Department of Kinesiology

Return to: College of Health Sciences

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, health/wellness, strength & conditioning, 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.  Exercise Science includes three tracks: pre-physical therapy (Pre-PT), pre-occupational therapy (Pre-OT), and pre-physician assistant (Pre-PA).  Students in Exercise Science complete two internships.

Students in 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. Fitness and Sport Studies includes a track in strength & conditioning.  Students in the strength & conditioning track complete two field experiences. 

Students in the Sport Management major enter careers in the business side of sport and athletics.  These students gain valuable experience in the business, management, and marketing aspects of sports and athletics.  Students complete a practicum in sport management in a local sports organization.

Students in Sport Medicine are in a specialized “pre-med” major designed for those pursuing a career in medical school or other health-related fields, dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries related to sports and physical activity.  It combines medical school preparation with kinesiology to optimize athletic performance while minimizing injury risk.

Students interested in health and physical education in the CAEP-approved health and physical education teaching program should contact the College of Education to prepare for a teaching career.

The Department of Kinesiology also provides all university students with opportunities to develop healthy and active lifestyles through physical wellbeing courses, including a wide variety of sports, fitness activities, and lifetime fitness classes.

Distinctives of the Department of Kinesiology

Laboratories: The Department of Kinesiology has three 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: multiple metabolic carts, multiple electrocardiography machines, body composition (DEXA, BodPod, InBody), electromyography (EMG), treadmills, bikes, blood pressure cuffs, spirometers, and other measurement devices, hyperbolic chamber, golf simulator, force plate analysis, strength & conditioning racks and machines, and much more.

The labs are:

• Body Composition Laboratory
• Cardiometabolic Laboratory
• Human Performance Laboratory

Majors: 

1. Exercise Science: The Exercise Science major focuses on the scientific study of human movement and how the body responds to exercise.  The curriculum prioritizes a strong scientific foundation complemented with practical, hands-on experiences.  A Variety of local settings are available for these practical experiences, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, health and fitness facilities, and sports organizations (professional, college, high school, and youth).  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). Students will take a national certification exam (ACSM or NSCA) before graduation. 

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

Exercise Science Tracks:

• Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-PT)

• Pre-Occupational Therapy (Pre-OT)

• Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA)

2. Fitness and Sport Studies: Students with a Fitness and Sport Studies major take interdisciplinary courses as well as courses in Kinesiology. 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 courses 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.  Students are encouraged to take a certification exam (ACSM or NSCA) before graduation.  Our program is also recognized for excellence by the NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP), which recognizes accredited academic institutions for their educational programs that meet educational guidelines recommended by the NSCA.

NSCA Education Recognition Program (https://www.nsca.com/education/education-recognition-program-erp/)

The Department is currently in the application funnel for the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) accreditation through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) (https://www.nsca.com/education/casce/?srsltid=AfmBOoqMoiBl2DGlAYiTZmTvKh_xI02HNWOhoOp8hrURbOKO6zdvMY8l).

Fitness & Sport Studies Track:

• Strength & Conditioning

3. Sport Management: The Sport Management major 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.

4. Sport Medicine: Sports medicine is a specialized “pre-med” major for students interested in pursuing a career in medical school or other health-related fields, dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries related to sports and physical activity.  It combines medical school preparation with kinesiology to optimize athletic performance while minimizing injury risk.  With a strong emphasis on exceptional classroom instruction, undergraduate research, MCAT preparation, mentorship, and service, Lipscomb’s Sport Medicine major equips you to excel in the field.  More importantly, it empowers you to fulfill your calling to enhance athletes’ performance and promote overall health through the specialized practice of sport medicine.

Note: Health and Physical Education - This major 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.

Accreditation Information: 

Exercise Science Program

Director: Libby McCurley, Ph.D.

Exercise Science Program Mission:

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-on laboratory instruction, scholarship, and service-learning opportunities designed to promote and develop critical thinking and effective communication skills.

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. 

Exercise Science Program Learning Outcomes:

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 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.

Exercise Science Program Admission Requirements: 

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

Exercise Science

• Health sciences (physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, therapeutic recreation)
• Fitness professional in corporate/hospital setting
• Personal trainer, strength and fitness coach
• Graduate school in exercise and human performance, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and athletic training

Fitness and Sport Studies

• Strength & conditioning coach
• Personal trainer
• Coach for athletic teams
• Wellness/health coach
• Activities director

Sport Management

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

Sport Medicine

• Medical doctor (M.D.)
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
• Other allied health-related professions

Program of Study Requirements

• Exercise Science, B.S.
• Fitness and Sport Studies, B.S.
• Sport Management, B.A.
• Sport Management, B.S.
• Sport Medicine, B.S.

• Coaching Minor
• Exercise Science Minor
• Health Minor

• Pre-Occupational Therapy (Pre-OT) Track
• Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-PT) Track
• Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) Track
• Strength & Conditioning Track

Return to: College of Health Sciences