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Are you interested in Kinesiology?
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B.S. in Kinesiology
Degree Details
These are the important details you will need to keep in mind as you prepare your application and degree plan. Explore the 6 possible tracks for this major.
Required Hours
University Hours: 56
Major Hours: 54-66 (Choice of 6 tracks)*
Electives: 6-16*
Total Required: 128 credit hours*
*Based on track selection
Tracks
Find specific program information for each track at the “View Catalog” button.
Coaching
Generalist
Pre-Athletic Training(3+2, Integrated Program)
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Sport and Recreation Management
Example Coursework
- Structural Kinesiology
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Biomechanics
Department
Career Options
Consider the wide range of exciting careers available with a bachelor’s in kinesiology
Athletic Coach
Sports/leisure activity director
Sports marketer
Exercise physiologist
Personal Trainer
See below for more opportunities you can pursue in graduate school.
Concentrations
Athletic Training 3+2 Integrated Program (KATP)
The 3+2 program is designed for students to earn an undergraduate degree in kinesiology and complete the prerequisites for the Master of Athletic Training program. After acceptance into the professional phase of the program, students will begin graduate level classes during the summer prior to their fourth year. The bachelor’s degree will be awarded after the completion of the fourth year. The master’s degree will be awarded upon successful completion of the fifth year.
Coaching (KCOA)
Students who desire a career in coaching may register for the KCOA degree. This concentration provides comprehensive coursework and internship experiences at many levels, preparing students for coaching in middle school through college or in the private sector. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for acceptance into and remaining in the KSRM degree concentration.
Kinesiology Generalist (KGEN)
This concentration allows students the flexibility to obtain academic preparation inclusive of laboratory and practical experiences necessary to enter medical school or graduate programs in allied health, exercise physiology and associated fields. The flexibility of this program serves to accommodate academic preparation for entrance into occupational and physical therapy, chiropractic and physician assistant programs.
Pre-Occupational Therapy (KNOT)
Students who wish to pursue professional graduate programs in occupational therapy must complete all the prerequisites for entry into those programs. The KNOT concentration provides those prerequisites in addition to key kinesiology courses designed to enhance the chances of success in graduate school. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required for acceptance into and remaining in the KNOT degree concentration.
Pre-Physical Therapy (KNPT)
Students who wish to pursue professional graduate programs in physical therapy must complete all of the prerequisites for entry into those programs. The KNPT concentration provides those prerequisites in addition to key kinesiology courses designed to enhance the chances of success in graduate school. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required for acceptance into and remaining in the KNPT degree concentration.
Sport and Recreation Management (KSRM)
Students who desire careers in recreation settings, such as camps, YMCA, YWCA or city recreation programs, or those who wish to work in intramural or athletic administration or marketing may register for the KSRM degree. This concentration allows a number of electives that may be used to focus on a specific career goal. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for acceptance into and remaining in the KSRM degree concentration.
Customize Your Degree
Specialize your study in kinesiology by choosing one of six tracks: pre-athletic training, kinesiology generalist, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, sports and recreation management, or coaching. A required internship will further equip you for your post-graduation career. We also offer an elite cohort of mentorship opportunities through our Pre-Health program.
Opportunities & Activities
What can you do after graduation?
- Athletic Coach
- Sports/leisure activity director
- Sports marketer
- Exercise physiologist
- Personal Trainer
“ACU was the difference in my life that brought me to being the man in ministry I am today. I am thankful for the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition and the passionate faculty who taught me so many skills.”
– Walker Johnson
Apply for graduate school under the following areas:
- Athletic Training
- Physician assistant
- Chiropractic
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
De’Andre Brown
The junior running back’s father, Eric Brown (’92), suited up for the Wildcats in the late 1980s and early ’90s, and De’Andre was raised on his stories of Wildcat football.
Students participate in Parkinson’s Disease research
The eight-week Parkinson’s Disease research project wasn’t just for the benefit of faculty and students.
Colton Rosseau
The kinesiology major from Abilene, Texas, is a member of the student servant-leadership group Lynay.
Kinesiology majors have many opportunities to learn outside the classroom, including:
- Athletic Training Student Organization
- Kinesiology Club
- Internships (required)
- Job shadowing
- Human Performance Laboratory
- Recreation and Wellness Center
“ACU has provided me with a well-rounded education, some of my closest friends to date, and a solid foundation of Christian values.”
– Ana Pruteanu
The Kinesiology & Nutrition Department offers many scholarships for majors every year. They are provided in honor of people who have been particularly influential in this department over the past several decades. Scholarships are offered to students of different classifications and are awarded based on specific criteria for each. Contact Dr. Sheila Jones at joness@acu.edu for more information concerning application forms and due dates.
Scruggs Scholarship
Named and funded in honor of Guy
“Coach” and Bess Scruggs, this scholarship is provided to outstanding majors after their freshman year.
Paschall Scholarship
Mr. Paschall’s son was a coach and died at a young age. The Paschall family provided this scholarship and asked that it be awarded to young men, who are members of the Churches of Christ and intend to coach. This scholarship is provided after the student’s freshman year.
Johne and R.L. Roberts Scholarship
Named and funded by family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. R.L. (Johne) Roberts. Johne provided locker room supervision, leadership and friendship to women dressing for our activity classes for more than 15 years. This scholarship is usually provided every other year to a female major after her freshman year.
Helen Moran Scholarship
Named and funded by the Abilene Women’s Bowling Association in honor of Helen Moran, a member of the AWBA and an ACU alumnus. Scholarships are awarded based upon character, academic ability and financial need. Preference is given to female physical education, business or Bible majors. This scholarship is usually provided following the female’s freshman year.
Marie Wilmeth Scholarship
Named and funded by family, friends and students of Dr. Marie Wilmeth. Dr. Wilmeth was a previous chair of ACU’s Department of Family and Consumer Studies. This scholarship is available for committed nutrition majors after the student’s freshman year.
Leotta Zickefoose Frazier
Funded by the family of Leotta Zickefoose Frazier, the mother of faculty emeritus Ben Zickefoose. This scholarship is set aside for those interested in special populations, such as senior adults, cardiac rehabilitation and other special needs.
Debi Zickefoose Allen
Funded by the family of career physical educator Debi Zickefoose Allen, this scholarship is intended for students majoring in PETE. To be eligible, students must be active members of the state organization TAHPERD and attend one or more state conventions.
Trey Zickefoose
Funded by the family of Trey Zickefoose, this scholarship is intended for non-traditional students with preference to military veterans or active duty.
Tonja Rushing
Funded by the Ben Zickefoose family, this scholarship is for deserving students in the department who are classified at least a sophomore. Preference is given to nutrition majors and single parents. Character, academic ability and financial need are important considerations.
Dwain Hart
Funded in honor of former department chair, dean and provost Dwain Hart, this scholarship is intended for entering freshmen who graduate from a Christian high school in the Texas Christian School Association. Dr. Hart was the very first department chair and served more than 20 years in that capacity, before becoming dean of the College of Professional Studies and provost.
Students in the kinesiology and nutrition program participate in significant and often prestigious internships as a part of their preparation for Master of Athletic Training, physical therapy school, occupational therapy school or entrance into the fitness industry. Students are often given the opportunity to shadow professionals in their chosen fields, as well. A few of the internships attained by past students have included work with: Cooper Aerobics Center and Clinic in Dallas, Durango Sports Club in Colorado, Four Seasons Sports Club in Houston, Texas Rangers in Arlington, UT Health San Antonio, City of Boulder Parks and Recreation,   Texas Health Huguley Hospital in Fort Worth, Action Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy in Abilene, and Hendrick Health Club in Abilene.
An internship experience is required by our KINE degree. The major and the advisor will work together to select a site that best fits the student’s needs.
Internship Resource Guide – three credit hours
Center for Christian Service and Leadership
Our students also have several opportunities to serve in the community. Students have participated in Special Olympics, hippotherapy, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and many other local non-profit organizations.
Mission Statement
We, the students of the Athletic Training Student Organization strive to educate those who are looking to advance their knowledge and experience in the athletic training field while expanding our program in a Christian environment as a unified camaraderie of athletic training students. Our goals are to prepare students to enter a master’s program in athletic training, and to inform others of the responsibilities we undertake. We expand our learning through the athletic training staff, team physicians and those who came before us. We aim to foster the advancement of athletic training responsibilities in students, as well as leadership, loyalty and professional qualities.
Yearly membership dues: $40
Officers:
President: Candace Parker (1st year MAT)
Vice President: Morgan Spencer-Roth (1st year MAT)
Secretary: Josselyn Castillo (Senior)
Treasurer: Madie Simpson (Sophomore)
Chaplin: MeKaela Bell (Sophomore)