Kinesiology

Learn in a hands-on environment. Work closely with academically and professionally trained staff. Create a physically active world. Apply your skills through leading internships and clinical placements. A Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology sets the stage for an outstanding career and/or top notch graduate school placement. Partner with us today!

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology prepares students for a wide range of opportunities. Options range across the fields of clinical health sciences, sport management, health and fitness, as well as many other occupations associated with physical activity and health.  Customize your program of study.  Using a core curriculum, students then choose from our exciting concentrations in Rehabilitation Sciences, Human Performance, or Sport and Fitness Management to set the path that is the best for you.

All concentrations in the BS of Kinesiology share a core curriculum, designed to emphasize common characteristics found in this discipline. Starting out in your first year with, KINS 101, Introduction to Kinesiology, you begin the process of identifying your place in this vast landscape of opportunity. Opportunities to share common vision, while also creating your unique course of study follow throughout the remainder of your studies as you progress through the program.

The beginning of your place on the team starts with your choice of concentration. Choose one, or double them up (e.g. Rehabilitation Sciences and Sport and Fitness Management; Human Performance and Sport and Fitness Management).

Rehabilitation Science

A program that focuses on human function, disability, and rehabilitation.

The need for trained professionals in allied health care (e.g. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training) and other medical services (e.g. Chiropractic, Physician Assistants, and Medical Doctors) is at an all-time high.  Epidemics such as obesity and diabetes have led to continued population growth in diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. These conditions steal healthy years of life from people as they struggle to create positive solutions that meet their personal lifestyle goals as well as health needs. Management of these conditions through the combined efforts of exercise, nutrition and appropriate medical care requires highly trained, forward thinking professionals.

Our Rehabilitation Sciences concentration prepares students for graduate school in disciplines such as Athletic Training, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic, Physician Assistant, and Medicine. Additional academic emphasis in bench science in disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physiology, and psychology prepare the student for the challenges of graduate education.

The program is designed with the future graduate student in mind, creating space for school specific required prerequisites in your normal course load, reducing the need for “extra courses” often associated with graduate preparation. This can save thousands of dollars and reduce time to completion, allowing for a faster road to your final destination, leading the fight for a healthier and more functional society. Partner with us in preparing to join that exclusive team.

Human Performance

Human Performance is designed for students to gain the knowledge and skills needed for success in careers related to health, fitness, and physical performance.

The health and fitness industry is growing in leaps and bounds. Fueled by the need for wide ranging options for those seeking a positive lifestyle, health and fitness is leading the battle to beat lifestyle related disease and improve quality of life. Apply evidence based exercise practice to create fun! Gone are the days of boring, repetitive routine; now the world of fitness has exploded with a ton of new and exciting ways to create movement and health.

Our concentration in Human Performance is a perfect fit for those seeking to start their career right after graduation. Gain employment in locations around the country, in high growth fields such as fitness training and management, clinical health and exercise science, human performance, and health and wellness promotions. Combine evidence based practices with fun and exciting ways to motivate, plan, and implement fitness solutions for those seeking a more robust lifestyle.

A perfect combination of exercise theory, applied science, health promotions, and management theory to prepare you for this fast paced career track. Pick up an additional minor without having to take “extra courses” or double up with the concentration Sport and Fitness Management concentration, all within the same number of credits. Save time and money while getting the highest level of education with our flexible curricular approach. Embrace this fast growing, high energy world of health and fitness today!

Sport and Fitness Management

Provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills centered on finance, management, marketing and law pertaining to the organizations in the sports industry.

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association states that in 2015, the industry surpassed $84 billion dollars in sales. One look and it is easy to see why. Sports and fitness are great entertainment with foundations in a healthy way of life. With this massive increase, the number of different career paths in this expanding field has exploded. The time is perfect to gain the education to enter this dynamic career track.

The Sport and Fitness Management concentration sets the stage for either direct entry into a fast growing field in sports and fitness administration or advanced schooling in graduate programs around the country. Employment opportunities in high demand market segments such as health and fitness management, sports entertainment, sporting goods and apparel, and biomedical technology are all within your reach. Focus your studies on the intersection of sport, fitness, and business.

The Sport and Fitness concentration combines the core curriculum of Kinesiology, with specific course work to develop your entrepreneurial, administrative, or managerial abilities and skills. With plenty of room for the development of a minor or the addition of prerequisite course for graduate school, this is our most customizable concentration. Become the leader you were destined to be, join us at Lake State for this exciting journey!

Double Concentration

Combine either Rehabilitation Sciences or Human Performance with our Sport and Fitness Management concentration to give you the best leg up on the competition.

Even the best laid plans change over time. Students come to the university every year with well-conceived plans only to find that their interests or direction changes. Our Double Major places the Kinesiology student in the best position to manage these changes while keeping you on track for graduation without losing time.

Combine either Rehabilitation Sciences or Human Performance with our Sport and Fitness Management concentration to give you the best leg up on the competition. Hit the job market or grad school ready to lead in both sciences and management. Planning or running a business, taking the lead in a practice, or growing into a leadership role? This degree program is the answer for you!

Achieve both concentrations without “extra courses”. Save time and money when compared to other programs. Our integrated curriculum allows for the achievement of the Double Concentration all within the standard time frame, without costing you extra time or money, all while delivering the best education experience possible. Prepare to lead, establish complete credentials, and start your path with us today!

Associates Degree: Health and Fitness Specialist

The Associates Degree of Health and Fitness Specialist is a nested degree within the Kinesiology degree. This option prepares students for careers in the health and fitness industry, allowing students the flexibility to pursue their studies without the commitment to a four year program. With an emphasis on evidence based practices, students are ready to meet today’s health and fitness careers head on.

Kinesiology Minor

This 24-credit minor can be used to augment the students educational experience as they prepare for a career in occupations emphasizing in physical activity and sport. This minor is the perfect “combo package” for students in business, education, criminal justice, fire science, and other academic programs with a movement dynamic.

Coaching Minor

The minor in coaching is one of the longest running minors in the School of Kinesiology. Training students for the last three decades in the nuances of sport coaching, this minor is ideal for those seeking the skills acquired in this study. Apply this material from the sports field to the board room.

Senior Research – Bringing it All Together

Evidence based practice is a theoretical foundation for our programs. Regardless of whether you are seeking the BS degree in Kinesiology or Parks and Recreation, the scientific process is at the center of our curriculum. Students are all required to participate in this process, producing both theoretic and empirical research projects during their senior year. This is part of a campus wide commitment to fostering scientific minds in all of our graduates.

Work with our faculty to develop your research around your personal interests and future goals. There is nothing in the world like “going all in” on a topic to learn. This guided experience results in a completed manuscript, poster for presentation, and optional opportunities to take your work “to the masses” with both on-campus and off-campus presentations.

Examples of previous work includes:

  • The Efficacy and Lasting Effects of Fundamental Movement Skills in Children
  • Long-term Effects of Sustaining Multiple Concussions
  • The Relationship Between Blood Pressure and Stress in College Students
  • Ankle Braces and Agility Performance in Division II Junior Varsity Women’s Basketball Team
  • Otsego Lake State Park: State Park Ranger Study
  • Perceptions of Improvement in Ice Hockey Equipment Related to Performance
  • Eastern Upper Peninsula Base Hunting License Study
  • Compensation of Student Athletes
  • Bilateral Comparison of Fatigue Using Electromyography and Hand Grip Dynamometry
  • The Physiologic Benefits of a Walking Program:  Using Incline to Increase Energy Expenditure in Adults
  • Does Compensatory Functional Movements Increase Injury Risk with a Lower FMS Score in 30 Female Division II Student-Athletes at Lake Superior State University

Careers in Kinesiology

Career Development – Preparing for Tomorrow, Today

Along with individual-level academic advisement is the process of developing usable skills for career placement. The School of Kinesiology fully supports this vision, through the systematic integration of employment opportunities with academic preparation.

We offer both in-house and off-campus opportunities to develop the real world skills necessary to compete in today’s aggressive employment market. These are offered throughout your academic preparation.

Employment Stats

Job 2014 Median Wage 2014 – 2024

Employment Outlook**

Physical Therapist* $82,390 +34% (Much faster than average)
Occupational Therapist* $78,810 +27% (Much faster than average)
Corporate Wellness Management $41,950 +24% (Much faster than average)
Athletic Director* $88,580 +9% (Faster than average)
Exercise Physiologist $46,270 +11% (Faster than average)
Athletic Trainer* $43,370 +21% (Much faster than average)
Facilities Management $86,110 +8% (As fast as average)

Kinesiology Careers

  • Adapted Physical Activity
  • Adventure Trainer
  • Advertising
  • Aquatics Director
  • Athletic Administration in School or College
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Biomechanist
  • Biomedical Research and Development
  • Biomedical Sales
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Coaching at School or College
  • Community Center Manager
  • Director of Youth Camps/ Sport Programs (YMCA’s and others)
  • Epidemiologist – Physical Activity
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Fitness Instructor
  • Health Club Management
  • Massage Therapist
  • Medical Doctor
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Physical Education Teacher at School or College
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physician Assistant
  • Professional Athlete
  • Professional Dancer
  • Professor of Kinesiology, Physical Education
  • Program Director of Corporate Fitness Center
  • Program Director at Commercial Fitness Center
  • Public Relations
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Respiration Therapist
  • Sport Management
  • Sport Psychologist for Performance Enhancement
  • Sports Director at Resort
  • Sports Information Director
  • Sports Journalist
  • Sports Marketing
  • Sports Management
  • Sports Officiating
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach

Employers

  • Hospitals
  • Allied Health Clinics
  • Professional Sports Organizations
  • National Amateur Sport Governing Bodies
  • U.S. Olympic Training Centers
  • Sports Marketing/Events Management Firms
  • Retailers and Marketing Firms
  • Private Corporations & Corporate Fitness Facilities
  • Fitness Clubs, Spas, Sports Clinics
  • Sports Medicine Clinics
  • Campus Recreation Departments
  • Sporting Goods Stores
  • College Athletic Departments
  • Schools
  • Community Recreational Programs
  • Sports Governing Bodies
  • Events Management Firms
  • Sports League Conferences
  • Marketing & Public Relations Firms