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Kinesiology

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    Mission

    We promote health and well-being by creating and disseminating knowledge about physical activity and active living. Through discovery, learning and engagement we improve the lives of citizens of Iowa, the United States and the world.

    Goals

    The department has identified the following goals to support this mission:

    1. We seek to improve the lives of citizens of Iowa, the United States, and the world by the creation and dissemination of knowledge about physical activity and its relationship to health and well-being.
    2. We prepare scholars and professionals in the study of physical activity at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
    3. We educate the public and the University community in the scientific aspects of physical activity especially exercise, sport, and the role of movement throughout the lifespan.

    UNDERGRADUATE STUDY

    The Department of Kinesiology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology & Health. The undergraduate curriculum major/option is comprised of three components: general education, required departmental courses and major/option courses. The intent of the general education component is to promote intellectual and personal growth and to prepare students for success in the basic, advanced and major/option components. Required courses provide an introduction to the field and fundamental principles of physical activity, fitness, health and disease.

    B.S. degree in Kinesiology & Health

    The Kinesiology & Health major includes five specialization options. Options comprise a focused area of study within Kinesiology and Health. Coursework within each specialization option builds upon personal and scholarly learning by enabling students to master content and skills specific to career applications. Options available are:

    1. Community and Public Health
    2. Exercise Science
    3. Physical Activity and Health Promotion
    4. Physical Education Teacher Education
    5. Pre-Health Professions

    Academic options within the Kinesiology & Health major

    Students in the Community and Public Health option are prepared for professional employment at local, state or national health agencies, medical centers, and other public or private organizations that seek to promote health in the population.

    Students in the Exercise Science option is prepared for professional roles as health and fitness leaders or program managers. Employment opportunities include work in corporate fitness programs, health/fitness facilities, clinics, or hospitals. Graduates are able to plan, implement and supervise exercise programs which will improve fitness and health. Graduates also have a basic understanding of management issues related to business applications in the health and fitness field.

    Students in the Physical Activity and Health Promotion option are prepared for careers focused on health and physical activity. This option provides more emphasis on behavioral and psychological aspects of physical activity.  Students are prepared for careers in community-based settings, including work sites, schools, hospitals, and other community agencies.

    Students in the Physical Education/Teacher Education option is prepared to teach physical education in grades K-12 and to meet the State of Iowa learning outcomes for teachers. Graduates can plan developmentally appropriate physical education and individualize instruction and assessment for diverse audiences.

    Students in the Pre-Health Professions option utilize an interdisciplinary approach to the study of human movement. In so doing, they become prepared for graduate study in Kinesiology or advanced study leading to careers in human medicine, physical therapy, physician associate / physician assistant or other healthcare professions.

    Student Learning Outcomes for the Undergraduate Degree

    Despite the diversity of options, the learning outcomes comprise a common framework for each student as they progress through Iowa State University.

    The learning outcomes emphasized in academic coursework in the Department of Kinesiology are:

    COMMUNICATION

    Uses clear and effective written, oral, visual, and electronic (WOVE) communication techniques to foster inquiry, collaboration, and engagement in physical activity and health related settings.

    LIFELONG LEARNING, ASSESSMENT, AND SELF-REFLECTION

    Analyzes and evaluates one's own knowledge, abilities and actions relative to professional standards, seeks opportunities to grow professionally, and utilizes self-assessment and assessment of others to foster physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.

    CONTENT KNOWLEDGE, DISCOVERY, AND CRITICAL THINKING

    Understands fundamental concepts of physical activity and health, conducts scientific inquiry, and applies critical thinking to solve problems from personal, scholarly, and professional perspectives.

    ETHICS, DIVERSITY, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

    Demonstrates leadership and social responsibility to improve quality of life for others and ensures equitable access for diverse groups by creating appropriate environments to initiate and maintain a physically active, healthy lifestyle.

    Other Program Offerings:

    ENDORSEMENT TO COACH INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

    The State Department of Education has provided for the endorsement of licensed teachers for the coaching of athletic teams in schools. The endorsement does not lead to licensure to teach physical education. For requirements of the program, leading to the coaching endorsement, see School of Education, Teacher Education. More information can be found at:  http://www.kin.hs.iastate.edu/.

    ENDORSEMENT TO TEACH HEALTH EDUCATION

    Those interested in teaching health education in the public schools may get a primary licensure or an additional endorsement. The State Department of Education has approved the Health Teaching Licensure for grades 5-12.

    BASIC ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION PROGRAM

    The department offers a wide selection of beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses in the areas of aquatics, dance, fitness, martial arts, and sports. These courses are designed to serve general education purposes for all students.

    DANCE

    Coursework in dance provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding and appreciation of dance as part of a liberal education. Those interested in teaching dance and physical education in the public schools may major in Kinesiology and Health (Physical Education Teacher Education) and minor in Dance.

    An interdisciplinary Performing Arts major with a Dance emphasis is available through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. For further information see Index: Performing Arts to find Performing Arts Major, Emphasis in Dance.