Exercise and Movement Sciences Concentration
The Exercise and Movement Sciences concentration prepares students for advanced study in a number of exercise and movement related fields. This degree concentration examines kinesiology from the perspectives of exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and development, and the psychological and the social-cultural aspects of physical activity. The programmatic approach is multidisciplinary and invites study in the physical, biological and social sciences, psychology, philosophy and communication. The degree program examines those factors that influence the form, function and effectiveness of exercise and movement across the lifespan and for the disabled.
This degree concentration will prepare students who wish to become exercise physiologists or fitness specialists in clinical, research, educational, or business settings, or who seek careers in physical or occupational therapy, biomechanics, motor learning and development and ergonomics. Students will also be prepared for advanced study in such fields as sport history, sport sociology, sport and exercise psychology and at-risk youth development. In addition, students who wish to pursue graduate studies in these areas will be well prepared to do so. Students will also be ready to pursue endeavors in the private sector.
Elective Requirement
Toward the end of the program, students must complete a total of 12 units of elective study that will introduce them to specialized work within the concentration. The framework for the degree program encompasses three major elective areas:
Social Science
The Social Science area includes the sociocultural and psychological factors that serve to constrain and define human movement, fitness and physical activity. Students will gain an understanding of the psychological, social, and cultural contexts in which physical activity occurs. Students will undertake the study of the origins of modern sport and physical activity, as well as explore such factors as the social, psychological, cultural, economic and political influences on physical activity participation at all levels.
- Sport in America
- Peak Performance
- Sport-Based Youth Development
- History/Philosophy of Physical Activity
- Sport and Social Issues
- Health Related Fitness and Wellness
- Sport, Movement, and Screen Culture
Movement Science
This Movement Science area includes the factors that influence the neuromotor control, learning, relearning, and development of motor skills and analysis. Students become adept in observation and analysis of movement and in use of video and computer technology to study movement related questions. Throughout their studies, students apply the knowledge and skills they gain to the analysis of movement problems which are of personal interest and significance.
- Motor Development
- Physical Dimensions of Aging
- Neuromotor Control Processes
- Muscle Mechanics
- Motor Assessment of Individuals with Disabilities
- Computer Applications in Kinesiology
- Quantiative Analysis of Human Performance
Exercise Science
The Exercise Science area involves the physiology of fitness and health, exercise prescription and fitness programming in youth and elderly populations. Students will study the effects of exercise and physical activity on factors influencing work performance, training programs and adaptations that include the reduction of risk factors for medical conditions such as coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular disease, adult-onset diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis, as well as special conditions such as pregnancy, and other hypokinetic illnesses, or adaptations that are effective for the aged and disabled populations. The student will also study factors and frameworks for an effective programming for fitness and physical activity behaviors in youth and elderly populations.
- Theory and Application of Fitness Training
- Exercise Testing and Prescriptions
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Exercise Science Internship
- Youth Development Instrucitonal Analysis
- Introduction to Sport and Fitness Management
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Exercise and Movement Sciences concentration should be able to:
- Define kinesiology and its sub-disciplines.
- Explain the value of, and advocate for, physical activity in terms of health, wellness and quality of life.
- Analyze a variety of physical activities and their components from multiple perspectives.
- Discuss how and why human performance changes.
- Design interventions to maintain and improve human performance.
- Critically evaluate information sources in kinesiology.
- Effectively communicate information about kinesiology.
- Apply their knowledge and skills to problems that confront contemporary society.