"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it"
~Plato

What is kinesiology?

Kinesiology, sometimes known as physical education, is the study of physiological and functional adaptations to movement. Professionals are focused on prevention and treatment of sports and movement injuries, as well as educating others on how to live a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutrition. This multidisciplinary field encompasses concepts from biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, sports, and fitness programming.

The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education program at William Paterson University is housed in the College of Science and Health. All students are required to take 25 credits of core courses, and the structure of the rest of the program is dependent on the student's choice of one of the three concentration areas: Athletic Training (34 credits), K-12 Teacher Certification (33 credits), or Exercise Physiology (18 credits). Students not in athletic training are required to take 7-13 credits in Performance Skills. Classes within the core courses include, but are not limited to, Kinesiology, Psychology of Motor Learning, History and Philosophy of Sport & Activity, and First Aid & CPR.

To learn more about the degree requirements, please visit this link:
http://www.wpunj.edu/cos/ex-movsci/

Admissions information on Kinesiology is located here:
http://www.wpunj.edu/admissions/undergraduate/academic-programs/programs_detail.dot?id=125945

What interests and skills do potential employers value in this career?

• Enjoy working with people
• Understanding of, and interest in, health issues
• Good oral communication skills
• Ability to analyze and interpret data
• Research skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Understanding of, and interest in, science and math
• Leadership ability

What types of jobs can exercise and movement science/physical education majors get?

Work Environment :
People working within the field of exercise and movement science, or physical education, have a number of options in terms of work environment. Professionals may choose to work in public or private health and fitness centers, corporate fitness centers, for sports teams, in physical therapy offices, schools and universities, rehabilitation clinics, sports medicine clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals. Some job titles may require further education beyond a bachelor's degree.

Possible Job Titles

In what locations and capacities have William Paterson Kinesiology alumni worked?

Athletic Trainer Valley Hospital

Exercise Specialist Plus One Fitness

Fitness Supervisor Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Health Specialist Health Fitness Corporation

Physical Education Teacher (many alumni) various local NJ school districts

Wellness Coordinator Prudential

Assistant Aquatics Director YMCA

Exercise Physiologist Quantum Senior Fitness

Sales Representative Forest Pharmaceuticals

Head Athletic Trainer various local NJ school districts

Health & Fitness Specialist Johnson & Johnson

Police Officer local Police Department

Wellness Director YMCA of Greater Bergen County

Aside from majoring in Kinesiology, what else can I do that may enhance my qualifications?

Successful students tend to seek out opportunities to enhance their qualifications through a variety of means. Within exercise and movement science, some suggestions may include joining or becoming a leader in physical education career-related campus organizations, such as the Exercise and Movement Science majors club; becoming certified in CPR, first aid, and/or other related certifications; reading professional journals; gaining practical experience through an internship/practicum/job shadowing; joining a professional organization in the field; looking into the possibility of graduate school; and seeking out networking opportunities.

What else can I read about exercise and movement science?

Related Web Sites :

American College of Sports Medicine www.acsm.org

National Strength and Conditioning Organization www.ncsa-lift.org

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance www.aahperd.org

National Athletic Trainers Association www.nata.org

Occupational Outlook www.bls.gov/oco/

Industry Information www.vault.com

Job Search and Salary information www.rileyguide.com

Occupation Information http://online.onetcenter.org

Other sources of information :

Please drop by the Career Development and Advisement Center to learn more about careers in exercise and movement science. The career library carries career-specific books and counselors are available to answer any further questions you may have. Visiting the Kinesiology Department on campus may also prove valuable in addressing questions.

The Career Development and Gloria S. Williams Advisement Center
Student Center 301, 300 Pompton Road Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone 973.720.2281/2282 Fax 973.720.2074

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