Kinesiology: Exercise Science Emphasis - BS

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Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences

About This Degree

The kinesiology degree at USU provides three different options for students who wish to pursue careers in exercise science, physical therapy, or physical education. Many graduates from the program are accepted into advanced degree programs in physical and occupational therapy or are admitted to medical schools. In all of these areas, students study the psychological, neurophysiological, and biomechanical/biophysical aspects of human movement.Through mentoring, students are given the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research. The department collaborates with state health programs, parks and recreation programs, and local and regional school districts to provide students with opportunities for hands-on experience and professional training.

Exercise Science Emphasis: The exercise science emphasis is science-based and focuses on the integration of anatomical, psychological, biomechanical, and physiological principles related to human movement, exercise, and rehabilitation. Many students complete the exercise science emphasis in order to build a strong foundation prior to pursuing graduate study in exercise science fields or health professions, such as medical school, dentistry, or chiropractics.

For more information about Kinesiology, see the department website.
Admitted and current students must meet with an advisor.
Log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
The highest math requirement for this degree is STAT 1045: Introduction to Statistics with Elements of Algebra (QL) or higher.

Minimum University Requirements

Total Credits: 120
Credits of C- or better: 100
Total credits taken through USU: 30
Total major required credits taken at USU: 10
Minimum Grade Point Average (many majors require a higher GPA): 2.0 GPA
Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above): 40
Upper-division credits taken at USU: 20
General Education Requirements
University Studies Requirements
Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Admission Requirements For This Program

New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing.
Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must have an overall 2.0 GPA.

Major Requirements

Program Graduation Requirement: 2.0 overall GPA
All required major and elective courses may not be taken for a pass/fail grade, except for PE Skill Development courses.
A minor is not required for this degree but is strongly encouraged. Please visit with your advisor about career and graduate school options.

I. Prerequisites (11-13 credits)

BIOL 2320 - Human Anatomy 4 credit(s)
BIOL 2420 - Human Physiology 4 credit(s)
MATH 1050 - College Algebra (QL) 4 credit(s) or
MATH 1100 - Calculus Techniques (QL) 3 credit(s) or
MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL) 4 credit(s) or
STAT 1040 - Introduction to Statistics (QL) 3 credit(s) or
STAT 1045 - Introduction to Statistics with Elements of Algebra (QL) 5 credit(s) or
STAT 1080 - Foundations of Data Science (QL) 3 credit(s)
Or acceptable Math exam scores, ACT, SAT, AP

II. Professional Foundation Required Courses (29 credits)

Complete all of the following courses:

KIN 2000 - Introduction to Kinesiology 2 credit(s)
KIN 3000 - Principles of Fitness 3 credit(s) or
PE 3000 - Dynamic Fitness 3 credit(s)
KIN 3250 - Anatomical Kinesiology 3 credit(s)
KIN 4000 - Mental Aspects of Sports Performance 3 credit(s)
KIN 4100 - Exercise Physiology 4 credit(s)
KIN 4200 - Biomechanics (QI) 4 credit(s)
KIN 4400 - Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology (QI) 3 credit(s)
KIN 5100 - Fitness Assessment and Exercise Programs 4 credit(s)

III. Professional Development Courses (16 credits)

Health & Kinesiology (must complete at least 3 credits)

HEP 2000 - First Aid and Emergency Care 2 credit(s)
HEP 2500 - Health and Wellness 2 credit(s)
HEP 3200 - Consumer Health 3 credit(s)
HEP 3400 - Stress Management 3 credit(s)
KIN 3200 - Motor Learning and Technology in Skill Analysis (CI) 3 credit(s)
KIN 5430 - The History and Philosophy of Physical Education (CI) 3 credit(s)

Biology Courses (must complete at least 3 credits)

BIOL 1010 - Biology and the Citizen (BLS) 3 credit(s)
BIOL 1610 - Biology I 3 credit(s) and
BIOL 1615 - Biology I Laboratory 1 credit(s)
BIOL 1620 - Biology II (BLS) 3 credit(s) and
BIOL 1625 - Biology II Laboratory 1 credit(s)
BIOL 2060 - Elementary Microbiology 4 credit(s)
BIOL 3060 - Principles of Genetics (QI) 3 credit(s)
BIOL 3300 - General Microbiology 4 credit(s)

Chemistry Courses (must complete at least 3 credits)

CHEM 1010 - Introduction to Chemistry (BPS) 3 credit(s)
CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry I (BPS) 4 credit(s)
CHEM 1120 - General Chemistry II (BPS) 4 credit(s)
Although not required for the major, student should consider taking the appropriate lab as well.
CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 credit(s)
Although not required for the major, student should consider taking the appropriate lab as well.
CHEM 1220 - Principles of Chemistry II (BPS) 4 credit(s)
Although not required for the major, student should consider taking the appropriate lab as well.

Integrated Courses (must complete at least 7 credits)

NDFS 1020 - Science and Application of Human Nutrition (BLS) 3 credit(s)
NDFS 2030 - Nutrition and Physical Performance 2 credit(s)
PHYS 1100 - Great Ideas in Physics (BPS) 3 credit(s)
PHYS 1200 - Introduction to Physics by Hands-on Exploration (BPS) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2110 - General Physics - Life Sciences I 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2120 - General Physics - Life Sciences II (BPS) 4 credit(s)
PSY 1010 - General Psychology (BSS) 3 credit(s)
PSY 2100 - Developmental Psychology: Adolescence 3 credit(s)
PSY 2300 - Psychological Disorders 3 credit(s)
PSY 3010 - Psychological Statistics (QI) 3 credit(s)

IV. Skill Development Courses (must complete at least 3 credits)

KIN Courses and PE activity courses may not be repeated for credit in the major. Must be three different activity courses.

KIN 2100 - Skills 1 (Swimming, Volleyball, Football) 1 credit(s)
KIN 2200 - Skills 2 (Lifetime Activities) 1 credit(s)
KIN 2300 - Skills 3 (Softball, Basketball, Soccer) 1 credit(s)
KIN 2400 - Skills 4 (Tennis, Badminton, Track and Field) 1 credit(s)
or any three PE activity courses from PE 1000-2120

Open Electives (0-28 estimated credits)

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120

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