Kinesiology: B.A.
You want to be healthy and active – and encourage others to do the same. Why not make it your career path? Consider a degree in kinesiology. Your passion for personal health can help build a better quality of life for others. Ouachita’s program offers five emphases to allow you to choose a course of study that fits your individual career goals.
As a kinesiology major at Ouachita, you will be trained in how to create healthy habits that will lead to better physical health and movements. And with the Department of Kinesiology's commitment to provide you with evidence-based and experiential education, you will be equipped for professions in fitness, health, teaching, recreation, sports and leisure activities.
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Athletic Training
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Specialist
Occupational or Physical Therapy
Personal Trainer
Adaptive Physical Education
Basis of Human Movement
Biomechanical Analysis
Exercise Prescription
Physiology of Exercise
Strength & Conditioning
This flexible degree program allows you to choose an emphasis to suit your interests and the needs of your future career path:
- Teaching
- Recreation & Sports Administration
- Exercise Science
- Pre-Professional Studies
- Recreation & Sports Ministry
View the detailed degree requirements PDF to see all courses included in the program.
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Available Minors
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Emphases
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Top Credential for Exercise is Medicine® Campuses
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Area High Schools in 5 Counties Served by Concussion Clinic
5 Emphases, 4 Minors:
choose your path
A teaching emphasis will prepare you to work as a teacher* and coach in the public or private sector by instructing you in physical education and providing you with an endorsement in coaching. The teaching emphasis also involves one semester of a professional internship (student teaching) prior to graduation. The teaching emphasis is paired with a second major in education and prepares you for K-12 licensure in health education.
*You also must complete state licensure requirements.
This track is also available as a 21-hour coaching minor. See the university catalog for current course requirements.
The recreation & sports administration emphasis is for those interested in working in such roles as an athletic director, recreation director for youth services or as a parks & recreation administrator. With an interdisciplinary curriculum with courses from business, communications, sociology and more, you’ll be prepared for a career of leadership.
This track is also available as a 21-hour minor. See the university catalog for current course requirements.
If you plan to work in the exercise industry – for example, corporate health, medical wellness or cancer exercise – the exercise science emphasis will help you earn your exercise science certification through the American College of Sports Medicine. This is also a great choice if you are interested in continuing your education in a exercise science graduate program.
This track is also available as a 21-hour minor. See the university catalog for current course requirements.
Are your career goals in physical or occupational therapy, exercise science, cardiac rehabilitation, athletic training or another health-related profession? The pre-professional studies emphasis is tailored to challenge you and equip you with the knowledge and skills that will give you a head start in graduate school.
Whether you can see yourself working for a faith-based organization, camp, university or as a missionary, with an emphasis in recreation and sports ministry you will learn how to utilize recreation and sports to create community and lead others to a knowledge of Christ.
This track is also available as a 21-hour minor. See the university catalog for current course requirements.
In their words
hear from a faculty member & student
"The Department of Kinesiology’s pre-professional program helped me prepare to be successful in achieving my master of science degree in occupational therapy. The knowledge gained in these kinesiology courses concerning the body and its functions assisted with my completion of courses in graduate school. I would encourage anyone interested in pursuing a degree in occupational or physical therapy to consider the pre-professional track here at Ouachita."
Haley Kirk
2016 graduate and registered and licensed occupational therapist
DEVELOPING BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT
Yes, kinesiology is about the body. But as exercise scientists, we are dedicated to more than exercise; we use our knowledge of how the body, mind and spirit work together to recommend the best treatments for physical health. At Ouachita, you will be trained to assess your patients and their individualized needs – physical, spiritual and cultural – and provide treatment that is healthy for their specific body type.
GAIN AN EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
Kinesiology is a hands-on field, so why should your training be any different? From promoting an Exercise is Medicine® On Campus event for the surrounding community to working as a trainer with Ouachita’s 15 NCAA DII athletics teams, you’ll have many opportunities to gain experience that makes a difference. As a senior, you will work alongside an exercise professional in a setting of your choice.
MAKE A REAL COMMUNITY IMPACT
Ouachita’s Department of Kinesiology works closely with the local community to make a real difference in the lives of individuals. For example, students in our Community Outreach Lab learn to write and prescribe exercise to community members who want to make a change to their health. Other opportunities include a fitness program for adults with developmental disabilities and a concussion clinic for local athletes.
EXPERIENCE A BREADTH OF POSSIBILITIES
under the instruction of specialized faculty
Ouachita’s kinesiology graduates are known for being well-prepared upon graduation, and we know that has a lot to do with our faculty. From athletic training and group therapy to outdoor recreation and coaching, our faculty have specialized and spent years in their fields, and you will benefit from a quality education and personal instruction that gives you the confidence to succeed – no matter your pursuits. Three of our four members are certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, and they all have a passion for promoting healthy living through therapeutic exercise. Additionally, their connections will offer you experiences unlike other undergraduate programs: for example, you will dissect a cadaver with an experienced orthopedic surgeon. The field of kinesiology is broad, and we are here to help you reach your goals.
HUCKABEE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
The Huckabee School of Education is dedicated to the growth of future servant leaders in professions that maximize the potential of individuals and society through Christ-centered programs that lead to the maturing of the mind and body, linking love of God and love of learning.
GET IN TOUCH
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