Fitness Studies Option (effective summer 2006)

This option provides interdisciplinary training to develop healthy living skills. Course work provides students with a knowledge base and practical skills to prepare them for careers in wellness professions, including corporate fitness, personal training, strength and conditioning, fitness management, youth and adult coaching, and community-based fitness programs. Students are encouraged to seek appropriate professional certification during the final two years of study. After completion of this course of study, graduates will be able to design and implement skill- and age-appropriate fitness programs or pursue advanced study in related fields.

Information about the Fitness Studies Option

The links below have more information about the Fitness Studies option.

Fitness Certifications

Many employers in the health, fitness, wellness, and strength and conditioning industries look for prospective employees to be certified in Personal Training, Group Exercise Leadership, or Strength and Conditioning. It is recommended that Kinesiology students be prepared and pursue certification in one of these areas prior to job hunting.

Some reputable certifying organizations:

CPR and AED Certification

Many employers in the health, fitnesss, wellness, and strength and conditioning industries look for prospective employees to be certified in CPR and AED. It is recommended that Kinesiology students be prepared and pursue CPR and AED certification prior to job hunting.

Penn State Minors

Students often ask about “good” minors to have, assuming that it is good to graduate with a minor along with a major. It should be noted that obtaining a minor will most likely cost students extra time, money, and effort. It is recommended that students talk with their adviser about the relevance and practicality of pursuing a minor. Some students in the past have considered one of the following minors.

View an all-inclusive listing of minors at Penn State.

Job Search and Career-Related Web Sites