Kinesiology
Interested in studying various forms of human movement and their impact on health, society and quality of life? As a kinesiology major, you’ll take classes that examine physical activity in educational, wellness/fitness-oriented, therapeutic and performance-based settings. In addition to your diploma, you’ll also earn entry-level certification from either the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
The Central Difference
Take Advantage of Research Opportunities and Hands-On Experiences
Your ability to conduct research in an applied setting is an important component of the kinesiology major. This includes the options to conduct collaborative research with Central faculty members or to present your work to larger audiences at conferences across the country. If you choose to be part of the Emerging Scholars program, you will complete an honors thesis during your senior year.
Real-life experiences can positively impact your learning as well as your growing résumé. If you’re interested in a health profession, consider a robust job-shadowing opportunity, a focused internship or practicum experience.
The Game Changer
From Central’s baseball team captain to CEO, B.J. Pilling ’09 has had an entrepreneurial spirit every step of the way.
Learn in Nationally Recognized Facilities
In Central’s state-of-the-art kinesiology building, you’ll find a dedicated classroom for pre-health programs that features examination tables instead of desks. The human performance lab features a hydrostatic underwater weighing tank, one of only three in the Midwest. The building uses LCD screens and classroom capture, which enables all classes to be videotaped so you can review them later. The adjacent Ron Schipper Fitness Center features a 2,000-square-foot human movement and performance area.
Pre-Health
If you’re thinking of continuing your education in a graduate program in the health field, look to Central faculty members for expert advice and mentorship. They will ensure that you have a well-rounded background in the sciences and are fully prepared to take your entrance exams. The kinesiology acceptance rate is very high, and Central has a great reputation with graduate schools because they know Central students are prepared and will be successful.
Take Your College Career to the Next Level
Enhance your development as a global citizen and earn credits toward your major when you participate in one of Central’s international programs. Our Wales program expands your studies with “Outdoor Pursuits,” which includes rock climbing, spelunking and more. It’ll help you get that much more ahead while gaining international experience. Get the attention of prospective employers and graduate schools by adding this to your résumé. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Beyond Central
Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education
- Daniel Weir ’18, fitness director, Grand Living, West Des Moines, Iowa
- Brandon Zumbach ’18, minor league athletic trainer, Houston Astros, Houston, Texas
- Sam Schmitz ’17, strength and conditioning coach, Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa
- Monica Ruiz ’16, assistant strength and condition coach, Central College, Pella, Iowa
- Aaron Fuller ’14, head track and field coach, Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa
- Alayna Bailey Westerkamp ’14, account manager, Navigate Wellbeing Solutions, Des Moines, Iowa
- Joe Rosauer ’12, minor league athletic trainer, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix, Arizona
- Matt Sagar ’12, assistant strength and conditioning coach, Central College, Pella, Iowa
- Nate Weir ’05, assistant athletic trainer, Green Bay Packers, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Professor Sara Shuger Fox Recognized for Mentorship of Underrepresented Students
Sara Shuger Fox, associate professor of kinesiology, has received the 2021 Research Mentor Award from The Organization for Tropical Studies for her mentorship of underrepresented students through the National Science Foundation’s Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program.
Involvement Opportunities
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group for you!
- Angling Club
- Health Professions Club
- FCA Club
- Ski Club
- Student Athletic Advisory Club
Learn how you can get involved with groups and organizations at Central.
Graduate Placement
- Colorado State University, public health
- Creighton University, occupational therapy and physical therapy
- Des Moines University, public health, physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Grand View University, athletic training
- Iowa State University, kinesiology
- Palmer College of Chiropractic
- T. Still University, occupational therapy and physical therapy
- Truman State, athletic training
- University of Iowa, physical therapy
- University of Indianapolis, physical therapy
- Western Michigan University, athletic training
- University of Nebraska, physical therapy, athletic training and medicine
- University of Nebraska Omaha, physical activity and health promotion
- University of South Dakota, occupational therapy
- University of Washington, St. Louis, Mo., occupational therapy
Internships
- Community Rehab, Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine
- Des Moines Can Play, adapted physical education
- Hy-Vee, KidsFit Club
- Mercy Hospital,
- Newton and Oskaloosa YMCAs
- Northern Illinois University, strength and conditioning
- Tulsa Football, strength and conditioning
- United States Air Force, strength and conditioning
- University of Iowa, strength and conditioning
- University of Notre Dame, strength and conditioning
- Wesley Life, adapted activities program
Courses & Faculty
The kinesiology major is thoughtfully designed to give students a choice of tracks, all built upon a solid academic core. By design, majors learn all of the content necessary for successful careers and then have the opportunity to practice in an applied setting.
Depending upon their chosen track, students engage the field by doing internships, practical experiences, undergraduate research and laboratory work. Students have the choice of four tracks: health promotions, health and exercise science, physical education or strength and conditioning.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Meet the Faculty
- Leslie Duinink, B.A., M.S., Registrar and Associate Professor of Kinesiology
- Jim Fuller, B.A., M.S., Lecturer of Kinesiology
- Shelli Green, B.A., M.S., Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Clinical Education Coordinator of Kinesiology
- Kyle Johnson, B.A., M.Ed., Lecturer of Kinesiology and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
- Dave Pavlat, B.S., M.S., Ed.D., Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Director of Strength & Conditioning and Personal Training
- Pam Richards, B.S., M.S., Ed.D., Associate Professor of Kinesiology
- John Roslien, B.S., M.S., Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Director of Athletic Training
- Matt Sagar, B.A., M.S., Lecturer of Kinesiology
- Sara Shuger Fox, B.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Kinesiology
- Katelin Valster, B.A., M.S., Lecturer of Kinesiology
Sample Coursework
First Year
- Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology
- Foundations of Kinesiology
- First Aid & Sports Injuries
- Major Electives
- Core Courses
Sophomore Year
- Human Anatomy & Kinesiology
- Fitness Assessment & Exercise
- Prescription
- Major Electives
- Core Courses
Junior Year
- Sports Nutrition
- Major Electives
- Core Courses
Senior Year
- Exercise Physiology
- Exercise Physiology Lab
- Major Electives
- Core Courses
Learn More
Want to find out more about Kinesiology at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
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