Department of Kinesiology

Ruth N. Henry, Professor and Chair
David Bender, Instructor
Kent D. Johnson, Professor
Laurel Littlefield, Assistant Professor
Matthew Ruiz, Professor and Director, Master’s in Exercise and Nutrition Science
Jeremy R. Townsend, Assistant Professor
William Vantrease, Instructor

The Department of Kinesiology is dedicated to serving its students by integrating Christian faith and practice with academic excellence. The department assists students with the ability to communicate effectively, to think critically, and to develop the breadth and depth of knowledge needed by its graduates for participation in careers in the fields of exercise science, wellness, health and physical education, sport management, and coaching.

Students in Exercise Science typically enter careers in the health and fitness industry, or pursue graduate work in exercise and nutrition science, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, athletic training, or other health science areas, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, athletic training, or therapeutic recreation. Students with the Fitness and Sport studies major are qualified for entry-level positions in sports, health and fitness, strength and conditioning, corporate wellness, and wellness coaching. Health and physical education students interested in the NCATE-approved health and physical education teaching option work in conjunction with the Department of Education preparing for a teaching career. Students interested in sport management find opportunities in the business side of sport and athletics. The Department of Kinesiology also provides all university students opportunities for developing healthy and active lifestyles through the activities courses in the general education program, including a wide variety of sports, fitness activities, and lifetime fitness classes.

Distinctives of the Kinesiology Department

Exercise science is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to prepare students for work opportunities or graduate/professional school. Students must complete a clinical/field experience in the summer of their senior year as part of their degree program. Nashville provides ample settings for practical experience, regardless of the student’s specific academic interest. In previous years, students have gained valuable experience in local hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, health and fitness facilities and YMCAs.

Students with a fitness and sport studies major take interdisciplinary courses as well as courses in exercise science. Because they will be working in the wellness, fitness, or coaching industry, coursework includes electives in both business and psychology. Marketing, administration, and business management course are options to prepare students for working in the industry, and psychology courses are included to help students learn to facilitate behavior change. Fitness and sport studies students will complete a field experience in the summer of their senior year in the sports/fitness venue of their choice.

The Kinesiology department has an exercise science lab to help broaden students’ professional experiences. The lab provides an environment for students to engage in undergraduate research or gain valuable practical experience (equipment includes: metabolic cart, electrocardiography machines, body composition, electromyography (EMG), treadmills, bikes, blood pressure cuffs, spirometers, and other measurement devices.)

The health and physical education program is designed to prepare students for careers as teachers in public and private school settings. These students gain valuable experiences by classroom observations and student teaching. There are abundant opportunities to grow professionally through the state professional organization (TAHPERD) and participation in local programs of excellence (Demonstration Schools). Upon graduation, most students enter the teaching profession.

The sport management program is designed to prepare students for careers in the business side of sport and athletics. These students will gain valuable experience in the business, management and marketing aspects of sports and athletics. Many students will want to pursue an MBA in graduate school to maximize their opportunities in this growing and competitive industry.

Career Opportunities

Exercise Science

Fitness professional in corporate/hospital setting
Personal trainer, strength and fitness coach
Graduate school in exercise and nutrition science, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation and athletic training
Health science (physical therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation)

Fitness and Sport Studies

Personal trainer, strength and fitness coach
Coach for athletic teams
Wellness coach
Activities director

Health and Physical Education (Teaching, K-12)

Teaching elementary or secondary health and physical education
Coaching
Graduate school in physical education

Sport Management

Athletic director or athletic administrator
Athletic facility manager
Health and fitness center manager
Sports journalism and marketing
Graduate school in business, management, or marketing

Program of Study Requirements

Major

Minor