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

Associate Professors
Deborah Buswell, Mary Hawkins, James Rowe, Jay Thornton, Todd Whitehead

Assistant Professors
Mihae Bae, Derek Cegelka, Jeff Forsse, Dustin Joubert, Heather Samuelson, Melinda Watts

Instructor
Sharon Rice

Lecturers
Patricia Berthot, Alisa Blair, Michael Courtney, David Goodman

Undergraduate Kinesiology Program Coordinators
David Goodman - EC-12 Physical Education Teacher Education
Dustin Joubert - Fitness and Human Performance

Dance Program Coordinator
Heather Samuelson

Health Science Coordinator
Mary Hawkins

Objectives

The mission of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science is related to the preparation of health science, kinesiology and dance 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, health science and dance, 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 fitness and human performance. 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. Failure to pass all test items results in a withheld grade.

The Kinesiology Physical Education Teacher Education (EC-12), B.S. is nationally recognized by the Society of Health and Physical Educators and prepares students to be certified teachers in physical education in Texas. Majors are required to take BIO 123 or BIO 238 and PHY 101 as part of the quantitative skills and science requirements of the Bachelor of Science. Kinesiology EC-12 majors also must complete KIN 234 , KIN 235 and KIN 236 prior to internship (SED 450 /SED 460 ) and KIN 353 and KIN 417 prior to student teaching. EC-12 majors must earn a grade of C or better in all required activity courses: KIN 234 , KIN 235 and KIN 236 .

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. Fitness and human performance majors are required to take BIO 238 and PHY 101 as part of the quantitative skills and science requirements of the Bachelor of Science.

The Health Science, Community Health, B.S. is a dynamic major that prepares students for various careers in community/public health settings, such as hospitals, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and worksite 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. Community 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.

The primary mission of the B.S. in dance is the professional preparation of teachers who possess a breadth of understanding in the discipline and will continue to uphold standards of excellence as they in turn make contributions to dance in education and as an art form. Students are encouraged to reach their highest technical and creative potential to the extent that should they desire to pursue graduate studies in dance or a performing career, they will be sufficiently prepared to realize their goals. Therefore, dance majors and minors are required to be enrolled in ballet, modern or jazz dance each semester while completing curriculum requirements. In addition, dance majors must earn a grade of C or higher in all required major classes. It is also expected that dance students participate in dance program events either as spectators, technical crew or performers. Membership in the SFA Repertory Dance Company is by audition and offers dancers advanced opportunities in performing the choreography of faculty, guest artists and senior-level students.

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

Major

Minor

Certification

Secondary Education Certification