KINESIOLOGY (KINES)

275 Recreation Building
863-0442
Fax: 863-7360

Karl Newell, Department Head
275 Recreation Building
863-1163
kmn1@psu.edu

Mark Dyreson, Undergraduate Program Director
268S Recreation Building
863-3683
mxd52@psu.edu

Sharon Krimmel, Undergraduate Major Adviser
270 Recreation Building
863-4493
swk2@psu.edu

Staci Schreiber, Undergraduate Pre-major Adviser
270 Recreation Building
863-4493
svp102@psu.edu

Elizabeth Myers, Undergraduate Pre-major Adviser
270 Recreation Building
863-4493
elm122@psu.edu

Krista Pulsney, Undergraduate Staff Assistant
276 Recreation Building
863-0442
kdp164@psu.edu

Home Page: http://www.hhdev.psu.edu/kines

Curriculum

University Faculty Senate Approved Curriculum

Recommended Academic Plan(s)

Semester-by-semester academic plans recommend in table form the courses students might schedule each semester as they pursue a particular degree. These tables serve several University purposes and assist multiple constituencies: students, advisers, departments, deans, registrars, admissions officers, and family members. The plans:

• Identify normal academic progress, course offerings, and recommended course sequencing;
• Assist students and advisers in planning academic schedules, registrars and departments in planning course offerings, and registrars and deans in determining when students should change campus;
• Help students to anticipate the academic workload and courses needed to earn a degree, and to schedule appropriate prerequisites;
• Serve as tools to help advisers learn the curriculum.

Semester scheduling recommendations for all baccalaureate majors can also be found in the University Bulletin.

KINES ATHTR Recommended Academic Plan (UP)

KINES FITSD Recommended Academic Plan (UP)

KINES MOVSC Recommended Academic Plan (UP)

KINES PHETE Recommended Academic Plan (UP)

Degree Audit

KINES ATHTR Degree Audit

KINES FITSD Degree Audit

KINES MOVSC Degree Audit

KINES PHETE Degree Audit

Kinesiology offers a comprehensive program of study in the science of human movement and is designed for students who want to prepare for professions involving physical activity and for graduate study in related areas. Five options are offered: (1) Athletic Training; (2) Fitness Studies; (3) Movement Science; (4) Physical & Health Education Teacher Education; and (5) Exercise Science. All options require a minimum of 120 credits for graduation, with the exception of Physical and Health Education Teacher Education, which requires 124 credits. Information about the major and its options can be found at www.hhdev.psu.edu/kines/undergrad/index.html.

MOVEMENT SCIENCE OPTION: This option provides interdisciplinary training that utilizes movement for diagnosis, rehabilitation, and/or theoretical study. Coursework is designed to help prepare graduates for a broad range of careers in biomedical and health-related fields. The option can also prepare students for graduate studies in the health professions. Students may select supporting courses that will fulfill requirements for advanced study in scientific disciplines and a variety of professional areas such as physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and physician's assistant.

FITNESS STUDIES OPTION: This option provides interdisciplinary training to develop healthy living skills. Coursework provides students with a knowledge base and practical skills to prepare them for careers in wellness professions, including corporate fitness, personal training, 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, and may wish to consider a minor in the supporting fields of business, gerontology, nutrition, psychology, or sociology. 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.

PHYSICAL & HEALTH EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION OPTION: This option is designed to prepare students to become licensed K-12 Health and Physical Education teachers. The licensure certifies them to teach elementary, middle or high school Health and Physical Education. The program includes all the academic requirements for the Instructional I Certificate in these fields issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

ATHLETIC TRAINING OPTION: This option provides a concentrated program of courses designed to prepare students for a career in the profession of athletic training. The option has been designed to meet the standards for certification by the National Athletic Trainers Association — Board of Certification and legal certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students are admitted into the program on a competitive basis following completion of prerequisite courses (see requirements for admission). Students also must meet the "Technical Standards for the Undergraduate Athletic Training Program at Penn State University" related to the physical and psycho-emotional demands placed upon students in the option. Upon admission, students complete a 5-semester sequence of coursework and supervised clinical rotations. Students typically commit 200 to 300 hours to clinical practical experiences in each of the last 4 semesters of the program. The Technical Standards, course sequencing and prerequisite courses can all be found at www.hhdev.psu.edu/kines/undergrad/athletic_tr06.html or obtained through the Department of Kinesiology, 270 Recreation Building, University Park, PA 16802. Full course descriptions are found in the University Degree Programs Bulletin.

EXERCISE SCIENCE OPTION (offered only at the Berks campus): This option is a program of study in the science of exercise. This program offers Kinesiology background and applied experience in fitness assessment, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, motor skill development, nutrition and healthy living skills. Graduates will be able to scientifically assess fitness levels of individuals. Analyzing those assessments, graduates will then be capable of designing and implementing appropriate exercise programs.

Students in the Business Emphasis can obtain a Business Minor through this program. Students acquire basic business skills in accounting, marketing, management and entrepreneurial skills. Students choosing the Movement Science Emphasis will select courses from a department list that will enhance their opportunity for graduate studies in Kinesiology-related fields, Physical Therapy and Medical schools.

The completion of the Exercise Science Option will enable graduates to compete for employment in the corporate fitness arena, private fitness clubs, community-based fitness organizations, hospital and university settings or possibly to operate their own health and fitness company.

Entrance to Major Requirements: Students are required to meet entrance to major criteria for the Kinesiology major, i.e. a minimum of 27.1 credits and at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average. Also, additional requirements for the Athletic Training and Physical & Health Education Teacher Education options must be met. Information about these requirements is given on the pages that follow.

KINES INTERNSHIP INFORMATION

All options have a number of practica that are goal specific. For Athletic Training, there are five practica that involve increasing responsibility in working with our intramural, club, intercollegiate, and local high school athletes. The Movement Science and Fitness Studies options have three practica that begin as observations and culminate in a relevant capstone experience (depending on career goal). Physical & Health Education Teacher Education also has three practica, with the final internship being student teaching. First Aid and CPR certification are required for the Physical & Health Education Teacher Education and the Fitness Studies options. Relocation away from the University Park campus is generally necessary for student teaching and may be necessary for the practica in other options.

Internship experiences are an essential, integral aspect of the KINES major. The sequencing, prerequisites, and the appropriate scheduling pattern for internship courses must be followed. Brief descriptions of the practica required in each option follow. Students must secure the course application and/or information from the appropriate person no later than the semester indicated. This information is typically posted on the department bulletin board outside of 270 Recreation Building.

Movement Science Option and Fitness Studies Option

KINES 295B (1 credit), Career Information/Observational Experiences: Movement Science and Fitness Studies; Coordinator: Sharon Krimmel. This beginning internship is the first of three practica that expose students to general and specific career information and observational experiences related to the Kinesiology field. There are both classroom and out-of-class activities required for this course. Students should register for KINES 295B the semester they plan to complete the course.

KINES 395B (1 credit), Leadership Internship: Movement Science and Fitness Studies; Coordinator: Lori Gravish. This second of three internship courses, done under the supervision of a fitness instructor, strength and conditioning coach, wellness coordinator, researcher or physical therapist, etc., enables the student to have an introduction to a hands-on, leadership experience in the fitness/wellness/allied health field for a minimum of 30 hours. The coordinator and internship supervisor will decide additional hours and/or a project. Waiver of this course is possible based on previous experience. Waivers must be completed before registering for the course or within the first two weeks of the semester the student would otherwise register the course.

KINES 495B (6 credits), Field and/or Research Internship: Movement Science or Fitness Studies; Coordinator: Clarence Stoner. With approval of the internship coordinator, this culminating experience is designed by the student to be appropriate for the option and the student's goals. Internship application and plan should be approved no later than the end of the second week of the semester preceding the internship. Procedures and guidelines should be obtained from 270 Recreation Building at least one full semester prior to beginning the internship. Pre-internship information meetings are scheduled and announced each semester. It is possible to register additional internship credits, Kines 495D, (1-6 credits) for students who wish to extend their commitment beyond 6 credits/240 hours.

Physical & Health Education Teacher Education Option

KINES 295A (1 credit), Observation of Health and Physical Education in the Public Schools: (A 3-day introductory, observational experience in the public schools to be completed during the second, third, or fourth semester.) This internship may be completed in January prior to the beginning of the spring semester or during the week of spring break (March). A request form must be obtained from the KINES Undergraduate Program Office in 275 Recreation Building. Kines 295A is offered/registered only in the spring semester.

KINES 395A (1 credit), Leadership Internship for Teachers: A laboratory course emphasizing lesson planning and supervised teaching experiences in Pre-K-12th grade physical education which should be completed as part of Block 3 of the PHETE Block Scheduling Plan.

KINES 495A (12 credits), Internship in Student Teaching: A culminating experience in the public schools; eligibility for student teaching requires: (1) a minimum grade of "C" in all courses required for the Physical and Health Education Teacher Education option; (2) completion of the specified prerequisites; (3) submission of an application for student teaching to the coordinator's office; (4) acceptance into the Physical and Health Education Teacher Education option. Additional special requirements and prerequisites for KINES 495A may be found in the latest edition of the Baccalaureate Degree Programs Bulletin. (Applications are available from the Kinesiology website.)

Athletic Training (AT) Option

Each internship is completed in a university, college, high school, or clinical athletic training facility under the direct supervision of certified athletic trainers. As students progress through the practica, they assume increased responsibility and perform more involved tasks.

KINES 231 (2 credits), Athletic Training Clinical Practice I: This semester-long internship is an introductory practical experience in the athletic training room. It involves observation of a professional athletic trainer and his/her duties. The student is introduced to the day-to-day functions of the training room, record keeping, evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries. Students are assigned to the internship by the program director of athletic training. This is a laboratory fee-based course. Prerequisites or concurrent: KINES 135, KINES 202, and KINES 233.

KINES 232 (3 credits), Athletic Training Clinical Practice II: This semester-long internship involves practical experience working under the supervision of certified athletic trainers who provide health care services for: 1) collegiate intramural, club, and varsity sport athletes, and/or 2) physically active patients in outpatient physical therapy clinics. Responsibilities include performing clinical skills related to the prevention, evaluation, management, and documentation of injuries under the direct supervision of certified athletic trainers. To schedule this internship a student must be assigned by the program director of athletic training. Prerequisite: Admitted to AT option. Concurrent: Kines 334.

KINES 395F (3 credits), Practicum in Athletic Training: This semester-long practicum involves practical experience working with intramural sports under supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Responsibilities include administering basic first aid to injured participants and record keeping. To schedule this practicum a student must be assigned by the program director of athletic training. Prerequisite: KINES 232.
Concurrent: Kines 335, 434.

KINES 395G (3 credits), Internship in Athletic Training: This semester-long internship involves practical experience working under the supervision of certified athletic trainers who provide health care services for: 1) collegiate intramural, club, and varsity sport athletes, 2) high school athletes, and/or 3) physically active patients in outpatient physical therapy clinics. Responsibilities include performing clinical skills related to the prevention, evaluation, management, and documentation of injuries under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. To schedule this internship a student must be assigned by the program director of athletic training. Prerequisite: KINES 395F. Concurrent: Kines 336, 435, 436.

KINES 395I (3 credits), Internship in Athletic Training: In this internship the student works directly under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer and is assigned to either: 1) a specific intercollegiate athletic team or teams, or 2) affiliated high school or college athletic teams. Responsibilities include performing clinical skills related to the prevention, evaluation, management, and documentation of injuries on a daily basis under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Additional experience working with physicians or other allied health professionals also may be required. To schedule this internship a student must be assigned by the program director of athletic training. Prerequisite: KINES 395G.
Concurrent: Kines 438W.

KINES 495F (3 credits), Field Internship in Athletic Training: In this culminating internship the student works directly under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer and is assigned to either: 1) a specific intercollegiate athletic team or teams, or 2) affiliated high school or college athletic teams. Responsibilities include performing clinical skills related to the prevention, evaluation, management, and documentation of injuries on a daily basis under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Additional experience working with physicians or other allied health professionals may also be required. To schedule this internship a student must be assigned by the program director of athletic training. Prerequisite: KINES 395I.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Selection of Option

The selection of an intended option must be made at the time of entrance to the major. After this initial selection, students wishing to change to another option must request this change through the respective procedures. Students who change from one option to another must fully understand that additional semesters of registration may be necessitated by this change. Therefore, it is essential that a student of junior-senior classification or above first discuss the proposed change of option with his/her adviser, who will review the student's academic record in relation to the option requirements to determine the feasibility of this change. If approved, the change must be processed officially by the Kinesiology Undergraduate Programs Office.

Relocation to University Park

Students headed toward the KINES major should relocate to the University Park campus after completion of four full-time semesters (depending on the Kinesiology courses available at the campus). Earlier relocation to University Park is possible if a student is unable to make normal progress toward the degree because the requisite courses are not available at the student's campus location. To delay relocation beyond this time endangers a student's progress in fulfilling requirements for entrance to the major and/or option and in making normal progress within the selected degree program. It is emphasized that KINES students must fulfill these requirements and be accepted into a major before reaching fifth semester classification in order to continue registration as degree candidates in the college. A college "hold" preventing future registrations as an HHD student is automatically filed with the Registrar's office for degree candidates who have not gained entrance to the major following the fourth semester.

Course Scheduling Tips

Because there are program-essential courses for KINES, Recommended Academic Plans are provided on the following pages, specific to each option. The plans have been developed to assist students and advisers, and consider 1) course requirements for normal progress within each option and 2) the availability of courses at the respective campuses. Questions related to departure from the academic plans for KINES should be directed to the campus College Contact and Referral Representative (see directory).

Athletic Training Option

Athletic Training Office: 275 Recreation Building, University Park, (814) 863-0442.

The following requirements for admission to the Athletic Training Option are in addition to those for entrance to the Kinesiology major:

1. Submission of written application to be placed on the interest list for Kines 231(and 233) (Applications are available at www.hhdev.psu.edu/kines/undergrad/athletic_tr06.html). See * below for more details.
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
3. GPA of 3.0 or higher in the following courses: KINES 135 (3), 202 (4), 231 (3), and 233 (3).
4. Completion of an interview with Athletic Training Program Director or designee.
5. Evidence of ability to meet the physical and psycho-emotional standards as outlined in the Technical Standards for the Undergraduate Athletic Training Program at Penn State University. Available at: www.hhdev.psu.edu/kines/undergrad/docs/at_technical_standards.pdf.

*IMPORTANT Athletic Training Interest List Information

1. It is recommended that students at all Penn State campuses complete the interest list application as soon as they are enrolled at Penn State and have identified Athletic Training as a possible goal.
2. Students should be certain that their email address, local and permanent mailing addresses are kept updated in the Registrar's Office by calling (814) 865-6357 or by checking on eLion. We will contact students primarily by email. It is their responsibility to check email daily and return messages by any deadlines provided.
3. Students may contact Ms. Krista Pulsney at kdp164@psu.edu or (814) 863-0442 to obtain their current standing on the interest list.
4. If at any time a student decides not to pursue the Athletic Training option, he/she should send an email to Ms. Krista Pulsney at kdp164@psu.edu to have his/her name removed from the interest list.
5. Failure to fill out application for the interest list prior to a student’s 2nd semester may delay progress toward graduation requirements if the interest list is full.

Other Athletic Training Notes:

• To maintain normal progress toward graduation, students should typically be enrolled in Kines 231 and 233 during their sophomore fall semester. Kines 231 and 233 are fall-only offerings and selection into the option happens at the conclusion of fall semester. Department approval for enrollment in KINES 231 and 233 is required for an early change of campus to UP.
• Students are admitted to the Athletic Training option on a competitive, space-available basis. Admission to the option is not guaranteed despite successful completion of the aforementioned criteria. Admission into the Athletic Training option is not granted until the AthleticTraining staff/faculty have interviewed and approved each applicant for admission after successful completion of the first practicum course, KINES 231. There are more applicants enrolled in KINES 231 every fall semester than can be admitted into this option.
• Upon admission to the option, students complete a 5-semester sequence of course work and supervised clinical rotations. Students typically commit a minimum of 200-300 hours to internship experiences in each of the last 5 semesters of the program.
• Students seeking to transfer from other colleges and universities will have their transcripts evaluated after acceptance to Penn State to identify those courses and credits that will be applied toward completion of degree requirements. Course work specific to the Athletic Training option will not be considered for transfer unless completed in a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited athletic training education program. The Athletic Training Program Director will make the final decision as to which courses, if any, will apply toward degree requirements.
• If a student is eligible to declare a major in Kinesiology prior to formal acceptance into the Athletic Training Option, he/she will be assigned to the Movement Science Option. Upon successful completion of all admission requirements and acceptance into the Athletic Training Option, an official change in option will be processed by the Kinesiology Undergraduate Programs Office.
• Some students choose to complete either the Physical & Health Education Teacher Education Option or Movement Science Option in combination with the Athletic Training Option. Such a program requires a minimum of one or two additional semesters to complete.

For further information please contact:
Lauren Kramer
Director, Undergraduate Athletic Training Education
814-863-1758
lco100@psu.edu

Physical & Health Education Teacher Education Option

This option prepares teachers for K-12 Health and Physical Education. It includes all the academic requirements for the Instructional I Certificate in these subjects issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. There are entrance requirements for all University teacher preparation programs which should be met by the end of the 4th semester.

1. a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00
2. passing scores in Reading, Writing, and Math Praxis exams
3. completion of an Education Core: EDPSY 014 and EDTHP 115;
4. an early field experience preferably in a diverse setting (one with at least 25% underrepresented students): for KINES majors, KINES 295A
5. 6 credits of required course work in the teaching field: for KINES majors: KINES 141 and 180
6. documented evidence showing completion of at least 80 hours of paid or volunteer work in a setting with an age-appropriate population, including a minimum of 40 hours of work in each of 2 settings, 1 of which should involve students from an underrepresented group, or who are from rural or urban areas, but different from the candidate's own background
7. completion of a literature course (see approved list); and
8. approval by the Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Option coordinator.

Independent Study

KINES 296 and 496 Independent study is an option for students who wish to pursue research/creative projects to augment their regular coursework. Independent study credit (up to 3 credits) can only be applied toward degree requirements in the Movement Science and Fitness Studies Options. A faculty member acts as a mentor for the student as s/he completes the study. A student who wishes to enroll for KINES 296 or 496 must file a written proposal for the independent study and have it approved by the Undergraduate Program Coordinator prior to registering. Proposal forms may be obtained from the Advising Center in 270 Recreation Building, or the program office in 275 Recreation Building.

1. Discuss the proposal with the faculty member selected to supervise the study.
2. If the faculty member agrees to serve as the study adviser, complete the proposal form and obtain the necessary approval signatures.
3. Submit the form to the program office and, upon approval, register for the course through the Kinesiology Advising Center for the approved number of credits.

The Individual Program of Study: 30 Credits

Within limits, any combination of courses is possible. The criteria used to determine the acceptability of the proposed program are that (1) the courses selected are the best available in the university for attaining stated career goals and that (2) there is a balance of depth and breadth in the pertinent disciplines. Inquiries about potential Individual Programs of Study should be addressed to Dr. Mark Dyreson, 266 Recreation Building.

KINESIOLOGY OPTIONS AND POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS

Kinesiology Options / Career paths (.pdf file)

Movement Science Option (2006)

Prerequisites for New Curriculum (.pdf file)

Fitness Studies Option

Prerequisites for New Curriculum (.pdf file)

Physical & Health Education Teacher Education Option

Prerequisites for New Curriculum (.pdf file)

Course Scheduling Pattern of Offerings (scheduling patterns for courses not taught each semester)
Students may need to make schedule adjustments to accommodate special circumstances. However, the Block Scheduling plan (last 4 semesters) must be preserved.

Athletic Training Option (2006)

Prerequisites for New Curriculum (.pdf file)