Kinesiology

Follow your passion for Kinesiology

At Loras, the study of Kinesiology is dedicated to understanding the theory and practice of physical activity in a range of specialty areas, including strength and conditioning, motor development and learning, rehabilitation, exercise physiology, biomechanics and exercise psychology. Grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation, the Kinesiology major includes courses within the disciplines of psychology, biology, chemistry and physiology, and strives to help students gain a clear understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of kinesiology. In addition, the program includes a variety of hands-on experiences to help students explore practical applications and career opportunities.

The Kinesiology program at Loras is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). As a part of the Sport Science curriculum, students are prepared for and given the opportunity to take exams to become NSCA-certified personal trainers or certified strength and conditioning specialists.

Master’s Degree in Athletic Training 3+2 program

Students interested in athletic training, now 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.

Additional Information

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LORAS OFFERS OVER 100 CO-CURRICULAR & INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

With more than 100 co-curricular opportunities, including organizations relating to academic majors, national honorary and professional societies, student and residence hall government, interest groups and recreational interests, there’s something for everyone.

Loras provides a variety of opportunities for you to get involved in the Loras Community from the moment you set foot on campus! From your first year through your senior year, we have designed programs focused on providing educational and social experiences for each student. These programs will help you develop organization, problem-solving and collaboration skills along with making your Loras experience the best time of your life.

There are more than 100 co-curricular opportunities, including organizations relating to academic majors, national honorary and professional societies, student government, special interest groups and recreational interests.

If you can’t find a student organization that interests you, we’ll help you start up your own!

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LORAS PROVIDES A STIMULATING SOCIAL CALENDAR OFFERING STUDENTS A DIVERSE ARRAY OF EVENTS

From clubs and organizations to theater productions, concerts, athletic events, musical performances, intercultural programs, spiritual opportunities, there is so much for students to choose from.

Loras College provides a stimulating social climate for the campus and allows students to enjoy a diverse array of programs and entertainment.

On any given night of the week, students can enjoy a number of social opportunities. From clubs and organizations to theater productions, athletic events, musical performances, intercultural programs and spiritual opportunities, there is so much for students to choose from. In addition, the College Activities Board provides a variety of entertainment including: comedians, game shows, coffeehouses and concerts every weekend.

In addition, the College Activities Board provides a variety of entertainment including: comedians, game shows, coffeehouses and concerts every weekend.

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KINESIOLOGY MAJOR SUCCESS

The Kinesiology program at Loras offers students a competitive edge with a NSCA recognized program, state of the art equipment and diverse placement opportunities.

Is a NSCA recognized program. As a part of the Kinesiology curriculum, students are prepared for and given the opportunity to take the exams to become NSCA Certified Personal Trainers or Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists.
Graduates of the major find employment as personal trainers, corporate fitness specialists, physical therapists, chiropractors, coaches, health & fitness educators, and sport nutritionists.
Graduates often continue their education beyond Loras, earning graduate degrees in physical therapy, exercise physiology, and exercise science at schools within Iowa and across the nation.
The Human Performance Lab for Kinesiology majors at Loras includes a new medical grade treadmill, Dartfish motion analysis software, and advanced metabolic analysis equipment, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in fitness and performance testing.

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KINESIOLOGY STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Students complete an off-campus internship to develop professional knowledge and experience in an area of interest. Recent internship sites have included:

Baylor University Strength & Conditioning, Waco, Texas
Mid-West Medical Center, Galena, Illinois
The Dubuque Fighting Saints (strength & conditioning)
Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque
Lettman Chiropractic Rehab, Dubuque

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Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes – Kinesiology
Graduates from the Kinesiology Program will:
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.

Major Requirements

KINESIOLOGY
Division of Molecular, Life & Health Sciences
Kate Cooper, Ph.D., Chair
kate.cooper@loras.edu
563.588.7956

Requirements for the major in 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 2.25 and have passed the L.KIN-101 and L.BIO-115 courses with a grade of C or better in each. Once admitted to the major, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 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 GP A must be at least a 2.25 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.

Additional guidelines for kinesiology majors, including internship guidelines, advising procedures, and course pre-requisites, 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.

Req	Course	Cr’s
1	L.BIO-115: Principles of Biology	4
2	L.BIO-225: Human Anatomy & Physiology I	4
3	L.BIO-226: Human Anatomy & Physiology II	4
4	L.CHE-111: General Chemistry I	4
5	L.KIN-050: Personal Fitness	1
6	L.KIN-101: Introduction to Kinesiology	3
7	L.KIN-145: Nutrition	3
8	L.KIN-232: Biomechanics & Kinesiology	3
9	L.KIN-250: Research Methods in Kinesiology	3
10	L.KIN-322: Physiology of Exercise	3
11	L.KIN-344: Theory of Strength Training and Conditioning	3
12	L.KIN-370: Fitness Assessment and Prescription	3
13	L.KIN-439: Exercise Psychology	3
14	L.KIN-492: Internship in Kinesiology	3
Select one from Req 15
15	L.PSY-101: Introductory Psychology	3
15	L.PSY-121: Developmental Psychology	3
Select one from Req 16
16	L.MAT-115: Statistics-FM	4
16	L.BIO-279: Experimental Design & Biostatistics-AH	4
17	Specialty Elective (200+ KIN, ATR, BIO courses only)	3
18	Specialty Elective (200+ KIN, ATR, BIO courses only)	3
57 total required credits

Requirements for the minor in Coaching

Course Descriptions

L.KIN-050 through 077: Instruction on the skills, strategies, and rules of different sports and physical activity will be presented and students will have the opportunity to practice their knowledge in active situations. Students will participate in multiple sports or activities throughout the semester, as organized by the course category. Course fees may be assessed in some activity classes and students may be asked to provide their own equipment or arrange for their own transportation to facilities.

L.KIN-050: Personal Fitness

This course is open only to students majoring in kinesiology (or athletic training). Credit granted for participation in this course only once. Graded pass/fail only. 1 credit.

L.KIN-070: Outdoor Activities