Kinesiology

Kinesiology A program at Humboldt State University

Contemporary trends promoting increased fitness, health and well-being promise a positive future for professionals in Kinesiology. Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, including physical activity, daily activities, physical education exercise, and sport. Using technique methods and thorough knowledge of the human body and how it works, professionals in our field help people of all ages live healthier lives and resume normal activates following illness or injury.

The Kinesiology major includes the following concentration options:

Exercise Science/ Health Promotion Pre-Physical Therapy Physical Education (Teaching/ Coaching)

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Table of Contents Title

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Kinesiology Concentration Options…………..…………………………………...………….2 Table of Contents……………………………………………….………………………….………....3 Major Overview.……………………………………………...……………………..………………...4 Concentration Options: Exercise Science/ Health Promotion………………………….……..……………....5 Pre-Physical Therapy……………….…………...…..…………………………..……......6 Physical Education Teaching..………………………...………..…………….………...7 Possible Employers………………………………………...……………………………………..…..8 Marketable Skills……………………………………………….………………………………..….....9

Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………...10 Finding More Information………………………………..……………………………….……...11

Overview Your education in Kinesiology can lead to a rewarding career in professions such as, an exercise science program manager, researcher, personal trainer, physical therapist, teacher or coach, or sports physician.

Students completing this program will have demonstrated the ability to: 1. Identify and explain concepts of kinesiology.

2. Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate relevant information from scientific literature to inform professional practices.

3. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication for the discipline of kinesiology.

4. Apply knowledge and skills from kinesiology to promote health and physical activity, and optimize performance among diverse populations.

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Exercise Science/ Health Promotion We read or hear about it every day: Exercise is crucial to overall health, athletic conditioning, prevention of disease and quality of life as we age. But incorporating exercise into daily life properly can require the guidance of an experienced professional.

Individuals trained in fitness and wellness management help people from all walks of life achieve good health and happiness. You can be one of them.

Humboldt State's Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an option in Exercise Science/Wellness Management combines science-based classroom study with practical experience in our state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory. Your studies culminate in an internship with an organization in need of your specialized skills.

Our graduates are ready for professional certification by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Many go on to seek rewarding careers as health and fitness specialists in corporate, clinical or community settings, or as strength and conditioning coaches. Some go on to medical school, while others pursue graduate studies in Exercise Science or a related health field.

Related Job Titles Kinesiology is a broad major that offers diverse job opportunities. The following is a sample of the myriad opportunities available for Kinesiology majors; many other job alternatives may exist. Some require further education.             

Adaption Physical Education Teacher Athletic Director Athletic Trainer Aquatic Administrator Boat / Ski Lift Operator Camp Counselor/ Director Club Instructor/ Program Manager Coach Community Sport Director Corrective Therapist Corporate Fitness Director Cruise Fitness Director Dance Studio Teacher/ Manager

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Exercise Phycologist Exercise Stress Test Technologist Event Promoter Fitness Consultant Gerontology Fitness Specialist Health Club Worker Movement Science Researcher Occupational Therapist Physical Education Teacher Physical Therapist Playground Director Sports Information Therapist Swimming Instructor

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Pre-Physical Therapy The Benefits of Pursuing an Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy: Careers in the health care industry are increasing and completion of this option provides the academic requirements necessary to enter a graduate program for physical therapy or other health professions such as occupational therapy, nursing, physician assistant programs, medical school or prosthetics and orthotics. Upper division electives built into the curriculum allow students the flexibility to take additional classes required for the graduate programs they are interested in attending.

Students also gain more knowledge and experience in the physical therapy (and related) fields through a practical experience.

During these placements in local physical therapy clinics and hospitals, students learn the basic skills to provide patient care and the essentials of evidence-based practice alongside physical therapists. In addition to being immersed in the field and accumulating observational hours needed to apply to graduate programs, students also attend presentations by current graduate students, physical therapists, and other health professionals, as well as workshops to help students’ preparation for applying to graduate school.

To assist our students in achieving a successful college experience, a Major Academic Plan has been developed to use as a planning guide. We have specifically designed our curriculum so that it can realistically be completed in four years. With a little planning and keeping in touch with your advisor, you should be able to accomplish this.

Physical Education Teaching Safe and effective exercise habits, general health awareness and proper athletic techniques are important parts of a happy, healthy life for millions of people. But where did we first learn these things? Most likely from a skilled educator, beginning at an early age. If you want to help others achieve physical fitness for a better life, a career as a teacher or coach may be the right choice for you.

Humboldt State´s Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an option in Teaching/Coaching provides you with knowledge and training for success in physical education, health and sports professions. In addition to rigorous classroom studies with a scientific foundation, you will perform hands-on clinical work in the University´s Human Performance Laboratory and other facilities. Our students also get unique experience in professional settings, including local schools, health clubs, and sports and recreation programs.

Most of our graduates enter the Single Subject Teaching Credential Program, either at Humboldt State or another institution, or enroll in similar programs in other states. But many choose to pursue a graduate degree in another health-related field, or move directly into the career of their choice.

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Possible Employers Private and Non-Profit: Cruise Lines Dance Studios Health Clubs Health and Wellness Retailers Hospitals and Clinics Pharmaceutical

Companies Physical Therapy Companies Private Corporations Professional Sports Teams Retirement and Rehabilitation Centers

Resorts Sports Camps and Leagues Summer Camps Swimming Pools

Federal Agencies: AmeriCorps Armed Forces

Bureau of Prisons Department of Health and Department of Education Human Services Federal Bureau of Investigation

State, County & Local Agencies Athletic Department Colleges and Universities Community Health Programs

County and City Schools Department of Rehabilitation Parks and Recreation Departments

Probation Departments Social Service Agencies Youth Authority

A Bachelors Degree is designed to give you the Top Skills employers are looking for.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top ten are: 

Effective Communication

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Analyzing quantitative data

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Working in a team structure

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Making decisions/ solving problems

Proficiency with computers and software

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Planning/organizing and prioritizing work

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Creating and editing written reports

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Selling and influencing others

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Self Efficiency

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Obtaining and processing information

Marketable Skills In Your Major Leadership Management Skills

Effective Communication

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Develops, delivers, and administer health care services

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Communicates with various members of the sports medicine team

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Possesses ability to motivate and educate

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Understands medical terminology and treatment orders

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Works well under stressful situations

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Emphasis lifelong fitness and physical activity

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Plans lessons and activities for various ages and ability levels

Research/ Analytical Skills 

Employs good observation skills

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Ability to think critically and analytically solves problems

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Understands the biomechanical principles related to movement

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Possess knowledge of personal fitness

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Implements, administer, and evaluates physical education and athletic programs physiological responses

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Resources Professional Associations 

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

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American Heart Association

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American Physical Therapy Association

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Medical Fitness Association

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National Athletic Trainers Association

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National College of Sports Medicine

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National Strength and Conditioning Association

Job Search • HSU Handshake • Sports Medicine Jobs • National College Athletics Association • Exercise Jobs • American Council on Exercise—Gym Jobs • Online Sports • California Physical Therapy Association Job Board Internships • HSU Handshake • Corporate Fitness Works

Graduate School • GradSchools.com • Graduate Admission Essays: Donald Asher

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Further Exploration...

To continue to explore majors, discuss your interests or further research career goals contact a career advisor at (707)826-3341 or visit Gist Hall, Room 114.

If you have specific questions regarding the major, contact the Kinesiology department at (707)826-4536, KRA@humboldt.edu or visit Kinesiology and Athletics Building, Room 305.