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Kinesiology
In concordance with the Catholic, Lasallian and liberal arts traditions of Saint Mary's College, the Department of Kinesiology serves its students through a curriculum based on the interdisciplinary study of the human being in motion. With our students, we examine the whole person across the lifespan in the domains of health, sport and physical activity. We strive to motivate our students to embrace the ethos "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve" because of our belief in their ability to positively lead and transform our society for the better.
Our primary department focus is to ground our students in the disciplinary knowledge necessary for a meaningful professional and personal life after Saint Mary's College. The faculty guides our students in the acquisition of foundational knowledge and fundamental skills through to higher order thinking and pre-professional practice. We ensure that our students are immersed in the breadth and depth of our field's classic and contemporary scholarly literature. Our undergraduate students have access to the following types of department coursework: sport history and sociology, exercise psychology and physiology, biomechanics and human motor performance, athletic facility management, community and peer health, athletic training, sport law, exercise testing and prescription, and sport nutrition.
Our faculty and staff consider and treat each student as an equal in the Department of Kinesiology's community of learners. This is expressed through a curriculum that respects and engages difference and a faculty focused on the whole person we teach. The traditions of the College are reflected in our small interactive classes, attention to individual student needs, internship placements, careful academic and career advising, and a commitment to the development of responsible independent thought.
Exercise Science (B.S.)
Formerly called Health and Human Performance, this emphasis explores the interactions of physical activity, exercise training, and nutrition on the human body. Students develop a broad knowledge base, critical thinking and communication skills, and practical experience in exercise physiology, sport nutrition, motor learning, sport psychology, and biomechanics. The interdisciplinary coursework prepares students to become effective and socially responsible contributors to the scientific, performance, and athletic communities. Students develop proficiencies to pursue professional certifications, graduate programs, and advanced careers in the fields of athletic training, exercise rehabilitation, fitness training, health care, and coaching.
Health Promotion (B.A.)
This emphasis prepares students with interests in the fields of health education, health promotion, wellness, and public health. Coursework prepares students to analyze the sociocultural root causes of health disparities and inequalities that lead to differences in health outcomes across populations, as well as to create and evaluate health promotion programs. The curriculum has been designed to meet the four critical component elements for undergraduate health education programs: health and human diversity, environmental health, health communications and advocacy, and experiential learning through internships.
Sport and Recreation Management (B.A.)
This emphasis is designed for students interested in the business of sport, recreation, fitness, and athletics. Coursework provides the philosophical grounding and administrative skills necessary for success in the domains of management, marketing, finance, and sport law, as well as for success in graduate-level training in a related field of study. Students gain skills in analyzing ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues in sport and athletics for use in managerial decision-making and policy determinations. Experiential learning is an essential component, as students complete an internship to develop networking skills and professional connections.
Page updated April 15, 2020
