Kinesiology

Michael Welsch, Chair
Matthew Holman, David McLeod, Faculty

The Department of Kinesiology provides opportunities for undergraduate students interested in studying how human movement and physical activity impact health, human performance, society, and quality of life. The department aims to prepare students to compete for entry-level positions in clinical settings, the fitness industry, strength and conditioning programs, public health and health education settings, and as science communicators. In addition, students are offered specific pathways for entry into clinical graduate programs (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, etc.) and non-clinical graduate programs (e.g., exercise physiology, public health, etc.).

Exercise Science (BS)

The BS in Exercise Science at Mary Baldwin University is an interdisciplinary degree and includes coursework in exercise and health science, biology and chemistry, psychology, mathematics, and electives. Students will also gain experience through practicums and internships and will complete their coursework with a capstone, synthesizing all experiences in a meaningful product that will be showcased in their final semester. The program aims to prepare students to compete for entry-level positions in clinical settings, the fitness industry, and strength and conditioning programs. In addition, students are offered specific pathways to facilitate entry into graduate or professional programs.

Employment of individuals with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is projected to grow 12 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm).
 

Mission/ Vision

The mission of the Exercise Science Program is to prepare students, through integration of education, scientific research, and practical applications, for positions aimed at enhancing physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life or continued education in graduate or professional programs.
 

Recognizing the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle and the benefits of physical activity and training, the vision of the Exercise Science Program is to prepare students to extend and enrich the lives of others through the power of movement.
 

Goals of the Exercise Science Program

• Through the development of foundational knowledge, describe the scientific principles of human movement
• Through a Theory-to-Practice approach, apply scientific principles to applied skills to measure human movement and exercise responses
• Through Evidence-Based learning, develop, implement and assess population-based physical activity/training programs

Outcomes for the Exercise Science Program

Foundational Knowledge:

• Mastery of Structural, Functional, Biomechanical, and advanced anatomical knowledge;
• Mastery of physiology at different levels of organization (cellular, organ, and systemic) within the human body, with emphasis on acute and chronic physical activity/exercise in healthy, elite, and individuals with disease
   

Theory-to-Practice:

• Mastery of skills to ensure appropriate screening and measurement of individuals interested in engaging in programs to enhance health and performance through training
• Recognition and use of population-based exercise guidelines to prepare safe and effective exercise programs

Evidence-Based:

• Utilization of current research and proven strategies to ensure the implementation of exercise training programs for all individuals
• Ability to put evidence-based practices into practice
• Mastery of the ability to assess the efficacy of exercise programs