Kinesiology is the science of human movement and physical activity. Kinesiology majors study how people learn new motor skills, the effects of exercise on the physiology and biomechanics of the human body, how to best treat and rehabilitate sports injuries, and much more. Kinesiology is part of the fastest growing body of professions in the nation, with Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating future growth in related positions at nearly three times the national average for all occupations combined. Classes in the Department of Kinesiology prepare students for certifications as Strength and Conditioning Specialists, Personal Trainers, Health Fitness Instructors, Exercise Specialists, Clinical Exercise Physiologists, and for graduate programs in Kinesiology, Physical and Occupational Therapy, medical school and many others. Students at the undergraduate level can select from three concentrations focused on teaching physical education, clinical exercise physiology, and human fitness and performance.

Marketable Skills

1. Students will gain the knowledge and analytical thinking skills of the physiological, mechanical, and structural functioning, and manners of how to improve function of the human body in relation to physical activity and exercise.
2. Students will be able to effectively use instrumentation for training and measurement of selected physical functions.
3. Students will be able to develop programs designed to improve physiological, mechanical, and structural functions.
4. Students will be able to function skillfully as a teacher of physical education.

Learning Outcomes

1. Effectively identify peer-reviewed articles relevant to a specific issue, accurately interpret the results and conclusions, and relate them to our current understanding of that issue.
2. Accurately describe chronic diseases and disabilities, disease progressions, treatments, and adaptations resulting from exercise.
3. Properly conduct and evaluate appropriate health risk appraisals and physical performance assessments for diverse populations with various health conditions.
4. Apply established scientific principles to develop an appropriate, safe, and effective exercise prescription based on the data and evaluation of the health risk appraisals and physical performance assessments.
5. Display a firm understanding of the importance and value of ethical and professional standards of practice and apply them when working with individuals.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and skills equivalent to what is required to pass the ACSM-CCEP, and/or ACSM-EIM Level 1 and 2 certification and credentialing exams.

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology requires:

1. Completion of the general University core,
2. Program prerequisites,
3. Kinesiology core,
4. Kinesiology Professional Courses,
5. Free elective or minor courses.

Students wishing to obtain a teaching certificate must select the Physical Education Teacher Education Concentration and the Education Minor. The Clinical Exercise Science and the Human Fitness and Performance concentrations are the appropriate concentrations for students interested in careers in the fitness industry or in graduate study in Exercise Science, Physical Therapy or similar fields.

Students who participate in internships with agencies or school districts requiring background checks must successfully pass the background check in order to complete the internship requirements. See http://utep.edu/chs/compliance/ for more information.

Students who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and who wish to pursue a teaching certificate to teach physical education, should examine the College of Education section of this catalog. Students desiring to pursue a Master of Science in Kinesiology should consult the Graduate Catalog.

Preparing for Graduate School

Kinesiology majors who are interested in pursuing masters or doctoral degrees (for example, programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Public Health, Medical School, etc.) are advised to select either the Clinical Exercise Science or Human Fitness and Performance concentration. Students may complete the prerequisite courses for admission to graduate programs as part of their 15  elective credits in the degree plan.  Prerequisites for graduate programs at other universities may differ from those at UTEP. For specific prerequisites to admission into graduate programs at UTEP, see the UTEP Graduate Catalog.

Core and Program Prerequisite Courses to Enhance Student Success

Students are encouraged to successfully complete the recommended Core Curriculum and a majority of Program Prerequisite courses before taking any Kinesiology courses. Student may select other core courses than the recommended core courses from each of the component area menus in the university core, but the recommended courses provide optimum preparation for the major. Students must complete the required core courses, and the required Program Prerequisite Courses.

Prior to enrolling in KIN 3303, a Kinesiology major must successfully complete the following core and program prerequisite  courses with a C or better:

• RWS 1301 or ENGL 1311 or ESOL 1311
• RWS 1302 or ENGL 1312 or ENGL 1313 or ESOL 1312
• MATH 1320 or MATH 1508 or MATH 1411
• BIOL 1305 and BIOL 1107
• BIOL 2311 and BIOL 2111

Fast Track

4-Year Sample Degree Plan 

BS in Kinesiology with Clinical Exercise Science concentration 

BS in Kinesiology with Human Fitness & Performance concentration

BS in Kinesiology with Physical Education Teacher Education concentration & ALED minor