Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion

The Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion (KHP) offers undergraduate courses and degree programs in physical and health promotion education or exercise science. Students are encouraged to take one 1-credit physical education class each semester during the first two years of college.

The KHP Life Fitness program offers beginning instruction in both individual and team activities. In this program students have the opportunity to learn individual and team sports skills and/or improve their level of fitness. Currently 32 different courses are offered each year and over 1,200 students participate in the program. The classes are taught by members of the KHP Department and Department Graduate Teaching Assistants who possess expertise in the areas of health and physical education. Individual skill instruction is available in weight training, conditioning and fitness, golf, racquet sports, gymnastics, swimming, scuba diving, aerobic running and swimming, and dancing. Instruction in such team activities as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball is also available. In addition, intermediate and advanced courses in many of the activities are offered.

The kinesiology program is designed for students interested in teaching as well those interested in the application of knowledge and skills in kinesiology and health promotion in commercial settings. Students desiring teacher certification will complete one or more of the programs in kinesiology and health promotion described in this Bulletin. The department also offers a non-teacher certification kinesiology program in exercise science that many students pursue to prepare them for graduate programs within the medical and health field such as Physical or Occupational Therapy, Medical or Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, and also Dentistry.

The purpose of health promotion is to promote quality of life for all people. This area of study is interdisciplinary, extending into biology, psychology, sociology, and medicine. Health promotion generally focuses on the whole individual, including social and emotional dimensions, not just the physical. The primary focus of course work in health promotion is on teacher certification. Opportunities for health educators exist in community agencies, adult fitness programs, and health education programs in industry and business. The department offers a minor in health promotion that does not lead to teacher certification. The department also offers a minor in Coaching.