Kinesiology

Become an expert in the mechanics of the human body with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology

Earn a Kinesiology degree at Loras and gain expertise in the theory and practice of physical activity. Benefit from a liberal arts approach with a cross-disciplinary degree that encompasses psychology, biology, chemistry, and physiology. Explore your future career through hands-on internships at clinics, college athletic departments, and more. Prepare to take exams that qualify you to become a NSCA-certified personal trainer or certified strength and conditioning specialist.

Earn a Master’s in Athletic Training in 5 Years
Interested in advanced education in athletic training? You’ll have the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and a master’s degree in Athletic Training in our 3+2 program, graduating with both degrees in five years. For more information, visit our Athletic Training 3 + 2 page.

LEARN ABOUT OUR KINESIOLOGY PROGRAM

Student Experience

As a Kinesiology major you’ll have the chance to drive your own education with courses that inspire and internships that put you in the field with top employers.

Student Learning Outcomes

 

Student Learning Outcomes – Kinesiology 
1. Plan, implement, evaluate and develop effective exercise, sport or health related intervention programs
2. Apply a lifespan perspective in Kinesiology to the changing nature of psychological perceptions, physiological functioning, and physical capabilities as they relate to exercise and physical activity across the lifespan.
3. Problem solve by assimilating, synthesizing, analyzing, and applying information from multiple sources and disciplines.
4. Understand the application of kinesiology within the parent disciplines of kinesiology including biology, human anatomy, human physiology, and psychology and the application to Kinesiology of concepts within each discipline.
5. Examine the relationships between physical activity habits, nutrition and wellness, including disease prevention and treatment, psychological well-being, social health and overall functioning.
6. Understand research design within the field of Kinesiology.
7. Understand the structure and function of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, metabolic and respiratory systems and the effect of acute and chronic exercise on each of these systems.
8. Evaluate the diversity of factors influencing responses to exercise, including those associated with culture, personality, and physiological functioning on exercise behaviors and responses to exercise.

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Kinesiology degree program is designed to educate students in the study of the movement of the human body. The curriculum contains a combination of relevant coursework, applied learning, and field education.

View Highlighted Courses

Theory of Strength Training & Conditioning
Students are introduced to the basic theories, methods, and practices of strength training and conditioning. Material presented will include basic physiology, designing training programs, and teaching basic movements. This course is intended to prepare students for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam that is administered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Biomechanics & Kinesiology
This course provides an introduction into the fundamental mechanical concepts of biomechanics and kinesiology that apply to human movement. The course integrates the laws of physics, principles of mechanics, and advanced mathematical concepts in human movements, and provides an introduction to the analysis of commonly-used physical skills.

Sport Officiating
This course is designed to introduce concepts related to sports officiating such as: psychology of officiating, positioning mechanics and signs for competitive sports (volleyball, soccer, football, baseball/softball, and basketball), fitness of officials, legal responsibilities, and officiating as a career or profession. This course is not designed as a “how to become an elite sporting official” but rather to introduce, at the undergraduate level, the general concepts of officiating as well as to develop student appreciation about what officiating entails. 3 credits.

Research Methods in Kinesiology
This course will introduce students to the components of effective instruction and evaluation of group exercise classes. Aligned with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for the four components of health and fitness: warm-up and stretching, cardiorespiratory training, muscular conditioning, and flexibility training, this course prepares students to develop, administer, and evaluate group exercise classes. The course includes the study of key physiological, psychological, and sociological principles and practical experiences leading group exercise classes.

Fitness Assessment & Prescription
This course uses a hands-on approach to teaching students the techniques and application related to exercise prescription and assessment. Students create fitness and assessment programs for an individual adult client and supervise client progress over the course of the semester.

View Kinesiology Courses

Major Requirements

Students will complete the following requirements in order to achieve a major or minor in Kinesiology.

Degree Requirements

KINESIOLOGY
Division of Molecular, Life & Health Sciences
Kate Cooper, Ph.D., Chair

Kinesiology (B.A.):
The mission of the Kinesiology program is to provide a broad and dynamic program to prepare students for graduate study and careers in exercise, sport, wellness, and allied health.

To be eligible for admission to the kinesiology major, a student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.250 and have passed the L.KIN-101, L.BIO-115, and L.BIO-115L courses with a grade of C or better in each. Once admitted to the major, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.250 throughout the course of study. Students who fail to maintain the minimum cumulative GPA requirement may be removed from the major or be prevented from enrolling in upper-level kinesiology courses.

To be eligible for graduation with a kinesiology major, a student must earn a C or better in all courses counted toward the major. Courses in which the student earns less than a C grade will not be accepted toward the major. In addition, a student‘s cumulative GPA must be at least a 2.250 to graduate with a degree in kinesiology.

Students must complete a minimum of 6 additional credits of KIN, ATR, or BIO prefix courses. Electives must be 200 level or above. No more than three credits of internship/practical experiences will be counted toward the six credit minimum. Elective courses must be chosen in consultation with a student’s advisor. View full requirements & additional information

Additional guidelines for kinesiology majors, including internship guidelines, advising procedures, and course prerequisites, can be found in the Kinesiology Student Handbook.

Students planning to complete the 3+2 Master of Athletic Training (M.A.T) program must complete all requirements for the Kinesiology Major as part of the dual-degree program.  Refer to the Graduate Bulletin for information regarding admission and graduation requirements of the M.A.T. program.

Major Requirements in Kinesiology B.A.

Related Majors & Minors
Athletic Training 3+2  
Public Health, B.A.  
Coaching, Minor

Career Opportunities

“What can I do with a Kinesiology major?”
As a Kinesiology student, you will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers (some may require additional degrees and licensing). Here are some examples:

  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Athletic trainer
  • Chiropractor
  • Nurse
  • Physician assistant

Supporting Your Investment

Loras takes great pride in supporting your investment – both through providing an exceptional learning experience and in sharing the cost of your degree. 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We have scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to earn my Loras degree?

Most students earn their undergraduate degree in four years or less. If you have questions about transferring any previously earned credits or degrees, please see our Transfer Student Information.

How much is tuition?

At Loras College, financial access to education is one of our defining values. We are committed to helping all of our students make their degree affordable. We partner with every student and family to understand their unique financial needs ensuring 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. Scholarships, grants and special awards are offered to all students based on their achievements and financial need. Loras is consistently ranked as one of the best universities for return on investment.  View our Tuition and Fees page.

How do I apply for schlarships and financial aid?

Submit your federal FAFSA, apply to Loras College and review our financial aid resources for detailed information, scholarship opportunities and much more.

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

The Loras College Athletic Training program is at the forefront of changing professional requirements, by initiating a 3+2 dual degree option, offering both a Bachelors of Arts degree in Kinesiology (B.A.) + a Masters degree in Athletic Training (M.A.T.).

Visit 3+2 Webpage

For more information, contact:
Molly M. McDonald MS, ATC
Athletic Training Program Director
Assistant Professor of Athletic Training
molly.mcdonald@loras.edu
563.588.7995

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"Earn your Undergraduate Degree & Masters Degree in only 5 years."

Learn More
Meet Our Professors

Kate Cooper, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Chair, Division of Molecular, Life & Health Sciences
Biomedical Sciences Program Director
563.588.7956 | Kate.Cooper@loras.edu
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Elaina Biechler, Ph.D. 
Associate Professor of Kinesiology
Coaching Leadership Program Director
563.588.7020| elaina.biechler@loras.edu
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Kathryn DeShaw, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
563.588.7088 | Kathryn.Deshaw@loras.edu
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Keith Thraen-Borowski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Kinesiology
563.588.7475 | Keith.Thraenborowski@loras.edu
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