Information about Kinesiology Schools
Kinesiologists study the impact of exercise and nutrition on the overall health of an individual. A growing awareness of health issues in the U.S. has made this a popular major for college students interested in health and exercise. It is important for students themselves to be in good health and involved in a regular exercise regimen in order to get the most out of a college course of study in health sciences.
What Kinesiology Schools can Offer
Students may find a number of areas of concentration from which to choose when considering their majors. At some point in their college careers, students will need to choose a focus area such as:
Biomechanics: teaches students mechanical principles relating to human motion
Exercise physiology: shows the impact of exercise on human respiratory and circulatory systems
Nutrition: teaches students the role nutrients play in exercise and performance enhancement
Motor development: shows students how exercise affects motor skills from infancy through adolescence
Top Schools for Kinesiology
When looking for a college with a good program for kinesiologists it is important to find one that has state-of-the-art exercise facilities and laboratories. Some of the colleges with the best programs in this field are:
Pennsylvania State University in University Park
Florida State University in Tallahassee
Arizona State University located in Tempe
University of Maryland in College Park
Colorado State University in Fort Collins
Rutgers University located in Camden and Newark
University of Northern Colorado located in Greeley
University of Utah in Salt Lake City
University of Wisconsin La Crosse campus
Michigan State University in East Lansing
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The growing national interest in health, exercise and nutrition has resulted in an increase in online courses and degrees in those areas. Some colleges that offer kinesiology degrees online are:
Fresno Pacific University offers an online masters degree for students who want to further their careers as kinesiologists. The last semester of the 17 month course is devoted to passing a comprehensive exam.
The University of Texas offers an online masters degree in kinesiology. Students in the program take advanced courses in ethics, physiology, exercise psychology and sports nutrition among others.
High School Preparation and Admittance Procedures
High school students wishing to pursue careers as kinesiologists may want to speak with school counselors about job shadowing so that they see firsthand what the job is like. They may also want to volunteer in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or fitness centers. Students should take advanced high school courses in biology, anatomy, psychology, health, physiology, trigonometry and calculus. Most colleges require a grade point average of 2.5 to 3.0 and a SAT score of 1600 to 1800. Community service work related to health or exercise is also important for admittance into a good college program.
With the increase in popularity of health and fitness in the last 2 decades, now may be a good time for students to consider studying to become kinesiologists. Colleges are expanding the types of courses they offer in the health sciences making this a dynamic field in which to pursue a college degree.