Students majoring in Kinesiology must complete one of three Kinesiology emphases offered by the school:
Emphasis in Exercise Science Generalist
Students in the Exercise Science Generalist emphasis often find employment in the private and public sectors concerned with the fitness and health of employees. This emphasis prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary to (1) evaluate and develop exercise programming for apparently healthy persons in diverse fitness and health settings, and (2) attain certifications that reflect knowledge of the scientific principles that govern leadership in exercise and health enhancement programs. Graduates work as fitness professionals in corporate, community, clinical, and commercial fitness programs. There are also career opportunities for employment in the business sector to include fitness and wellness, and community programs. Graduates in the Exercise Science Generalist emphasis are not as well prepared as those coming from the Fitness Specialist and may not be as competitive for employment or admission to graduate Kinesiology programs.
Emphasis in Fitness Specialist
Students in the Fitness Specialist emphasis often find employment in the private and public sectors concerned with the fitness and health of employees. This emphasis prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary to (1) evaluate and develop exercise programming for apparently healthy persons in diverse fitness and health settings, and (2) attain certifications that reflect knowledge of the scientific principles that govern leadership in exercise and health enhancement programs. Graduates work as fitness professionals in corporate, community, clinical, and commercial fitness programs. There are also career opportunities for employment in the business sector to include fitness and wellness, community programs, cardiac rehabilitation, and human efficiency research.
Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy
The Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary for entry to postgraduate education for rehabilitative professions such as physical therapy, chiropractic, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and podiatry. Students find employment in a broad range of medical environments. Students wishing to meet all requirements for postgraduate education for a professional degree should meet with the undergraduate advisor as well as contact potential postgraduate education sites to obtain specific entry requirements.