Bachelors (BS) in Kinesiology
Overview
The Kinesiology major offers a 60-semester-hour course of study that focuses on physical activity and how the human body’s movement impacts health, performance, and quality of life. The Kinesiology major is appropriate for students interested in pursuing careers in sport science, exercise physiology, sports medicine, allied health (i.e., physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and corporate wellness), health promotion, physical education and health teaching, medicine, and wellness. The major offers three concentrations, including exercise science, physical activity and health promotion, and healthcare administration.
The Exercise Science concentration offers an interdisciplinary course of study, designed to help prepare students seeking advanced degrees or working in exercise science-related fields, including allied health professions (i.e. physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, physician assistant, sports medicine), biomechanics, exercise physiology, and other related professions. The concentration places a strong emphasis on the physical and life sciences, as well as health and human performance.
The Physical Activity and Health Promotion concentration offers an interdisciplinary course of study, designed to help prepare students in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles in various community settings, including schools (physical education and health teaching), worksites (worksite wellness), hospitals, and other community agencies (health coaching, personal training). Students in this program gain knowledge of “best practices” for encouraging and measuring the impact of physical activity across a variety of settings and populations.
The Healthcare Administration concentration offers an interdisciplinary course of study designed to prepare students for leadership and management careers within the healthcare industry. The curriculum uniquely blends core Kinesiology foundations with essential business knowledge specific to the healthcare field, including ethics, management and leadership, finance, quality improvement and compliance, and emerging industry trends that are shaping modern health services. A distinctive feature of this program is its strong emphasis on senior living organizations and the principles of servant leadership applied to the aging population. Students graduate prepared to guide organizations that serve a broad range of clinical and non-clinical populations.
Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of C- in all courses taken for the major.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a BS in kinesiology will:
- Apply knowledge of human anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology to evaluate the body’s responses to physical activity.
- Demonstrate ethical, effective communication, and leadership skills for future professional practice.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature to inform evidence-based decision-making and kinesiology practice.
- Formulate a strategic career plan in kinesiology or health-related fields, informed by self-reflection and professional exploration.
Major Requirements
Complete the following:
Structure and function of the human body. Fall semester topics include basic chemistry, body organization, integument, skeleton, muscles, and the nervous system, including special senses. The course is designed for nonscience majors. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Additional course fee is required.
Structure and function of the human body. Spring semester topics include cardiovascular, reproductive, endocrine, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems. The course is designed for nonscience majors. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 221 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, or permission from instructor. Additional course fee is required.
The Introduction to Exercise Science course will help students gain an understanding of the underlying principles, theories, and scientific methods used in exercise science and kinesiology. Additionally, it will provide an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory system and how these systems are used during exercise. Finally, this course will help students identify career paths one may take as an exercise science major at George Fox University.
Instruction in concepts related to developing and maintaining physical fitness and movement skills. Emphasis on exercise testing. Application of basic biomechanical and anatomical principles through psychomotor learning in a lab or field setting.
An introductory survey of athletic training. Emphasis will be on terminology, injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and emergency care procedures. Common taping techniques also will be presented. Additional course fee is required.
Application of human anatomy and physical laws to the explanation of movement activities. Special emphasis is given to detailed analysis of various sports activities. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 222 Human Anatomy and Physiology II.
Application of exercise screening and prescription in individuals across their lifespan, including individuals with chronic disease and other special populations. Includes relevant pathophysiology, exercise and lifestyle modifications (nutrition, exercise, pharmacology), as well as response to exercise. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 222 Human Anatomy and Physiology II.
Application of principles of physiology to physical activity. Special attention is given to the effect of exercise on the various body systems and the construction of training programs. The laboratory component explores the assessment of resting metabolic rate, energy expenditure, body composition, respiratory function, maximum oxygen uptake, lactate threshold, strength and flexibility, and other physiological responses to exercise. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 222 Human Anatomy and Physiology II.
A study of the development of motor skills. Psychological principles of learning are applied to motor-skill learning. A review of research and an inquiry into the effect of various conditions on the learning and performance of motor skills from early childhood through the adult years.
A supervised experience in the discipline, including internships and practica required for professional programs. This experience must have an on-site supervisor and a departmental instructor overseeing, designing and evaluating the content of the course. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.
This course serves as the first half of a capstone course for the graduating student in the Kinesiology department. Students will learn research methodology to conduct original research in the field of Kinesiology and the process for dissemination of scientific research. Prerequisite: MATH 240 Statistical Procedures or PSYC 240 Statistical Procedures.
This course serves as the second half of a capstone course for the graduating student in the Kinesiology department. Students will conduct, present, write, and disseminate an original research project in the field of Kinesiology. Prerequisite: HHPE 491 Research I.
An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior. Major topics include the biological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, thinking, learning, memory, development, emotion, motivation, personality, social interaction, and abnormal behavior. Prerequisite to most other psychology courses.
Complete one of the following:
An introduction to probability and statistics with content and application directed toward the natural and physical sciences. Topics to be covered include methods of describing data, probability, random variables and their distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, linearregression, and correlation. Prerequisite: MATH 180 College Algebra or equivalent.
Applied statistics for the social and behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on statistical logic and decision making. Prerequisite: High school algebra or equivalent.
Concentrations (20 credit hours) - choose one
Complete the following:
An introduction to life science for those majoring in biology and bioscience-related fields. Topics include basic concepts in chemistry and biological molecules, an introduction to cellular structure, function and metabolism, genetics and theories of inheritance, and an introduction to prokaryotic cells and viruses. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Additional course fee is required.
This course covers fundamental chemical principles, reactions, and mode theories. Special emphasis is given to the role of chemistry in everyday life. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Additional course fee is required. Prerequisite:
Successful completion of MATH 190 Precalculus Mathematics (or equivalent).
Mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, wave motion and optics, and modern physics, using algebraic methods for analysis. Three lectures and one lab per week. Additional course fee is required.
Prerequisite: MATH 190 Precalculus Mathematics.
Complete 8 credits from the following:
An introduction to life science for those majoring in biology and bioscience-related fields. Topics include a taxonomic survey of protists, fungi, plants, and animals with emphasis on the development, anatomy, and physiology of plants and animals. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or instructor permission. Additional course fee is required.
Investigation of physiological principles in animals, with 4 hours. A majors-level course is intended to meet the physiology requirement of graduate/professional programs in health-care fields. Investigation of physiological principles in humans/mammals, with emphasis on mechanisms of integration and homeostasis at cellular, organ, and system levels. Topics include muscular, neural, vascular, excretory, and endocrine interactions. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212, BIOL 311 and BIOL 350, or instructor permission. Additional course fee is required.
An introductory course that provides a basic understanding in the multidisciplinary field of Neuroscience. Major topics covered in this course include neural signaling, neurophysiology, sensation and sensory processing, physical and functional neuroanatomy, movement and its central control, nervous system organization, brain development, complex brain functions and diseases of the nervous system. The course will examine different model organisms that have advanced the field of neuroscience. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212 and BIOL 350, or instructor permission. Additional course fee is required.
A general genetics course covering Mendelian genetics, population genetics, and an introduction to molecular biology. This course fulfills the requirement for biology majors, and is appropriate for those with an interest in current topics in genetics, including inheritable diseases, cloning, and other recent scientific breakthroughs. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and BIOL 212 or instructor permission. Additional course fee is required.
This course covers fundamental chemical principles, reactions, and mode theories. Special emphasis is given to the role of chemistry in everyday life. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Additional course fee is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 General Chemistry I.
Addresses practical applications of health promotion theories. Presents examples of planning, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion and management programs in a variety of settings as guides for the development of health promotion and disease prevention programs.
In-depth study of the lower extremities including skills of injury evaluation, physical examination and differential diagnosis. One 1-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: HHPE 390 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries.
In-depth study of the spine and upper extremities including skill development in injury evaluation, physical examination and differential diagnosis. One 1-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite: HHPE 390 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries.
This course is intended to introduce students to the language of medicine and prepare them for future careers in the health sciences. Students will develop an understanding for recognizing, building, and applying medical terminology to the human body. A systems-based approach will be utilized to gain understanding of medical terminology in relation to human anatomy and physiology, pathology, and medical procedures. Pertinent case-studies and clinical material will be additionally utilized. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 Human Anatomy & Physiology I and BIOL 222 Human Anatomy & Physiology II.
Course will help students correctly identify and select the proper modalities in the treatment of injuries through research of Evidence Based Practice, modality selection with respect to the healing phase of injury, and a thorough understanding of the indications and contraindication for each modality studied. Includes a lab for practice of application of therapeutic modalities to classmates in a simulated clinical setting. Prerequisite: HHPE 390 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries.
3-6 hours. A supervised experience in the discipline, including internships and practica required for professional programs. This experience must have an on-site supervisor and a departmental instructor overseeing, designing and evaluating the content of the course. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of nutrition and their application to human health and well-being. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of nutrition, including macronutrients, micronutrients, energy metabolism, dietary guidelines, food safety, global nutrition, and nutritional needs across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of nutrition in maintaining optimal health, preventing common chronic conditions, and informing dietary changes. The course is limited to nursing and kinesiology majors when offered during the spring semester.
Mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, wave motion and optics, and modern physics, using algebraic methods for analysis. Three lectures and one lab per week. Additional course fee is required.
Prerequisite: PHYS 201 General Physics I.
A study of physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral development from infancy to old age. Will not count as part of the psychology or psychological science major. Students who take PSYC 310 are not eligible to also take PSYC 311, PSYC 314, or PSYC 312 for credit Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
A study of physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral development from young adulthood to old age. Students who take PSYC 310 Lifespan Development are not eligible to also take PSYC 312 for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
A study of the unique physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral developmental changes during the period of adolescence. Students who take PSYC 310 Lifespan Development are not eligible to also take PSYC 314 for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
This upper-level course delves into complex topics in neuroscience, integrating advanced concepts in neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and neural circuits. Students will explore brain functions such as sensory processing, motor control, learning, and memory, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases. The accompanying lab component provides hands-on experience with techniques in neurosurgery, optogenetics, and behavioral assays. Students will conduct experiments, analyze data, and present their findings. Prerequisite: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology or instructor permission. Additional course fee is required.
This course is an overview of the biopsychosocial-spiritual perspectives of abnormal behavior. Emphasis is given to understanding why some behaviors are determined to be abnormal while others are considered to be within the normal range of human diversity. Exploration includes the classification of psychological disorders according to the DSM-5 criteria, the standard currently used in the mental health field. Various causes, treatments, and the ethics of working with those dealing with psychological disorders will be explored. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology. Recommended: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology.
Complete the following:
This introductory course exposes students to the US healthcare system, focusing on the delivery, organization, and regulation of services in modern healthcare settings with special emphasis on senior living, senior healthcare, and aging services settings and opportunities. This overview course will review topics related to the structure of healthcare organizations, healthcare financing, policy, and ethical issues, as well as emerging trends. The course will provide students with the knowledge to understand the complexities of healthcare services and their role in addressing patient needs. Some of these topics will be more deeply explored in subsequent coursework.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of ethical and legal considerations in post-acute care and other healthcare settings. Further, this course will evaluate quality management and improvement in healthcare settings. Students will explore fundamental ethical principles, patient rights, regulatory and legal compliance, quality assurance, risk management, and other critical aspects of healthcare administration. Through case studies, discussions, and practical exercises, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex ethical and legal landscape of post-acute and other healthcare settings. Prerequisite: HCAD 260
This course provides students with essential leadership skills tailored for the healthcare environment. Students will explore leadership theories, strategies for effective personal and team management, and the unique challenges of leading in healthcare settings. Emphasis will be placed on developing interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration, ethical decision-making, and navigating complex healthcare systems. Prerequisite: HCAD 260
This course provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare finance, equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills to manage the financial operations of healthcare organizations. The course covers key areas such as healthcare financial concepts, reimbursement systems, revenue cycle management, cost analysis, budgeting, and financial statements. In addition, this course explores operational performance metrics, including care cost analysis, risk management, the impact of quality factors, technology, and strategic financial planning. Prerequisites: HCAD 260 and MATH 180.
This course explores the demographic, technological, and policy forces reshaping care for an aging population in the healthcare environment. Students examine global aging trends, innovative care models (PACE, ACOs), chronic-disease management, telehealth, assistive technologies, population health, mental-health interventions, long-term-care reform, and workforce challenges. Through guest lectures, case studies, and a capstone project, participants design forward-looking solutions that enhance quality, equity, and dignity for older adults across the continuum of care. Prerequisites: HCAD 260 and HCAD 400.
Complete 5 credits of from the following:
Addresses practical applications of health promotion theories. Presents examples of planning, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion and management programs in a variety of settings as guides for the development of health promotion and disease prevention programs.
This course is intended to introduce students to the language of medicine and prepare them for future careers in the health sciences. Students will develop an understanding for recognizing, building, and applying medical terminology to the human body. A systems-based approach will be utilized to gain understanding of medical terminology in relation to human anatomy and physiology, pathology, and medical procedures. Pertinent case-studies and clinical material will be additionally utilized. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 Human Anatomy & Physiology I and BIOL 222 Human Anatomy & Physiology II.
3-6 hours. A supervised experience in the discipline, including internships and practica required for professional programs. This experience must have an on-site supervisor and a departmental instructor overseeing, designing and evaluating the content of the course. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of nutrition and their application to human health and well-being. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of nutrition, including macronutrients, micronutrients, energy metabolism, dietary guidelines, food safety, global nutrition, and nutritional needs across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of nutrition in maintaining optimal health, preventing common chronic conditions, and informing dietary changes. The course is limited to nursing and kinesiology majors when offered during the spring semester.
A study of our nation's current health problems and concerns. Emphasis on health consumerism and current trends, diseases, the sanctity of life, and fitness. Goal is to develop an educated view on current health issues.
Complete the following:
This course is designed to enhance the understanding of how personality, self-esteem, goal setting and behavior can influence performance and performance preparation. It is also designed to provide future teachers/coaches with coping skills and observational techniques which will serve them well in coaching as well as in managerial settings.
Addresses practical applications of health promotion theories. Presents examples of planning, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion and management programs in a variety of settings as guides for the development of health promotion and disease prevention programs.
This course considers the nature and etiology of disability and handicapping conditions, as well as the implications for and development of appropriate physical education programs.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of nutrition and their application to human health and well-being. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of nutrition, including macronutrients, micronutrients, energy metabolism, dietary guidelines, food safety, global nutrition, and nutritional needs across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of nutrition in maintaining optimal health, preventing common chronic conditions, and informing dietary changes. The course is limited to nursing and kinesiology majors when offered during the spring semester.
Complete 9 credits from the following:
This is a one-semester introductory course on the teaching profession for those planning to enroll in an MAT program or considering teaching as a profession. Students will expand their understandings of the field of education and the role of teachers through class topics and experiences. They will also participate in a 10-hour classroom field experience. The George Fox University MAT program application process and requirements will be discussed. (This course is not part of the undergraduate elementary education major.)
Prerequisite: junior or senior status
This foundational course explores the impact of culture (societal, community, and educational) on English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education. Teacher Candidates will examine key theories and research literature to build a theoretical understanding of how cultural perspectives, identities, and communication styles influence the ESOL learning process and classroom environment. The course also emphasizes the application of this knowledge on instruction and the involvement of the community and its resources for maximizing ESOL students’ academic achievement. Prerequisite: Declared undergraduate education major.
This course provides learning experiences that will lead to the development of basic skills in Physical Education activities and sports. In addition to skill acquisition, the course will focus on how to plan and implement the stages of skill development in games through the use of extending, refining, and applying tasks. An emphasis will be placed on the use of the game stages and movement framework as a guide for designing a variety of sport game experiences for students in grades K-12.
This course provides learning experiences that will lead to the development of basic skills in Physical Education activities and sports. In addition to skill acquisition, the course will focus on how to plan and implement the stages of skill development in games through the use of extending, refining, and applying tasks. An emphasis will be placed on the use of the game stages and movement framework as a guide for designing a variety of sport game experiences for students in grades K-12.
In-depth study of the lower extremities including skills of injury evaluation, physical examination and differential diagnosis. One 1-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: HHPE 390 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries.
In-depth study of the spine and upper extremities including skill development in injury evaluation, physical examination and differential diagnosis. One 1-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite: HHPE 390 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries.
This course is intended to introduce students to the language of medicine and prepare them for future careers in the health sciences. Students will develop an understanding for recognizing, building, and applying medical terminology to the human body. A systems-based approach will be utilized to gain understanding of medical terminology in relation to human anatomy and physiology, pathology, and medical procedures. Pertinent case-studies and clinical material will be additionally utilized. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 Human Anatomy & Physiology I and BIOL 222 Human Anatomy & Physiology II.
Development of competence, style, and confidence in teaching physical education for the physical education major. Emphasis is given to analysis of objectives, unit and lesson planning, instruction methods, means of evaluation, and class procedures and control.
Course will help students correctly identify and select the proper modalities in the treatment of injuries through research of Evidence Based Practice, modality selection with respect to the healing phase of injury, and a thorough understanding of the indications and contraindication for each modality studied. Includes a lab for practice of application of therapeutic modalities to classmates in a simulated clinical setting. Prerequisite: HHPE 390 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries.
3-6 hours. A supervised experience in the discipline, including internships and practica required for professional programs. This experience must have an on-site supervisor and a departmental instructor overseeing, designing and evaluating the content of the course. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.
A study of causes, symptoms, and results of stress. Introduces practical techniques to alleviate stress, promote relaxation, and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
A study of our nation's current health problems and concerns. Emphasis on health consumerism and current trends, diseases, the sanctity of life, and fitness. Goal is to develop an educated view on current health issues.
A study of physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral development from infancy to old age. Will not count as part of the psychology or psychological science major. Students who take PSYC 310 are not eligible to also take PSYC 311, PSYC 314, or PSYC 312 for credit Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
A study of the unique physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral developmental changes during the period of adolescence. Students who take PSYC 310 Lifespan Development are not eligible to also take PSYC 314 for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.