Kinesiology
Bachelor of Science
The kinesiology degree at USU provides three different options for students who wish to pursue careers in exercise science, physical therapy, or physical education. In all of these areas, students study the psychological, neurophysiological, and biomechanical/biophysical aspects of human movement.
Through mentoring, students are given the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research. The department collaborates with state health programs, parks and recreation programs, and local and regional school districts to provide students with opportunities for hands-on experience and professional training.
Many graduates from the program are accepted into advanced degree programs in physical and occupational therapy or are admitted to medical schools.
For more information visit the USU Degree Finder.
Emphases
Exercise Science
The exercise science emphasis is science-based and focuses on the integration of anatomical, psychological, biomechanical, and physiological principles related to human movement, exercise, and rehabilitation. Many students complete the exercise science emphasis in order to build a strong foundation prior to pursuing graduate study in exercise science fields or health professions, such as medical school, dentistry, or chiropractics.
Learn more about the Exercise Science Emphasis through the USU Catalog.
Pre-Physical Therapy
The pre-physical therapy emphasis is designed to prepare students to enter into a graduate degree program in physical therapy. Physical therapists help people who have limited abilities to move and perform functional activities. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sport and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.
Learn more about the Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis through the USU Catalog.
Physical Education Teaching
This emphasis prepares students to teach or coach physical education activities in grades K-12.
As part of the major requirements, students in the physical education teaching emphasis take courses that qualify them for licensure at the elementary level. In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Students must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the KHS Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.
Students in the physical education teaching program are encouraged to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.
Learn more about the Physical Teaching Emphasis through the USU Catalog.
Contact Information
Neisha Christensen
Peer Advisor
Kinesiology and Health Science
Raquel Friddle
Academic Advisor
Kinesiology and Health Science
Jana Johnson
Academic Advisor
Kinesiology and Health Science
Alice Kenley
Academic Advisor
Kinesiology and Health Science
Program Director
Dale Wagner
Professor
Kinesiology and Health Science
Admission Requirements
In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the kinesiology program has additional requirements. International students have additional admissions requirements as well. For more information visit the USU Catalog.
Transfer Students: Students transferring from other institutions need a 3.0 total GPA to qualify for admission as kinesiology major with an emphasis in exercise science. Students transferring from other USU majors need a 3.0 total GPA to qualify for admission as kinesiology major with an emphasis in exercise science.
Transfer Students: Students transferring from other institutions need a 2.75 total GPA to qualify for admission as kinesiology major with an emphasis in exercise science. Students transferring from other USU majors need a 2.75 total GPA to qualify for admission as kinesiology major with an emphasis in exercise science.
Transfer Students: Students transferring from other institutions need a 2.75 total GPA to qualify for admission as kinesiology major with an emphasis in exercise science. Students transferring from other USU majors need a 2.75 total GPA to qualify for admission as kinesiology major with an emphasis in exercise science.
STEP Requirements: In order to be accepted into STEP, students must go through an application process, which includes the following:
- Complete 60 semester credits with a minimum GPA of 2.75
- Complete certain core courses (see department for more information)
- Complete a speech and hearing test
- Pass the Teacher Education Writing Exam
- Provide an unofficial copy of your transcript
- Pass a criminal background check (this should be done one semester before submitting the application)
Graduation Requirements
All graduates, regardless of the type of degree, must satisfy University Studies general education and depth education requirements. Additional graduation requirements are below:
- Total credits: 120 credits minimum
- Total credits C- or better: 100 credits
- Upper-division credits (3000 level or above): 40 credits
- USU credits (20 upper-division, 10 req. by major): 30 credits
- USU gpa: 2.0 or better
- Overall gpa:
- 3.0 or better for Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis
- 3.0 or better for Physical Education Teaching Emphasis
- 2.75 or better for Exercise Science Emphasis
Program Requirements
There may be additional program requirements that students need to complete on a case-by-case basis. Meet with your advisor to discuss program requirements and your progress towards graduation.
Tracking Sheet - Exercise Science
Pre-physical Therapy
Physical Education Training