Fact Sheet 07: Kinesiology

Revised June 2007

Kinesiology

Mission

The Department of Kinesiology strives to educate all individuals in the development of a healthy, active lifestyle and to prepare students for the teaching and exercise professions.

The following principles guide our efforts:

We continually work to improve the quality of what we do.
We are student driven. Everything we do is directed toward enhancing the education of our students, faculty, and staff, as well as individuals and professionals within our county, state, and region.
We have a sense of relevance in all we do.
We rely on the participation and initiative of every single person.
We support the growth of people both personally and professionally.
We listen.
We communicate openly and honestly.
We work in partnership with each other.
We act with integrity, honesty, and a sense of ethics.
We keep our commitments.

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education - Teacher Certification. Students with this degree are eligible for certification to teach health and physical education, K-12. Graduates also are qualified to coach both team and individual sports. Other potential career options are available in the fields of recreation and fitness.

Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education - Exercise Science Specialist. Students graduating with this degree are prepared to conduct adult fitness programs, prescribe and administer exercise in settings such as hospitals, clinics, corporations, or community centers, and work as personal trainers.

Minors

Coaching - The coaching minor prepares students to be coaches for all age groups. The minor follows the standards set by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and includes areas such as the theoretical foundations of coaching, sport psychology, injury prevention, and coaching management. Graduates receive transcript recognition and a written endorsement from the University.

Exercise Science - Designed to impart fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) in the theories and practice of exercise science, this minor will also provide learning experiences that lead to a basic understanding of exercise techniques, testing, and prescription.

?Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities – The minor in physical education for individuals with disabilities is designed to enable students to plan, implement, and advocate developmentally appropriate physical activity for people with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities, in schools, fitness centers, recreation centers, and residential facilities. Practical application is stressed in this minor; students will participate in approximately 200 hours of hands-on work. The minor in adapted physical activity prepares those in HPE-teacher certification to be eligible to take the APENS (Adapted Physical Education National Standards) exam but does not lead to Level II teaching certification. (Level II teaching certification is not available in the tri-state are.) Other certifications are offered within various courses.

Educational Opportunities

The Department of Kinesiology has a long tradition of partnering with community agencies and schools to provide preprofessional internships, student teaching experiences in health and physical education, and student coaching opportunities. Our students and faculty participate in various programs by conducting adapted physical activities, leading adventure-based initiatives, and providing local and regional leadership to numerous community and professional organizations.

Facilities

The department is housed on West Chester University's South Campus in the Russell L. Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center. The SHSC features the following indoor facilities: five full-size, multipurpose gymnasiums, one fully equipped gymnastic area, dance studio, multipurpose room, strength training facility, human performance laboratory, climbing wall, 17 classrooms, and an aquatics center featuring two pools and a 14 1/2 foot diving well. Outdoor facilities include: multipurpose playing fields, tennis courts, softball and baseball fields, 1/4 mile track, and two recreational outdoor pursuits education (ROPE) courses.

Advanced Degrees

Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Physiology
Master of Science - General Physical Education
Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in sport and athletic administration is available in collaboration with the College of Business and Public Affairs

These three different graduate programs are designed to provide classroom, laboratory, research, and practical experiences.

Department Faculty

The faculty of the Department of Kinesiology is committed to excellence. WCU boasts a diverse faculty with expertise in pedagogy, coaching, motor learning, exercise physiology, kinesiology, adaptive physical education, sports management, and outdoor leadership. Each professor's commitment to excellence is evidenced by his or her integral involvement in learning, teaching, advising, and promoting student professional development.

For More Information

Dr. Raymond A. Zetts, Chairperson
Department of Kinesiology
206 Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2610