Kinesiology

Bachelor of Science

Students conducting test on a subject on treadmill.

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

Tom Dickey

Tom Dickey

Peer Advisor

Kinesiology and Health Science

Phone: 435-797-1278
Office Location: Advising - HPER 122; TA - HPER 154
Schedule an Appointment
Raquel Friddle

Raquel Friddle

Academic Advisor

Kinesiology and Health Science

Phone: 435-797-1278
Office Location: HPER 122D
Schedule an Appointment
Jana Johnson

Jana Johnson

Academic Advisor

Kinesiology and Health Science

Phone: 435-797-2490
Office Location: HPER 122G
Schedule an Appointment
Alice Kenley

Alice Kenley

Academic Advisor

Kinesiology and Health Science

Phone: 435-797-0837
Office Location: HPER 122F
Schedule an Appointment

Program Director

Dale Wagner

Dale Wagner

Professor

Kinesiology and Health Science

Phone: 435-797-8253
Office Location: HPER 155

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.

Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis
Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission as kinesiology majors.

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.

Exercise Science Emphasis
Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission as kinesiology majors.

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.

Physical Education Teaching Emphasis
Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission as kinesiology majors.

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