Department of Kinesiology and Health Science

Jay Thornton, chair
HPE Complex, Room 204
Phone: (936) 468-3503
Fax: (936) 468-1850
P.O. Box 13015, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
Web: sfasu.edu/kinesiology

Faculty

Professors
Linda Bobo, Eric Jones, DawnElla Rust, Christina Sinclair, Todd Whitehead

Associate Professors
Deborah Buswell, Derek Cegelka, Mary Hawkins, Dustin Joubert, James Rowe, Jay Thornton

Assistant Professors
Mihae Bae, Sharon Rice, John Stewart, Keilea Sumrall, Victoria R. Wagner-Greene, Melinda Watts, Robyn Whitehead

Undergraduate Kinesiology Program Coordinators
Deborah Buswell - EC-12 Physical Education Teacher Education
Robyn Whitehead - Exercise Science

Health Science Coordinator
Derek Cegelka

Objectives

The mission of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science is related to the preparation of health science and kinesiology professionals, and the development of total fitness and recreational sports skills of the university community through programs of health, fitness and lifetime sports.

Definitions of Majors and Minors

The department provides majors in the study of kinesiology and health science, as well as minors in each of these fields.

Kinesiology majors have the option to specialize in EC-12 physical education teacher education or in exercise science. Both of these programs require all students be able to participate in vigorous physical activities. Successful completion of the physical fitness tests is required for all students enrolled in the respective course. If a candidate does not meet the goal or goals for the individual components of health-related fitness, a fitness plan will be developed by the candidate with assistance from the instructor.

The Kinesiology Physical Education Teacher Education (EC-12), BS prepares students to be certified teachers in physical education in Texas. Majors are required to take BIOL 1309 or BIOL 2301 and PHYS 1305 as part of the quantitative skills and science requirements of the Bachelor of Science. Kinesiology EC-12 majors also must complete KINE 2234 , KINE 2235 and KINE 2236 prior to internship (SEED 4250 /SEED 4360 ) and KINE 3353 and KINE 4317 prior to clinical teaching. EC-12 majors must earn a grade of C or better in all required activity courses: KINE 2234 , KINE 2235 and KINE 2236 .

The Kinesiology, Exercise Science, B.S. prepares students for future specialized training and careers in clinical medicine, research, rehabilitation, therapy, fitness, athletic strength/conditioning and other allied-health areas. The program provides a rigorous, scientific-based curriculum and hands-on clinical and field experience to provide students with an understanding of various career demands and possibilities. Increases in public awareness of the importance of overall health, physical activity and exercise has led to intensive growth in the public and private sectors of health and fitness clubs (primary and secondary intervention), as well as clinical settings often housed within hospitals (secondary and tertiary intervention). In response to this growth, this degree is designed to prepare students to meet the increased demands for professionally certified individuals. Exercise science majors are required to take BIOL 2301 and PHYS 1305 as part of the quantitative skills and science requirements of the Bachelor of Science.

The Public Health, BS is a dynamic major that prepares students for various careers in community/public health settings, such as clinical settings, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and workplace health promotion programs. This degree exposes students to a wide range of health science careers while providing the foundational courses required for professional post-graduate work, such as public health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, environmental health and more. Public health majors will complete 39 health science hours with a minimum of 18 HSC advanced hours. In addition, the degree requires completion of the Core Curriculum requirements and a designated minor. The mission of the health science program is to provide quality academic education and structured professional experiences designed to prepare students to plan, implement and evaluate health programs and to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their communities.

Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of the SFA Alliance, the departmental professional club, PEK Honors Fraternity, Hunger Jacks and other related departmental activities.

Programs

Program Overview

Minor

Certification

Secondary Education Certification