Students progress to graduate
programs in exercise science, sport
psychology, physical therapy,
chiropractic medicine and other
allied health fields.
Bachelor of Science
Career Choices:
Corporate Fitness/Worksite
Wellness
Rehabilitation Specialist
Stress Test Technologist
Sport/Fitness Program Director
Sport/Fitness Business Specialist
Strength and Conditioning
Specialist
Personal Fitness Trainer
Student Profile:
Do you …
like working with people?
value a physically active life-style?
have good communication skills?
possess critical thinking skills?
Career Descriptions:
A wide variety of entry level career
opportunities exist for the student
prepared in exercise science.
Corporate Fitness/Worksite
Wellness Manager — Employed
at any facility that wishes to offer
fitness/wellness opportunities
to their employees or a company
specializing in Worksite Wellness/
Corporate Fitness. Responsibilities
may include fitness testing of
employees, setting up fitness and
health challenges, basic health
testing and nutritional analysis.
Rehabilitation Specialist — Works
in conjunction with other medical
personnel to provide rehabilitation
services for cardiac patients,
pulmonary patients and other
clinical populations suffering from
life-style related illnesses.
Stress Test Technologist —
Employed in hospital, clinical and
university settings to administer
fitness testing activities with a
variety of populations and testing
conditions.
Sport/Fitness Program Director—
Manages in fitness club settings,
either private or public.
Sport/Fitness Business Specialist
— Markets and demonstrates
new sport and exercise equipment
within a commercial context.
Strength and Conditioning
Specicalist — Employed at
universities, colleges, high schools
and other athlete training centers
to design and implement strength
training and conditioning programs
for athletes.
Personal Fitness Trainer
— Develops and provides
individualized exercise programs,
either privately or in fitness club
settings.
Lake Superior State University • 1-888-800-LSSU • 145
Bachelor Degrees
Exercise Science
Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science
Departments Requirements (51 credits)
EXER105 Leadership Programming 3
EXER140 Health Fitness 3
EXER141 Introduction to Movement 3
EXER230 Athletic Injury and Illness Prevention 3
EXER262 Exercise Physiology I 3
EXER265 Essentials of Strength Training
and Conditioning 3
EXER268 Fitness Evaluation I: Field Tests 3
EXER275 Nutrition for Sport and Exercise
Performance 2
EXER295 Practicum 1
EXER344 Kinesiology 3
EXER348 Fitness Evaluation II: Laboratory
Procedures 3
EXER358 Research Methods in Exercise
Science 3
EXER362 Exercise Physiology II 3
EXER390 Recreation Leadership
Apprenticeship 1
EXER444 Exercise Prescription 2
EXER452 Allied Health Administration 3
EXER481 Professional Development Seminar 1
EXER492 Internship 6
EXER496 Selected Research Topics 3
Cognate Requirements (27 credits)
BIOL121 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL122 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
CHEM115 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM116 General Chemistry II 4
MATH207 Principles of Statistical Methods
or 3
PSYC210 Statistics
PSYC101 Introduction to Psychology 4
PSYC385 Health Psychology 3
Department Electives (10 credits)
EXER232 Athletic Injury & Illness Recognition
and Evaluation 3
EXER234 Preventative Taping Techniques 1
EXER248 Psychology of Sport and
Performance and Coaching 3
EXER295 Practicum 3
EXER340 Therapeutic Modalities in
Athletic Training 3
EXER346 Therapeutic Exercise in
Athletic Training 3
EXER349 Orthopedic Assessment in
Sports Medicine 3
EXER390 Recreation Leadership
Apprenticeship 1
EXER428 Psychological Aspects of Exercise
and Athletic Rehabilitation 3
EXER434 Neurological Basics of Motor
Learning 3
EXER440 Exercise Physiology Seminar 2
EXER442 Electrocardiography in Exercise
Science 2
EXER450 Philosophy of Human Performance
and Leisure 3
RECA Elective 2
Cognate Electives (12 credits)
Select with your advisor
Elective credits (approximately 3) and general
education requirements must be completed so
that at least 125 semester credits have been
earned.
Bachelor of Science Degree:
At least eight (8) semester credits in addition
to courses used for general education
requirements from categories of social science,
natural science or mathematics.
These bachelor of science degree requirements
can be used for majors or minors, but not
general education.