This course offers a basic overview of human health.  Topics to be addressed include the following: the historical development of public health and ways that health affects daily life; explain the basic principles of epidemiology, including rates, risk factors, disease determinants, causation and surveillance; explain the manner in which health information and communications can be used to improve health; identify how social and behavioral interventions affect health; explain how policy and law affect health; identify the impact of the environment; describe the manner in which communicable diseases affect health; and, describe the basic organization of health care and public health systems.

This course will introduce students to the academic discipline of Kinesiology, including fundamental components of fitness & exercise, health & wellness and topics within sport/exercise science. Additional topics will include current issues in the field, and options for career and professional development.

A holistic approach to wellness is presented via the components of total fitness, e.g., physical, social, emotional, and intellectual. Emphasis is placed on behaviors that serve to prevent illness and injury rather than rehabilitative strategies that are implemented after the fact. Content addresses both theoretical and applied perspectives of wellness that should be used in developing personalized exercise programs and healthy lifestyles. Additional topics to be covered include (but are not limited to): strategies for optimal nutrition, global versus national health and fitness trends, comparative analysis of healthcare systems, alternative forms of preventive/rehabilitative medicine, and environmental impact on wellness.

Transfer Coursework at the 1000 level. Departmental approval may be required.

The course is designed to provide students with an overview of the theoretical and empirical bases of social aspects as applied to health sciences, so that students can both apply and communicate this material in the context of their health-related careers. This course explores the social and behavioral connections between health and health-related matters. The challenges/incentives are to promote health through societal and behavioral change.

Health is influenced by physical, intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional determinants. In this course, the interaction of these determinants is explored as they relate to the prevention, onset, and progression of, and recovery from, disease. The aim is to provide an overview of the mind/body connection in relation to overall wellness using established theoretical and applied perspectives, e.g., cognitive behaviorism, psychoneuroimmunology, and guidelines for healthy lifestyles.

This course examines stress from psycho-physiological and behavioral perspectives. It will afford each student the opportunity to experience various strategies used in coping with stress, e.g., self-mastery, meditation, imagery, exercise, nutrition, and cognitive restructuring. Various theories are discussed that serve as the foundation for the understanding of and coping with everyday stressors as well as those that occur unexpectedly.

This course is intended to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of nutritional science. Emphasis is given to the basic food constituents and their physiological relationships within the body. Topics will include but not limited to: the fundamental principles of normal nutrition; the interactions between diet and energy expenditure; gender differences; changes in nutrient needs throughout the life cycle; computer-assisted nutritional analyses; and, web-based nutritional sites. Includes the investigation of optimal health, allergies, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, learning disabilities, eating disorders, delinquency, mental disorders and senility as they pertain to nutritional practices.

Open to students with approval of Program chair. Student can work with a faculty member on an independent project.

Special Topics in Kinesiology.

Special Topics in Kinesiology.

Special Topics in Kinesiology.

Special Topics in Kinesiology.

This course will examine the psychological and social-psychological antecedents and consequences of exercise, physical activity and sports participation. Emphasis will be on theory and research on personality, motivation, arousal, cognition, attributions, leadership, and group dynamics.

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the application of mechanical principles to human movement and methods of motion analysis.

This course is designed to provide the student with a knowledge base in the study of changes in motor behavior across the lifespan, the process that underlie these changes, and factors that affect them.

The understanding of the structure and functional significance of the human body is imperative for each individual to possess. The Human Body course will focus on such structural and functional significance with emphasis on the specific systems of the body, including but not limited to skeletal, muscular, neurological, endocrine, respiratory, reproductive, and integumentary systems. This course will cover an introduction to common illnesses/disease processes/injuries specific to each body system. Exercise, wellness, health, and sports performance will be topics of concentration as they relate to the body and its functions. The Human Body course also concentrates on environmental, ethical, and health issues related to the biology of humans.

This course introduces students to critical issues in the current global health scene. Emphasis is placed on the main principles of global health, including an analysis of global health systems, diseases, programs, health governance and policies, identification and interpretation of current relevant data sources.

The course will explore health concepts as they apply to particular needs of men and women within the context of a gender-based health care system in the United States. The course will address epidemiological and sociological analysis of the major causes of morbidity and mortality on the basis of gender; impact of social and behavioral influences; relationship of social, economic, and political inequality trends based on gender.

This course will introduce students to critical issues in the aging population. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the most important topics in health and aging, taking a “whole person” epidemiological approach to health, including attention to cultural differences, psychosocial, economic, and population factors affecting aging. The study of aging and health enhances professional opportunities in the fields of gerontology, wellness, and other medical and health related fields.

This course is designed to explore the impact of culture on the perception of health and illness, and how this translates into health-seeking behaviors and broader health systems. The course will present an anthropological view of health and illness through its various cultural markers, such as pain, stress, care vs. cure, diet, gender, doctor/patient relationships, mental health among others.

This course provides an introduction to the application of economic theory to the field of health and wellness. In particular, students will study the individual as a producer of health/wellness and as a consumer of healthcare services. Also, the role of physicians, hospitals, insurance providers, and the government in the health and medical care marketplace will be examined. Finally, the role of universal insurance and international comparisons of the efficiency and effectiveness of health care systems will be studied.

This course will examine the prevalence and impact of obese conditions on disease development in childhood and adolescence. Students will analyze current evidence focused on interventions used in the behavior and clinical management of overweight and obese youth in community and clinical settings.

Students complete an independent project under the supervision of a faculty member. Approval is required by the Program Director.

This course reviews the many catastrophic diseases and epidemics that have ravaged human populations, past and present, and how societies have understood and responded to these challenges over time. Possible changes in social conventions, information sharing and healthcare practices which may be necessary to deal with current and future epidemics are discussed. Lessons learned from previous catastrophes may help to deal with future ones.

Basic human physiology with emphasis on the physiological changes associated with exercise and overload that affect the underlying function of cells and organ systems of the human body.

This course examines the effects of mass media on population health, from the negative impact of advertising of unhealthy products (e.g., cigarettes, alcohol and junk food), to the positive impact of public-health campaigns.  Content includes an overview of behavioral science theory, themes and approaches to advertising, mass media prevention, and health promotion campaigns.  Case studies of current media coverage and advertising campaigns will be used to demonstrate the effects of media on health and social behavior.

This course is an introduction to applied and basic theoretical aspects of motor learning as they apply to exercise science and related professions. It also includes a major hands-on component introducing the student to the experimental study of motor learning principles.

This course will examine therapeutic modalities and the advanced care, prevention, and treatment of athletic injuries.

This course will examine the development and evaluation of training principles and programs for diverse populations. Emphasis is placed on physiological adaptations and mechanical principles related to the application of resistance training.

This course presents students with the most current information on health-related physical fitness testing and exercise programming for individuals of all ages, fitness levels, and disease states.

This course examines mental health issues in the context of social, environmental, governmental and legal conditions. Specific attention will be given to: identifying historical and current developments in mental health policy in the United States; explaining the significance of stigma in society regarding mental illness and how it affects individuals with mental illness; explaining the manner in which the legal system copes with the mentally ill; analyzing the etiology of some major mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, and childhood disorders) and how these disorders affect an individual's ability to function in society; identifying risk factors and protective factors related to mental disorders/illness; identifying public health efforts for prevention and intervention of mental disorders in the U.S.; and, access to public health programs, support services, medication costs, and insurance coverage for those with mental illnesses/conditions.

This course provides students with an introduction to scientific approaches to the investigation and modification of the effects of environmental factors on human health. Contributions of the fields of toxicology and epidemiology and the implications of research findings for policy and regulation are examined. Topic areas include toxic metals, pesticides and other organic chemicals, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, vector-borne diseases, pollution of air and water, occupational exposures, and the health effects of global warming. The roles of local, state, and federal governments in environmental health are critically evaluated, as are initiatives by non-governmental organizations.

This course explores the foundations of exercise and fitness through both historical and contemporary lenses, examining how exercise practices have evolved from early physical culture to today’s digitally enabled fitness and healthcare environments. Students are introduced to basic principles of fitness programming and exercise psychology and learn how modern tools such as wearable devices and digital platforms are used to promote and monitor physical activity and health outcomes. The course explores the expanding role of exercise within digital healthcare ecosystems through evolving health policy and the integration of fitness professionals into preventive and clinical care models.

This course will examine wellness coaching following the ACE Health Coach Certificate program. Focus will be on examining how to collaborate with clients, assisting them in unlocking their full potential to live healthy lifestyles; from managing stress and setting goals to eating healthy and regularly engaging in physical activity. This course is designed to give both the knowledge and skills needed to assess a client’s lifestyle behaviors and then support them through behavior change. This course is designed to help students prepare for the ACE Health Coach Certification exam.

This course is designed to teach students basic skills in granting writing. In this course students will learn the different types of grants, components of grants, potential funders and how to search for grants. Emphasis will be placed on learning to break down complex applications into manageable steps. Students will write a practice grant.

Students complete an independent project under the supervision of a faculty member. Approval is required by the Program Director.

This course provides a culminating experience with a supervised professional in an applied setting related to Kinesiology and the student’s career goals. Students must complete a minimum of 150 hours at an approved site and complete a portfolio. Specific instructions for the Internship will be provided by the Internship coordinator. Students must obtain department approval to enroll in the course and must have completed at least 50% of Kinesiology required core classes. Must be a senior at the time the course will be taken.

Junior Year Abroad. Courses may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Special Topics in Kinesiology. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

This course will examine the interaction between psychological variables and performance in athletic and physical activities. Students will be introduced to psychological theory and practical skills that influence sport performances.

This course will provide the student with an advanced understanding of the principles and methods necessary to design comprehensive strength and conditioning programs that enhance fitness and athletic performance.

The course introduces the student to the art and science of coaching with an emphasis on relating theory and practice. This includes discussions on principles of coaching, behavior management, physical conditioning, legal issues, diversity and inclusion, safety, staffing, and public relations and their application toward sports program design and careers in coaching.

This course will provide the student with an understanding of nutrition as it pertains to training and performance of athletic activities. Within the course students will learn basic concepts of energy metabolism as well as nutrient requirements for a variety of physical activities including endurance, strength, speed and weight management. Evaluation of dietary supplements and ergogenic aids will also be discussed.

This course introduces graduate students to the scientific principles that underpin athletic performance and training decisions in contemporary sport settings. Emphasizing an applied sport science framework, the course integrates exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, and performance monitoring to inform evidence-based practice. Students examine how sport scientists and performance staff assess athlete needs, interpret testing and monitoring data, and translate research into practical recommendations that support performance enhancement, injury risk reduction, and effective collaboration within sport organizations. The course centers on real-world cases that reflect the interdisciplinary and decision-driven nature of modern sport performance practice.

This course explores the personal, professional, and financial factors that influence successful transitions from competitive sport to post-athletic careers. The course prepares students to work with athletes and former athletes to evaluate career options, translate athletic experiences into transferable skills, and develop structured plans for long-term career and financial stability. Emphasis is placed on career exploration, professional development, and foundational financial planning strategies that support sustainable life and work outcomes beyond sport.

This course focuses on the evolving Name, Image, and Likeness landscape and examines how NIL opportunities are reshaping the relationship between student athletes, athletic departments, brands, and fans. Students will study how personal branding, digital media, and marketing strategy influence an athlete's brand management, earning potential, and long-term career development.

This course examines the operational and institutional structures that support student-athletes within collegiate sport organizations. Students explore the core functions of athletic department units, including academic services, compliance, sports medicine, media relations, and administration, and analyze how these areas coordinate to promote athlete performance, well-being, and eligibility. Emphasis is placed on understanding the athlete support network from recruitment through post-eligibility and developing practical skills for effective collaboration.

This course will examine theories, principles, fundamentals, applications and challenges of marketing and financing in exercise, sport, and recreation industries.

This course will provide an overview of fundraising, donor relations, and non-profit associations. Topics will include major gift fundraising, annual funds, booster club organizations, priority seating programs, and the importance of donor research in the fundraising process.

This course will examine the legal principles, business models and rules governing the sports industry and the legal controversies and policies surrounding those rules.

This course will provide the student with an advanced understanding of the principles and methods necessary to design comprehensive strength and conditioning programs that enhance fitness and athletic performance.

This course will provide the student with an introduction to and overview of the sports communication field, including media organizations, marketing and advertising. Topics covered include sports media; digital media including print and electronic media and social media, college sports information and marketing and promoting sports teams.

This course provides an overview of financial management in health services delivery. The course examines the importance of financial management in health-related fields as well as the financial skills leaders need to make important financial decisions that contribute to the success of a healthcare delivery organization, such as financial analysis, tax laws, cost accounting, and strategic financial planning.

This course will examine the institution of sport from a sociological perspective. Sport will be examined as a social and cultural phenomena using sociological concepts to investigate such issues as social identities (race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality), mass media, youth sport, high school and intercollegiate athletics, and violence in sport.

In this course, students will investigate research methodology, experimental design and scientific writing, research literature and conduct research. Students will also be introduced to concepts in probability, basic statistical inference procedures of estimation, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing directed toward applications in science.

Approval of Kinesiology program director required. Students may arrange for independent study with an instructor to pursue a project or complete a study of interest in Kinesiology. In general, independent study earns three credits. Requirements will vary depending on the project and will involve some combination of readings, orals reports, and written work.

This course provides a culminating experience with a supervised professional or scholarly pathway tailored to their individual interests and career goals. Students may choose one of two options. The Internship option requires students complete 200 hours at an approved site and complete a portfolio. The Capstone research option pairs students with an advisor to design and complete an applied or empirical study relevant to their interests that culminates in graduate level final project (e.g. research paper, programed event, technology innovation, community outreach). Students must have completed at least 18 hours of degree coursework or have approval from the Program Director to enroll in the course.