Kinesiology

Curriculum

In order to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science, students must complete the requirements listed below, accumulate a minimum of 120 credit hours, and obtain a grade of C or better in all courses that begin with KIN.  The Exercise Science is a comprehensive major, so no minor is required but students are highly encouraged to take a minor course of study to round out their skills for future employment. For more information, please consult the WIU Undergraduate Catalog.

University General Education Curriculum (43 credit hours)
Below are requirements for General Education and a list of courses that serve as pre-requisites for the Exercise Science major.  Click here to learn more about the requirements for General Education.

Department Specifics to include:

  • NUTR 109 Introduction to Nutrition (3) and one of:
  • BIOL 100 Biological Concepts (4)
  • BIOL 101 Biological World (4)
    or
  • ZOOL 200 Introduction to Animal Biology (4)

Communication Skills (9 credits)

  • ENG 180 College Writing I (3)
  • ENG 280 College Writing II (3)
  • COMM 241 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)

Natural Sciences and Mathematics (10 credits)

  • MATH 123 Modeling with Mathematical Functions (3)
  • Lab Science Course (4)
  • Electives (3)

Social Sciences (9 credits)

  • PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  • Electives (6)

Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)

  • Electives (9)

Multicultural Studies (3 credits)

  • Electives (3)

Human Well-Being (3 credits)

  • FCS 109 Introduction to Nutrition (3)
  • Electives (1)

Kinesiology Core (12 credit hours)
The following five courses are required in the curriculum for all undergraduate majors in the Department of Kinesiology.

  • KIN 270 Motor Behavior (3)
  • KIN 359 Sport & Exercise Psychology (3)
  • KIN 391 Physiology of Exercise (3)
  • KIN 392 Biomechanics   (3)

Exercise Science Major Courses (34 credit hours) 
Exercise Science majors are required to complete the following courses that are specific to their major

  • KIN 170 Introduction to Physical Wellness (3)
  • KIN 300 Fitness Activities for the Older Adult and Special Populations (3)
  • KIN 343 Cardiovascular Exercise and Principles and Assessment (3)
  • KIN 347 Strength and Conditioning Principles and Methods (3)
  • KIN 440 Exercise Stress Testing (3)
  • KIN 444 Exercise & Wellness Programming (3)
  • KIN 463 Personal Training (2)
  • KIN 400 Internship (12)

Directed Elective Courses (13 - 18 Credit Hours)

 Courses directed for Exercise Science Majors to take as electives tocomplete their undergraduate degree. Electives listed below are typcally used to fil into the elective slots listed above.

  • KIN 290 Anatomy and Physiology I (3)
    or
  • ZOOL 330 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
  • KIN 291 Anatomy and Physiology II (3)
    or
  • ZOOL 331 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)

Choose 7-9 hours from classes listed below:

  • KIN 247: Olympic Weightlifting (1)
  • KIN 248: Advanced Strength Training (1)
  • KIN 319: Exercise Psychology and Stress Management (3)
  • KIN 369 Motor Development (3)
  • KIN 396: Surface Palpations and Manual Muscle Testing (2)
  • KIN 401: Senior Seminar in Exercise Science (2)
  • KIN 464: Field Experience in Exercise Science (1)
  • KIN 473: Practicum in Adapted Physical Activity Motor Clinic. (1, repeatable to 4)

Open Elective Courses (16 Credit Hours)

Elective courses no longer need to be relocated into a specific minor while completing an undergraduate degree in the exercise science program. 15 of the below elective hours must be outside the major discipline.

  • Electives (16)

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 A question students and parents often ask is...
 "How does this all fit together"?  

Please click here to view a sample 4-year plan for completion of a degree in Exercise Science at Western Illinois University (pdf file).

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Student Spotlight

Lynes

Chelsea Lynes, a sophomore exercise science major, earned the 5K individual title at the Southern Illinois-Edwardsville Cross Country Challenge.  Read More.