B.S. in Kinesiology
James Madison University
Key Information
Campus location
Harrisonburg, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 6,434 / per semester *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* in-state tuition fee | $15,076: out-of-state tuition fee. Additional fees may apply
Introduction
Faculty and students in our department examine human movement from a physiological, biomechanical, developmental and psychosocial perspective.
Undergraduates receive a B.S. in Kinesiology, with coursework focusing on either Exercise Science (ES) or Physical & Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE).
The ES concentration prepares students for careers in area such as strength and conditioning, personal training, corporate wellness, and cardiac rehabilitation. Many of our Exercise Science graduates choose to continue their education in order to pursue various health-related professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant and medicine.
Physical Education and Health students complete a five-year program which leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). What this means is that at the end of four years, students will receive a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in PHETE. The fifth-year MAT program starts after graduation in May. After successful completion of the MAT students are able to obtain a PK-12 VA state teaching license in Physical and Health Education.
In addition to the MAT, the Department also offers a graduate program in Exercise Science with an emphasis in exercise physiology. The ES graduate program prepares students to enter fields related to exercise testing, fitness training, sport, research and/or the health and wellness industry.
And finally, the department also offers a minor in Coaching Education. This NCACE-accredited program prepares students for youth and high school coaching positions.
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Concentration
This concentration prepares students for careers in teaching school physical and health education. The Physical and Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE) concentration is a five-year Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program. Upon successful completion of the first four years, students earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in kinesiology. The fifth year M.A.T. degree provides the requisite courses to obtain a Virginia state teaching license in Health and Physical Education (pre k-12).
Exercise Science
This concentration prepares students for employment in fitness-related agencies such as wellness centers, hospitals and rehabilitation programs, and to pursue graduate degrees in exercise science. Graduates of this program are prepared to enroll in the fitness instructor certification program sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine. Students interested in physical therapy find this concentration a complement to the Pre-Physical Therapy program.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Students are advised to be certain they complete all General Education requirements before applying for graduation.
The kinesiology major program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with the B.S. degree requirements.
Students who major in kinesiology work toward a B.S. degree by selecting and completing one of the following concentrations:
- Exercise Science
- Physical and Health Education Teacher Education
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
- General Education 41 Credit Hours 1
- Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education) 3 Credit Hours 2
- Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education) 3-4 Credit Hours 2
- Kinesiology Core Courses 12 Credit Hours
- Major, concentration and kinesiology elective requirements 55-67 Credit Hours 3
- University electives 6-21 Credit Hours
Footnotes
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 Quantitative and scientific literacy requirements may be fulfilled with major required courses.
3 The number of credits taken to meet major and concentration requirements may vary if courses are double-counted for in General Education.
Kinesiology Core Courses
Required Courses
- KIN 100. Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (2,2) [C5W] Credits: 3.00
- KIN 202. Biological Foundations of Kinesiology & Recreation Credits: 3.00
- KIN 303. Motor Development & Learning Credits: 3.00
- NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness Credits: 3.00
Exercise Science Concentration
The concentration prepares students to pursue careers in the fitness industry as well as graduate education in exercise science, pre-professional or an allied health field.
Students interested in athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medicine or other pre-professional health programs should review the Pre-Professional Health Advising section for prerequisite courses and recommendations for entrance to graduate professional health programs. Pre-professional health program coordinators are available to assist students with career planning and preparation.
Concentration Requirements
The following courses are required of all students who choose the exercise science concentration.
Courses
- Kinesiology Core Courses Credits / Units: 12.00
- BIO 270. Human Physiology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 270L. Human Physiology Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- BIO 290. Human Anatomy Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 290L. Human Anatomy Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- MATH 205. Introductory Calculus I [C3QR] Credits: 3.00 1
- MATH 220. Elementary Statistics [C3QR] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 131. General Chemistry I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 131L. General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 132. General Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 132L. General Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 140. College Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00 1
- PHYS 140L. General Physics Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00 1
- KIN 302. Exercise Physiology Credits: 3.00
- KIN 302L. Exercise Physiology Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- KIN 306. Human Biomechanics Credits: 3.00
- KIN 306L. Human Biomechanics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- KIN 321. Principles of Health Fitness Assessment Credits: 3.00
- KIN 322. Fundamentals of Exercise Prescription Credits: 3.00
- KIN 424. Exercise and Nutrition in Chronic Disease Credits: 3.00
- KIN 426. Physical Activity Behaviors Credits: 3.00
- KIN 381. Practicum in Exercise Science Credits: 3.00
- KIN 481. Internship in Exercise Science Credits: 4.00 - 12.00
Footnote
1 This course may be counted for both General Education and major degree requirements.
Departmental Electives
All students who choose the exercise science concentration are required to complete a minimum of six credits from the following courses:
Courses
- KIN 305. Psychological Foundations of Kinesiology Credits: 3.00
- KIN 325. Kinesiology Honors Research Prep Credits: 3.00
- KIN 329. Social Aspects of Sport Credits: 3.00
- KIN 422. Advanced Principles of Group Exercise Leadership Credits: 3.00
- KIN 425. Concepts of Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3.00
- KIN 428. Advanced Topics in Exercise Science and Leadership Credits: 3.00
- KIN 429. Special Topics in Adapted Physical Education Credits: 3.00
- KIN 430. Exercise Across the Lifespan Credits: 3.00
- KIN 431. Environmental Exercise Physiology Credits: 3.00
- KIN 432. Physiology of Endurance Performance Credits: 3.00
- KIN 433. Exercise, Cardiovascular Disease, and ECG Assessment Credits: 3.00
- KIN 440. Exercise Immunology Credits: 3.00
- KIN 490. Special Studies in Kinesiology and Recreation Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
Recommended Schedule for Exercise Science Concentration
First Year
- General Education courses Credits / Units: 21.00
- KIN 100. Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (2,2) [C5W] Credits: 3.00
- MATH 205. Introductory Calculus I [C3QR] Credits: 3.00
- MATH 220. Elementary Statistics [C3QR] Credits: 3.00
Sophomore Year
- BIO 270. Human Physiology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 270L. Human Physiology Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- BIO 290. Human Anatomy Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 290L. Human Anatomy Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 131. General Chemistry I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 131L. General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 132. General Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 132L. General Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- KIN 202. Biological Foundations of Kinesiology & Recreation Credits: 3.00
- KIN 303. Motor Development & Learning Credits: 3.00
- NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness Credits: 3.00
- General Education Credits / Units: 4.00
Junior Year
- KIN 302. Exercise Physiology Credits: 3.00
- KIN 302L. Exercise Physiology Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- KIN 306. Human Biomechanics Credits: 3.00
- KIN 306L. Human Biomechanics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- KIN 321. Principles of Health Fitness Assessment Credits: 3.00
- KIN 322. Fundamentals of Exercise Prescription Credits: 3.00
- KIN 381. Practicum in Exercise Science Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 140. College Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 140L. General Physics Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- Electives Credits / Units: 10.00
Senior Year
- Departmental electives (x2) Credits / Units: 6.00
- KIN 424. Exercise and Nutrition in Chronic Disease Credits: 3.00
- KIN 426. Physical Activity Behaviors Credits: 3.00
- KIN 481. Internship in Exercise Science Credits: 4.00 - 12.00
- Electives Credits / Units: 6.00 - 14.00
Career Opportunities
A successful career and a meaningful life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s an internship, a great first job or a top graduate school appointment, JMU Dukes make their dreams ignite. You will, too.
Here are current openings available to JMU students.
Jobs for JMU Students
Sports
- Head Golf Coach - Summer Camp at Trail's End Camp
- Fitness Specialist at Trail's End Camp
- Roller Hockey Coach - Summer Internship at Trail's End Camp
- Support Analyst II at Miami University
- Assistant Account Executive, Social Impact & Sustainability at Edelman
- Associate Sales Representative at CONMED
- Part-Time Sports Intern (MassLive Media) at Advance Local
- Recreation Leader I, Newhall Community Center - PTS at City of Santa Clarita
- After-School Sports & Recreation Specialist, Grades K-12 at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- (#R18206) Associate Product Specialist - Americas Campus (June 2023) at FactSet Research Systems, Inc.
- (#R18234) Analytics Client Solutions Specialist - Americas Campus (June 2023) at FactSet Research Systems, Inc.
- (#R18233) Analytics Client Solutions Specialist - Americas Campus (February 2023) at FactSet Research Systems, Inc.
- Underwriter at UWM (United Wholesale Mortgage)
- ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER - EMISSIONS REDUCTION AND ENERGY at Town of Cary
- Graduate Development Program, Associate Business Partner, IT Finance Business Partnering at National Grid
- 2022-2023 High School Social Studies Teacher Pool at Union County Public Schools
- Residential Sales Trainee - Multiple Locations at Shaw Industries
- Commercial Sales Trainee - Multiple Locations at Shaw Industries
- Entry Level Sales Consultant - Reston, VA & Nationwide! at Collabera
Coach
- Head Golf Coach - Summer Camp at Trail's End Camp
- Basketball Coach - Summer Internship at Trail's End Camp
- Fitness Specialist at Trail's End Camp
- Baseball Coach - Summer Internship at Trail's End Camp
- 2023 Summer Camp Counselor at Camp Manitou
- Roller Hockey Coach - Summer Internship at Trail's End Camp
- Summer Camp Counselor at Camp Chen-A-Wanda
- Tennis Instructor at Camp Laurel South
- Ropes Course Manager at Summit Ropes
- Sous Chef at Memphis Grizzlies
- SSCV is looking for Age Class Prep, Future Stars and U14/U16 Part-Time Seasonal Coaches & Future Stars Junior Coaches! at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail
- Head Swimming Coach at FINS Swimming
- Aquatics Lifeguard at Life Time
- Experienced Product Manager at Playbook Sports
- Product Manager at Playbook Sports
- PG Diamondkast Score Keeper/ Field Manager - Georgia at Perfect Game USA
- Soccer Instructor at i9 Sports - Hanover and Henrico Counties
- Football Instructor at i9 Sports - Hanover and Henrico Counties
- Youth Baseball Instructor at i9 Sports - Hanover and Henrico Counties
Athlete
- Head Golf Coach - Summer Camp at Trail's End Camp
- Fitness Specialist at Trail's End Camp
- Roller Hockey Coach - Summer Internship at Trail's End Camp
- Fulltime - ALP Operations Manager - Accelerated Leadership Program at Chewy
- Parks Attendant (Full Time) at City of Leawood Kansas
- Physical Therapy Aide at Beth Israel Lahey Health
- Jr. Account Executive/Consultant - Leadership Development Program at AIM Group
- Sales Management Trainee at Enterprise Holdings
- Athletic Trainer, Manager at UNC Health Blue Ridge
- Entry Level Inside Sales Representative (Melville) at Professional Sports Publications
- Inside Sales Representative (NYC) at Professional Sports Publications
- CDL Driver/ Equipment Operator at Savatree
- Climber General Tree Care at Savatree
- Manager In Training - Sales at POOLCORP
- Manager In Training - Operations at POOLCORP
- K-12 Teaching Jobs in Georgia at Southern Teachers Agency
- K-12 Teaching Jobs in Maryland, DC, and Delaware at Southern Teachers Agency
- K-12 Teaching Jobs in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas at Southern Teachers Agency
- K-12 Teaching Jobs in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama at Southern Teachers Agency
Internships for JMU Students
Sports
- Operations Assistants - Summer Camp Internship at Trail's End Camp
- Summer Camp Leader - Education Internship at Trail's End Camp
- Art Teachers - Summer Camp Internships at Trail's End Camp
- Software Development Intern at Trane Technologies
- Graphic Design Internship at Georgia State Games
- Digital Marketing & Social Media Internship at Georgia State Games
- Strength and Conditioning Intern at Colorado School of Mines
- Summer Internships for Physical Education and Recreation Majors - Summer 2023 at Camp Weequahic
- Summer Internships for Experiential Education Majors - Summer 2023 at Camp Weequahic
- Commercial Banking Summer Intern - Underwriting & Portfolio Management (West Coast) at Citizens Bank
- Commercial Banking Summer Intern - Treasury Solutions at Citizens Bank
- Commercial Banking Summer Intern - National Sales & Coverage (West Coast) at Citizens Bank
- Commercial Banking Summer Intern - Leveraged Finance at Citizens Bank
- Commercial Banking Summer Intern - Global Markets at Citizens Bank
- Commercial Banking Summer Intern - Community Development at Citizens Bank
- Commercial Banker Development Program Intern at Citizens Bank
- Commercial Banking Summer Intern - Commercial Risk at Citizens Bank
- Commercial Banking Summer Intern – Underwriting & Portfolio Management (East Coast) at Citizens Bank
- Operations Analyst - Explorer Summer Intern Program - 2023 at Barclays
Coach
- Summer Camp Leader - Education Internship at Trail's End Camp
- Youth Athletic Coach and Sports Management Internship at Camp Caribou
- Charlotte NC DiamondKast Score Keeper/Field Scout Inter - Perfect Game USA at Perfect Game USA
- Perfect Game Diamondkast Score Keeper/ Field Scout Intern at Perfect Game USA
- Strength and Conditioning Intern at TBT Training
- Sports Videography Internship (Tim Kurkjian Sports Journalism Fellow) at Bethesda Big Train Baseball
- Sports Writing and Social Media Internship (Tim Kurkjian Sports Journalism Fellow) at Bethesda Big Train Baseball
- Sports Broadcasting Intern (Tim Kurkjian Sports Journalism Fellow) at Bethesda Big Train Baseball
Athlete
- Summer Camp Leader - Education Internship at Trail's End Camp
- Strength and Conditioning Intern at Colorado School of Mines
- Summer Associate Internship Program, Client Service (San Francisco) at AlphaSights
- Human Resources Undergraduate Internship at Nike, Inc.
- Paid Internships for Education Majors and Student Athletes at a Coed Summer Camp at Tyler Hill Camp
- Coed Summer Camp - Paid Internships at Tyler Hill Camp
- UX/UI Design Undergraduate Internship at Nike, Inc.
- Technical Design Undergraduate Internship (apparel, pattern, textile) at Nike, Inc.
- Global Apparel Materials Undergraduate Summer Internship at Nike, Inc.
- Digital Product Design Undergraduate Internship at Nike, Inc.
- Analyst Intern (Summer) at Spencer Stuart
- Intern - Occupational Health at Dot Foods
- Human Resources Graduate Internship at Nike, Inc.
- Customer Success Internship for Sports/Tech Company at Playbook Sports
- Data Scientist Internship Program at OneMain Financial
- Analyst Internship Program at OneMain Financial
- Spring 2023 Financial Representative Internship - Northwestern Mutual in DFW at Northwestern Mutual - Dallas
- Playbook Sports Jr. Product Manager Internship at Playbook Sports
- Playbook Sports Sales & Operations Internship at Playbook Sports
Scholarships and Funding
Madison awards more than 400 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The primary criterion for merit-based scholarships is exceptional academic performance. Other selection criteria may include leadership, involvement, and career goals.
The Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To access the Madison Scholarships Hub, log in to MyMadison. Under the Applicant tab, click on the Madison Scholarships Hub logo.
All students are encouraged to fill out the General Application in the Madison Scholarships Hub to be considered for various scholarship opportunities. Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the General Application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.
Review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunities you are presented with and if you meet the qualifications, click apply to submit the additional required information. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the General Application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Some scholarship opportunities become available starting in the fall while others open later so be sure to check back in January, February and March.