Department of Kinesiology

Ruth N. Henry, Professor and Chair
David Bender, Instructor
Rebecca E. Claypool, Assistant Professor
Kent D. Johnson, Professor
Laurel Littlefield, Assistant Professor
Andrew Mauldin, Instructor
Matthew Ruiz, Professor and Director, M.S. in Exercise and Nutrition Science
Jeremy R. Townsend, Associate Professor

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 CAEP-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: The mission of the Exercise Science Program is to prepare entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains by integrating Christian faith and practice with academic excellence. The Program will provide students with the didactic and experiential foundation in the study of human physiology and movement necessary to succeed whether pursuing a career, a professional field of study or engaging in advanced academic work. This mission is achieved through classroom lectures and hands-onlaboratory instruction, scholarship, and service-learning opportunities designed to promote and develop critical thinking and effective communication skills. The Exercise Science Program at Lipscomb University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org )

Exercise Science Program goals:

Meet academic and professional standards and guidelines of CAAHEP (The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) and CoAES (Committee on Accreditation for Exercise Sciences).
Prepare graduates as exercise professionals for their distinct roles in medical, allied health, fitness and sports performance fields.
Prepare students to sit for NCCA approved professional certification examinations which align with their professional goals.
Prepare students for post-graduation placement into a graduate/professional program, or entry-level employment within six months of degree completion.

Selected Outcome Assessments:

Students in the Exercise Science Program should be able to successfully pass oral, written and/or practical examinations and demonstrate competency in the following areas:

Closely analyze an individual’s medical history to assess any potential risks that exercise may pose
Appropriately measure and monitor an individual’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythms, etc.
Successfully educate an individual about their injuries and health conditions, such as lung disease and diabetes, and provide information about how to stay healthy
Be able to teach individuals how to perform exercises safely and effectively
Perform appropriate fitness assessment tests and prescribe exercise for a healthy population
Administer submaximal exercise tests using various laboratory ergometers
Demonstrate a basic understanding of electrocardiography and its application in the exercise science arena
Perform various body composition analysis tests and appropriately interpret test results
Apply Exercise Physiology knowledge and principles in the health and exercise setting
Demonstrate a knowledge of effective behavioral strategies and motivational techniques in the fitness setting
Successfully pass an NCCA accredited certification exam (ie: ACSM or NSCA)
Successfully complete the required 200 hour externship experience
Students admitted to the Exercise Science Program (admitted by the spring, 2022 or later) are required to take an NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accredited certification exam (ACSM, NSCA, ACE) prior to graduation.

Admission Requirements for Exercise Science:

Students interested in pursuing a B.S. degree in Exercise Science must be admitted to the Exercise Science Program. There are no limits to the number of students admitted to the Program each year. Admission into the Program can occur in the Fall, Spring or Summer. Admission requirements include:

A declared major in Exercise Science (usually in the spring of the student’s sophomore year but no later than earning 57 credit hours)
A grade of ‘B’ or better in 2 of the following courses: BY1134; BY1144; or CM1113 (lab CM1211)
A 3.0 cumulative GPA
A grade of ‘C’ or better in all Kinesiology Department courses

Fitness and Sport Studies: 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 3 exercise science labs to help broaden students’ professional experiences. The labs provide 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.)

Sport Management: The Sport Management program is designed to prepare students for careers in the business side of sport and athletics. Nashville is truly a place of opportunity in sports. 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. Students gain work experience in both on-campus venues and in the Greater Nashville sports community.

Health and Physical Education: The Health and Physical Education program is managed by the College of Education. This degree is designed to prepare students for careers as teachers in public and private school settings. Students gain valuable experiences by classroom observations and student teaching. There are 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.

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