​The Kinesiology option is a broad-based exercise science option for students interested in pursuing a graduate or professional degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, physical therapy, physician assistant, medical and health sciences, occupational therapy, chiropractic, or other allied health fields.

Please note that many graduate and professional programs require prerequisite courses in addition to those included in this option. It is the responsibility of the student to determine which prerequisite courses are required for their program of interest.

Program Requirements

Core Courses I (17 hours)

​Introduction to the field of exercise science, including elements from the basic and clinical sciences and other allied health professions that integrate with exercise science. 

Credits 1(1-0) 

Contact Hours (1-0) 

Course Syllabus

Includes CPR and first aid care. American Red Cross certification for first aid and CPR can be earned. 

Credits 2(1-2) 

Contact Hours (1-2) 

Course Syllabus

​Functional aspects of human anatomy and application to physical activity, exercise, and human performance. Prerequisites: HSC 211 or 214. 

Credits 3(3-1) 

Contact Hours (3-1) 

Course Syllabus

​A comprehensive course in the structure of the human body organized by systems. Laboratory work includes the identification of fundamental anatomical structures on models and cadavers. Prerequisites: HSC 211 or 12 credit hours completed with one course in BIO or CHM or PHY. 

Credits 4(3-3) 

Contact Hours (3-3) 

Course Syllabus

​A comprehensive course that studies the function of the organ systems of the human body. Laboratory work in fundamental physiological principles is included. Pre/Co-Requisite: HSC 214. 

Credits 4(3-2) 

Contact Hours (3-2) 

Course Syllabus

​Lectures on basic principles of physiology of exercise. The basics of exercise, performance conditioning, and the human organism's response to these conditions. Prerequisites: HSC 211; or HSC 214, 215. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Core Courses II (8-9 hours) Select one of the following options:

​CHM 131 General Chemistry I 

An introductory course covering fundamental concepts of chemistry including atoms, properties of matter, reactions and stoichiometry, electronic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, thermochemistry, gas laws. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Recommended: High school algebra or MTH 107; high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences).

Credits 4(3-3) 

Contact Hours (3-3) 

Course Syllabus


CHM 132 General Chemistry II 

Continuation of CHM 131 including solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, weak acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 131. Recommended: a grade of C or better in CHM 131. 

Credits 4(3-3) 

Contact Hours (3-3) 

Course Syllabus

​CHM 120 Survey of Chemistry

Elementary concepts in chemistry. For students on curricula needing minimal chemical background or students who need additional preparation for CHM 131. This course provides suitable preparation for the successful completion of the laboratory courses, CHM 112 or CHM 127. Cannot be counted on a Chemistry/Biochemistry major or Chemistry minor. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 105. (University Program II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Science). 

Credits 4(4-0) 

Contact Hours (4-0) 

Course Syllabus 


CHM 127 Introductory Chemistry Laboratory 

Elementary laboratory experiments that parallel the syllabus for CHM 120. Recommended for students in dietetics, sports medicine, health education, and elementary/middle school education. No credit toward chemistry or biochemistry major or minor. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Pre/Co-requisite: CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Science).

Credits 1(0-2)

Contact Hours (0-2)

Course Syllabus 


CHM 342 Survey of Organic Chemistry

An elementary course covering the field of organic chemistry. The course meets the needs for entrance to some professional schools. No credit toward the chemistry major or minor. Prerequisites: One of: CHM 120, 127, or CHM 132 or CHM 161. 

Credits 4(3-3) 

Contact Hours (3-3) 

Course Syllabus

Required Courses (12 hours)

​Theory and practice related to exercise testing and administration for the health-related components of fitness. Practical experience in fitness evaluation, exercise technique, and program design. Prerequisites: HSC 214, 215. 

Credits 3(2-2) 

Contact Hours (2-2) 

Course Syllabus

Study of the body’s physiological responses to disease states. Emphasis is placed on the interactions among body systems and deviations from homeostasis. Prerequisite: HSC 211 or HSC 215 or BIO 392. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Students will integrate and apply their knowledge from core courses in Exercise Science: Kinesiology to transition to professional work or graduate studies. Writing Intensive. This course may be offered in an online format. Prerequisites: Signed major in Exercise Science: Kinesiology Option; HSC 190, 205, 212, 214, 215, 308 with a C+ or better. 

Credits 3(3-0)

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Examine cardiovascular and chronic disease risk factors and management of those risk factors with emphasis on current clinical guidelines and lifestyle interventions (e.g., physical activity/exercise). Prerequisites: 56 credit hours completed or graduate standing. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Other Requirements I (3 hours) Select one of the following:

​Inheritance in humans, including genetic mechanisms, human populations, medical syndromes, eugenics, and genetic counseling. Does not count toward a Biology major or a Biology minor. This course is approved for offering in a distance-learning format.

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Introductory one-semester Biochemistry course. Intended for students in allied health fields, dietetics, and some biology programs. No credit toward Chemistry/Biochemistry major, Biology/Biomedical Sciences major, or Chemistry minor. Prerequisites: CHM 342 or 346. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Principles of normal nutrition as related to the health of all age groups. This course may be offered in an online format. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences).

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Other Requirements II (3 hours) Select one of the following:

An introduction to biological statistics; emphasis on concepts of descriptive statistics and central tendency, inferential statistics, one-way ANOVA, and correlation/linear regression. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or twelve (12) hours of biology. Recommended MTH 130. 

Credits 3(2-2)

Contact Hours (2-2) 

Course Syllabus

This class presents applied statistical concepts, principles and methods in the health services industry. Statistical procedures are applied to health, administrative, and medical data. Prerequisites: STA 282 or PSY 211 or graduate standing. 

Credits 3(2-1) 

Contact Hours (2-1) 

Course Syllabus

Basic descriptive and inferential statistics are considered, including measures of central tendency and variability, the normal distribution, the t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and chi-square. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and completion of Mathematics Competency. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Other Requirements (0 hours)

This requirement would involve, depending on the student's option, completing an internship, taking a capstone course, analyzing and interpreting data, and/or completing an exit survey.

Electives (9-12 hours) Select from the following:

​The biology of microorganisms: bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Does not count toward Biology majors or minors. Prerequisite: one of: BIO 101, 105, 110, 112, 151. 

Credits 4(3-3) 

Contact Hours (3-3) 

Course Syllabus

Basic principles of normal mammalian cardiovascular physiology. Prerequisites: BIO 392 or graduate standing. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Nutrient utilization by athletes and active individuals. Analysis of the interaction among macronutrients, micronutrients, dietary supplements, and fluids for optimal exercise performance. Writing Intensive. Prerequisite: FNS 370. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​A self-study module course for learning anatomical directions, planes, comprehensive clinical vocabulary, words made from word parts, and imaging terms used in health care. Recommended: Successful completion of at least two semesters of coursework at the college level. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Students will learn to assess and perform various exercises utilized in personal training and strength and conditioning and achieve a standard of fitness competence themselves. Prerequisites: HSC 214, 215. 

Credits 2(1-2) 

Contact Hours (1-2) 

Course Syllabus

​Topics in exercise and health sciences will be researched and analyzed to substantiate and critique widely held beliefs and theories in the field. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: Previous WI course; HSC 190. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Obesity will be studied with special emphasis on prevalence and etiology. Modes of prevention and treatment including diet and exercise will also be discussed. Prerequisites: 56 hours completed or graduate standing. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Course reviews the major cardiovascular disease risk factors of children. This service-learning course requires 45 hours of screening and education of children. Prerequisite: HSC 220. 

Credits 3(1-4)

Contact Hours (1-4) 

Course Syllabus

​Components of successful motor performance, theories of learning, nervous system function, practice methods, teaching methodology, and psychological concepts related to physical education, coaching, and rehabilitation. Prerequisites: Completion of at least 24 credit hours; Recommended: PES 115, PSY 100. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Total: 52-56 semester hours