Kinesiology - Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization, BS

Department of Physical Education, Health & Recreation, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

104-105 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Kinesiology?

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, nursing, 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 Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization in the Kinesiology Major? 

The pre-physical therapy option is available for students who wish to pursue graduate study in a physical therapy program. Students meet with an advisor to select a set of courses that will meet the admission requirements of their program(s) of choice. This option also can serve as a foundation for graduate study in exercise science.

The Kinesiology major is in very high demand at Western. WWU students are strongly urged to declare the Kinesiology major early in order to be connected with a departmental advisor and to develop a plan of study.  Once declared as a major, however, students are not assured access to courses offered in the Kinesiology major until they have accumulated a significant number of credits, allowing them to register when there is space open in the desired classes. 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. Some required and elective courses for the Kinesiology major that are offered in other departments can be taken prior to Kinesiology courses. Due to very high enrollment in the Kinesiology major, declare your major as soon as possible, and seek advising early and often!

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Contact Sherena Geariety in the PEHR department to obtain advisor assignment and, after meeting with the departmental advisor, to declare a major in your specialization.

Advising Tips: Students are advised to declare the kinesiology major early in order to be connected with a departmental advisor and develop a plan of study. See departmental advisor for selection of courses. Students may request to be advised by another KIN/PE program faculty member. To request a new advisor, contact the faculty member you would like to be advised by and ask that person to be your advisor.

Registration: To determine if you can register for a PE, KIN or HLED course in Phase I or Phase II, obtain a “Class Access” document from the Kinesiology and Physical Education Program website.

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.