Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Kinesiology - Health and Fitness Specialist Specialization, BS


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Department of Health and Human Development, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

86-95 credits

Introduction

This major provides a concentrated study of human movement from mechanical, physiological and pathological perspectives. The program is appropriate for students who plan to work in the fitness/exercise industry or any other field such as coaching or rehabilitation, where human movement and exercise prescription are the focus. Additionally, this degree can serve as the gateway degree to the allied health professions (i.e., physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant) or preparation for post-baccalaureate study in other areas such as exercise physiology, health/ fitness, biomechanics, physical therapy, sport psychology, nutrition, and human growth and motor development. Supporting courses from biology, chemistry, computer science, communications, health education and physics are included to provide more in-depth analysis of principles associated with human structure and function.

Why Consider a Health and Fitness Specialist Specialization in Kinesiology Major?

Health and fitness specialist professionals work in the health and fitness industry. The program prepares professionals who are skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, writing appropriate exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors for optimal health. Health and fitness specialists conduct these activities in the university, clinical, corporate, and commercial or community settings where their clients participate in health promotion and fitness-related activities. This specialization is also appropriate preparation for graduate study in exercise physiology and cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation.

The Kinesiology major is in very high demand at Western. See the Kinesiology pre-major and major declaration policy to learn how and when you can declare the pre-major. Prior to declaring the pre-major, and after declaring the pre-major but before being advanced to major status, WWU students are strongly urged to obtain and utilize advising information from the Kinesiology program web page, or the HHD department office (Bond Hall 103), to know what classes are recommended to be taken to prepare for the major. It is often not until late in the junior year or at the start of the senior year that students can start the core classes required in the Kinesiology major due to its popularity.

 Contact Information

General Kinesiology
Information

Sherena Geariety
Bond Hall 103
360-650-3505
Sherena.Geariety@wwu.edu

Health and Fitness
Specialist Advisor

Lorrie Brilla
360-650-3056
Lorrie.Brilla@wwu.edu

Program Coordinator
Gordon Chalmers
Engineering Technology 275
360-650-3113
Gordon.Chalmers@wwu.edu

 Sample Careers

Wellness Coordinator | Health Club Manager | Personal Trainer | Fitness Product Sales | Pharmaceutical Drug Sales | Biomedical Research &/or Sales | Athletic Trainer* | Nutrition Specialist* | Graduate School in Kinesiology*
*with post-baccalaureate study

 Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

  1. Any WWU student with 75 credits completed and a GPA of at least 2.50 may declare a Kinesiology pre-major and be placed on the waitlist to declare a Kinesiology major. If the student has no WWU GPA for at least one quarter, the GPA of the most recent institution attended will be used. Initial academic advisement will be provided by HHD staff.
  2. By the end of the second week of fall, winter and spring quarter students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will be notified of being converted to major status if their position on the waitlist is within the group of students eligible for the fall, winter and spring sections of KIN 306, respectively.
  3. Once converted to major status, students are assigned an individual faculty advisor, and students with the appropriate prerequisites are eligible to register for KIN 306, BIOL 348, and other required/elective Kinesiology major classes.

Contact Sherena Geariety in the HHD department to declare the pre-major when you meet the above requirements listed in point #1.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements


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