Kinesiology Major
Overview
Kinesiology is part of the field of sports medicine, which also includes clinical areas of study. The scientific aspects of sports medicine include exercise physiology, nutrition and biochemistry of exercise, and biomechanics.
Testing of lactic acid metabolism, analysis of muscle fatigue, research on muscle hypertrophy and bone density, measurement of body composition, and benefits of exercise in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and weight control are a few of the many contributions made by exercise scientists to sports medicine.
Curriculum
Before taking any KNES course numbered above KNES 229, students must have completed all major and cognate courses with a minimum grade of “C.” Students must also possess a minimum grade point average of 2.50 within the major. Subsequently, in order to progress in KNES courses, (1.) a minimum grade of “C” must be earned in each major and cognate course and (2.) a minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required within the major.
Accreditation
The kinesiology major is accredited through the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) under the
Career Paths
Few academic program majors offer such diverse opportunities after graduation as Kinesiology. The academically rigorous curriculum prepares graduates with knowledge and experience for employment opportunities in a variety of settings. In the applied health area, careers in corporate and community/ hospital-based wellness programs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and research centers investigating the benefits of exercise in chronic disease states are possibilities. Strength and conditioning specialists for sports teams are also career options.
Kinesiology is an excellent option for students interested in applying to graduate health-profession programs such as physical therapy, physician assistant, and clinical exercise physiology. Additional required course work to meet entry requirements can be chosen as electives. In this regard, students should make their career intentions known early in their program of study.
Opportunities for graduate study are available in academic units of medicine, biology, physiology, and kinesiology. Although not required, completion of the program provides students with the ability to take different certification exams offered by several professional organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Student Outcomes
Graduates of the kinesiology major have a high success rate with finding employment or being accepted to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. For the classes of 2023 and 2024, the success rate was 100 percent.
Student Success Stories
Gwyn Cruz '24
Gwyn Cruz is the 2024 KNES Outstanding Senior for the Dept. of Health and Human
Performance.
Gwyn served as executive board president for the U of S Student Association of the Philippines, Vice President of the U of S Royal Expressions Contemporary Dance Team, Council Member for the U of S Student Diversity Council, Principal Dancer, Artistic Consultant for the Scranton Civic Ballet Company, Dance Representative, Marketing Committee for the Luzerne County and Beyond Got Talent, Member of the Phi Epsilon Kappa and Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Societies, Community Volunteer for the New Life Community Church.
Gwyn also helped organize the Easter Basket Drive and Safe Trick or Treat for the Center of Service and Social Justice.
Ryan Gibki '23
Ryan Gibki worked with the WBS Penguins during the spring 2023 semester for his internship. His general responsibilities were to assist with movement screenings/testing, instruct proper exercise and stretching techniques, collect and filter data, and conduct investigations in reference to performance-related topics.
Ryan's favorite part of the internship was being able to work with the rehabbing athletes and being a part of their return to play journey.
Joshua Muth
Joshua Muth did his internship at Rock Steady Boxing in Old Forge, PA. This nonprofit organization uses non-contact boxing training to combat symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.
Joshua's responsibilities were to help with guiding the participants through their exercises and focus on maintaining their safety while exercising. His favorite aspect of the internship was learning more about Parkinson's Disease and to spend time with such motivated people.
Lauren Stauch
"During my internship at Kings College, I was responsible for making sure the lifts were set up properly and proper form was being used. Along with this, I also created workouts for the student-athletes who were injured and couldn't do part of or the whole lift. My favorite part about the internship was working with the football team and getting to know the players. They provided support for each other along with the energy they brought to every lift."