Undergraduate Study in Kinesiology and
Health
The undergraduate program in Kinesiology and Health is designed
for students who are interested in careers in health, preventive
medicine, rehabilitation, human movement and sport. Within
this major, you may choose from five academic options.
- Athletic
Training. Preparation for positions dealing with the
prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.
- Community/Public
Health. Settings include government programs,
private organizations such as American Red Cross, ect.
- Exercise
Science. An interdisciplinary approach to the study
of movement leading to careers in physical therapy, human medicine
and other allied health professions.
- Health/Fitness
Management. Fitness settings such as private
health clubs, employee fitness programs, cardiac rehabilitation,
and sport enhancement programs.
- Physical
Education Licensure. Preparation to teach at the elementary,
middle school and/or high school level.
No matter which option you choose, you'll explore all the discipline
of Kinesiology and Health in depth. You will study the biomechanical
aspects of human movement, the physiology of exercise, motor behavior
and the sociology and psychology of sport and physical activity.
The marketplace for our graduates has expanded dramatically in
the last ten years. In the early 1980's, most students majoring
in what was then called physical education were preparing
for careers in teaching and coaching. Now, as society has become
increasingly interested in health and fitness, we have programs
in health promotion and athletic training to respond to the expanding
needs of our society.
As a result of our expanded curriculum, our graduates are well-prepared
for a variety of professional pursuits. Flexible and well-designed,
our program will allow you to exercise your options in whatever
career path you choose.
Benefits of Kinesiology and Health at Iowa State University
- Nationally recognized faculty members
- Well-equipped labs in athletic training, exercise physiology,
motor learning, and biomechanics
- Nationwide internship placement
- Undergraduate research opportunites with Kinesiology faculty
- Graduate program in exercise physiology, sport administration,
and other sport sciences
- Opportunity to work with both men's and women's varsity athletic
teams
- Professional conferences and field trips
- Professional student organizations, such as the Health and
Physical Education Majors Club, Association of Health and Fitness
Professionals, and Eta Sigma Gamma (health honorary)
- Excellent computer labs
- Professional advising staff
- Opportunites to work with physical therapists and athletic
trainers and other medical professionals
Admission requirements
To enroll in the Kinesiology and Health curriculum, you
must meet these high school coursework requirements:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Math (including one year each of algebra, geometry,
and advanced algebra)
- 3 years of Science (including one year each of two of the
following: biology, chemistry, and physics)
- 2 years of social studies (including one year of U.S. history
and one semester of U.S. government
How do you decide on an option?
During your freshman year, you most likely will take the following
selection of courses:
- Two semesters of English
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Orientation to the university and to the disciplines and careers
in Kinesiology and Health
- Personal Health
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Computer Science
- Library Instruction
To determine the option that's right for you, you'll find that
it's helpful to talk with our professors and academic advisors.
Also, feel free to talk with alumni of our department. The Kinesiology advising office can give you phone numbers
of persons you might wish to contact.
For more information
If you have an interest in any of the careers within the Kinesiology and Health major, we'd like to talk with you about
the Iowa State program. We invite you to call and talk with an
advisor, write to the address below, or come visit our department.
We'll be happy to talk with you, take you on a tour of our facilities,
and arrange for you to observe our classes. Just let us know how
we can be of service to you.
Department of Kinesiology
201 Forker Building
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
515-294-7548
