Kinesiology

Overview & Highlights: 

The word "kinesiology" refers to the study of human movement and the School of Natural Sciences uses it as an umbrella term which includes several different emphases. We offer an introductory course which orients our students to the professions associated with kinesiology along with the history and philosophy and a seminar course at the end of the program which ties everything together and helps prepare students for the next step.

Highlights:

  • Both B.A. and B.S. degrees offered with four emphases
  • Ever-expanding Human Performance Lab allowing students hands-on experiences
  • Students gain experience through practicums and internships
What can I do with this degree? (Our Graduates): 

This major provides many opportunities in education, sports and health-related fields, depending on which degree and emphasis is chosen and each student's career goals.

FPU graduate Athenia Hetherington was named California new teacher of the year in 2006. She is a physical education teacher in Visalia, California. We also have many other outstanding physical education teachers and coaches throughout the Valley.

Students who earn emphases in exercise science or exercise physiology are qualified to earn certification from all of the well-respected organizations and those who have chosen pre-physical or pre-occupational therapy have a wide choice of graduate schools to attend, both private and public.

Degrees & Emphases - What are the options with this major?: 

The bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree in kinesiology offers the following two emphases:

The bachelor of science (B.S.) degree is more rigorous and has more of an emphasis on research. The B.S. in kinesiology offers the following two emphases:

Unique Features - What makes this major different?: 

In addition to our gymnasium and other great sports venues, we have a Human Performance Lab which is ever expanding. We have obtained equipment so our students can have hands-on experiences in lab classes such as Biomechanics, Physiology of Exercise and Motor Learning.

Our philosophy is to get our students out into their chosen field of study, and so we have developed relationships with schools, health clubs and physical therapy and occupational therapy settings so students can gain experience through practicums and internships. We enjoy the opportunities to show how Christian faith and the principles of the Bible can be expressed through the various areas of kinesiology.

About Our Faculty: 

Brian DeMars, M.A., Physical Education, focuses more on the pedagogy-type courses which include the theory or how to teach within the discipline. He has quite a bit of real-world experience in the areas in which he is teaching. He spent 17 years on the mission field in Kenya where he taught at a school for missionary children. He coached various sports and taught physical education and health. He continues to keep up with current trends through study and active membership in the Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He has been at FPU since 2000.

Don Diboll, Ph.D., Exercise Physiology, teaches the science-based courses within the kinesiology curriculum (e.g., physiology of exercise, biomechanics, fitness assessment and exercise prescription). He has over thirteen years of experience in higher education as faculty in kinesiology. He earned his Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1993, and has clinical experience with exercise testing/fitness assessment and cardiac rehabilitation at the Institute of Wellness and Sports Medicine, Hattiesburg, MS. His research interests include fitness assessment methods and functional resistance training.

preparation: 

Transfer students should complete the following G.E. requirements as soon as possible:

  • Math
  • Both written and oral communication
  • General biology
  • General chemistry (applies to the B.S. in kinesiology)

If time and schedule permit:

  • One semester of human anatomy + lab
  • One semester of human physiology + lab

If students know they want to transfer to FPU, they can communicate with our advisors to be sure that the classes they choose will apply both to the university and the major.

Signup for registration day
 
Sign up for accepted day - March 29
 
Tuition & Fees

High school students