Kinesiology Major | Teaching/Coaching Certification | Exercise Science | Athletic Training Endorsement | Kinesiology Minor | Course Descriptions
Chair: Alice Fisher (936) 294-1165
Faculty: Brent Estes, Mark Gaus, Jon Gray, Bob Case, Brenda Lichtman, Gary Oden, Emily Roper, Ryan Zapalac,
The mission of the Kinesiology program is to advance students’ understanding of relationships among movement, exercise, and skill that occur in the contexts of development, learning, rehabilitation, and training. The program seeks to prepare future professionals for movement-related fields such as teaching, coaching, personal exercise, training and fitness. Learning occurs through the study of movement and exercise processes within a framework that emphasizes the clinical and practical implications of theory and research.
S.H.A.W. – Sam Houston Alliance for Wellness – promotes healthy lifestyles; open to all SHSU students.
Students completing the Exercise Science track complete a 6-credit, 480-hour internship at a site which is aligned with their career aspirations under the instruction and supervision of a qualified and experienced professional in the field.
Those seeking Teacher Certification must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (includes transfer and SHSU hours) and must earn a “C” or better in their Kinesiology or Education courses.
Curriculum Description
The curriculum integrates the physiological, biomechanical, and psycho-social bases of movement. Students develop their own movement skills which transition into a focus on movement analysis, physiological function, and skill assessment. Students gain greater depth as they consider problems related to exercise, fitness and motor skill development within the context of lifestyle physical activity (i.e., play, games, sport, and other forms of human motor behavior). Students finish the program with strong theoretical and problem solving skills based on a comprehensive knowledge of movement and exercise science. It is expected that graduates will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to a wide variety of movement-related problems and career possibilities.
Major in Kinesiology
Bachelor of Science
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| KIN 131, 230 | 6 | KIN Majors’ Activity Core* | 2 |
| KIN 114W, 215W | 2 | ENG 265 or 266 or 267 | 3 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | POL 261 | 3 |
| HIS 163,164 | 6 | BIO 245 or 341 | 4 |
| BIO 134/114 | 4 | CHM 136/116 or CHM 139/119 or PHY 135/115 | 4 |
| CHM 135/115 or CHM 138/118 | 4 | CS 133 or 143 | 3-4 |
| KIN Restrictive Elective** | 3 | MTH 164 or 170 | 3 |
| 31 | Social and Behavioral Sciences*** | 3 | |
| KIN Restrictive Electives** | 6 | ||
| 31-32 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| KIN 321 and 322 | 4 | KIN 378, 469 | 6 |
| KIN Majors’ Activity Core* | 1 | KIN Majors’ Activity Core* | 1 |
| KIN 362, 373 | 6 | KIN 372 | 3 |
| POL (any 200 level) | 3 | Minor | 9 |
| MTH or STA or PHL 262 | 3 | Additional electives to meet degree requirement**** | 14+ |
| Minor | 9 | 33+ | |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 3 | ||
| Cultural Studies | 3 | ||
| 32 |
* Select from KIN 110(tennis/badminton), 113, 115, 211, 213, and 214
** Select from KIN 263, 265, 266, 267, 268, 288, 368, 369, 370, 388, 430, 435, 463, 473, 477 and 492. A maximum of 6 hours can come from coaching classes (KIN 265, 266, 267, 268)
*** Choose 3 hours from ECO 230, 233, 234, GEO 161, PHL 262, PSY 131, 289, SOC 261, 264
**** A minimum of 42 advanced hours are needed for graduation.
Teaching Certification (All-Levels)
Bachelor of Science
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| KIN 131, 230 | 6 | KIN 263 | 3 |
| KIN 114, 215W | 2 | KIN Majors’ Activity Core* | 2 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | POL 261, 285 | 6 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ENG 265 or 266 or 267 | 3 |
| MTH 164 or 170 | 3 | BIO 245 or 341 | 4 |
| BIO 134/114 | 4 | CHM 136/116 or CHM 139/119 or PHY 135/115 | 4 |
| CHM 135/115 or CHM 138/118 | 4 | CS 133 or 143 | 3-4 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences*** | 3 | KIN Restrictive Elective** | 3 |
| 34 | MTH or STA or PHL 262 | 3 | |
| 31-32 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| KIN 321, 322, 362 | 7 | KIN 373, 469, 378 | 9 |
| KIN Majors’ Activity Core* | 2 | KIN 372 | 3 |
| KIN 111, 368 | 4 | KIN 463 | 3 |
| KIN Restrictive Elective* | 3 | SED 392, 394, 464 | 9 |
| SCM 384 | 3 | SED 480, 496; EED 497 | 9 |
| Cultural Studies | 3 | 33 | |
| SED 374 or EED 374 or PSY 374; SED 383 | 6 | ||
| Visual & Performing Arts | 3 | ||
| 31 |
* Select from KIN 110(tennis/badminton), 113, 115, 211, 213 and 214
** Select from KIN 263, 265, 266, 267, 268, 288, 368, 369, 370, 388, 430, 435, 463, 473, 477 and 492. A maximum of 6 hours can come from coaching classes (KIN 265, 266, 267, 268)
*** Choose 3 hours from ECO 230, 233, 234, GEO 161, PHL 262, PSY 131, 289, SOC 261, 264
Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| KIN 131, 230 | 6 | KIN 214, 219 | 2 |
| KIN 110 (racquetball), 215W | 2 | FSC 167 | 3 |
| HED 166 | 3 | HED 280 | 3 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | HED Restrictive Electives* | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ENG 265 or 266 or 267 | 3 |
| BIO 134/114 | 4 | POL 261 | 3 |
| CHM 135/115 or CHM 138/118 | 4 | BIO 245 or 341 | 4 |
| ACC 231 | 3 | CHM 136/116 OR CHM 139/119 or PHY 135/115 | 4 |
| 34 | CS 133 or 143 | 3-4 | |
| MTH 164 or 170 | 3 | ||
| ECO 230 | 3 | ||
| 34-35 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| KIN 373 | 3 | KIN 417, 473, 477 | 7 |
| KIN 362, 370 | 6 | KIN 493, 494, 494 | 9 |
| HED 391, 392 | 6 | HED 461 | 3 |
| ENG 330 | 3 | HED Restrictive Electives* | 3 |
| POL (any 200 level) | 3 | MKT 371; GBA 362 | 6 |
| MTH or STA or PHL 262 | 3 | 28 | |
| MGT 380 | 3 | ||
| Visual & Performing Arts | 3 | ||
| Cultural Studies | 3 | ||
| 33 |
* Choose HED elective from: HED 272, 281, 385, 390, 470 and 490
Athletic Training Endorsement
Bachelor of Science
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| KIN 131, 230 | 6 | KIN Majors’ Elective** | 3 |
| KIN 215W | 1 | MTH 164 or 170 | 3 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | HED 280 or 391 | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | PSY 131 | 3 |
| BIO 134/114 | 4 | ENG 265 or 266 | 3 |
| CHM 135/115 or CHM 138/118 | 4 | CS 133, 138, or 143 | 3-4 |
| KIN Majors’ Activity Core* | 1 | BIO 245, 246, or BIO 341 | 4 |
| 28 | CHM 136/116 or CHM 139/119 or PHY 135/115 | 4 | |
Component Area 4 |
3 | ||
| 29-30 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| KIN 363, 364 | 6 | KIN 369, 373W, 469W | 9 |
| KIN 362, 370 | 6 | KIN 492 (Adv. Athlet. Tr.) | 3 |
Component Area 5 |
3 |
Minor | 9 |
| POL 261, any 200-level | 6 | KIN 473W, 477 | 6 |
| Minor | 9 | MTH or STA or PHL 262 | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) |
3 | 30 | |
| 33 |
* Select from KIN 110(tennis/badminton), 113, 115, 211, 213 and 214
Note: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.
Note: Kinesiology majors seeking teacher certification will be required to earn at least a grade of C in every major class.
| Kinesiology core (KIN 131, 230, 362, 363, 364, and 373) | 18 |
| Select 3 hrs from KIN 110T, 113, 115, 211, 213 and 214 | 3 |
| KIN 372 | 3 |
| KIN 114W and 215W | 2 |
Athletic Training: This endorsement is applicable to an appropriate degree in Kinesiology. It is strongly recommended that the candidate choose either Health or Biology as the minor. The program will meet the preparation requirements of the state licensing agency. Interested students are urged to confer with the Head Athletic Trainer concerning required field experience, examinations, and other pertinent information.
KIN 110 Racquet Sports. Instruction is provided in skills, knowledge, and strategies in one or more of the racquet-related activities listed in the class schedule. Credit 1.
KIN 111 Elementary Activities. This course provides an overview of the program of activities in elementary school physical education with emphasis on the understanding of movement, common problems and possible solutions. Credit 1.
KIN 113 Basketball/Soccer. This course will offer skills, knowledge, and techniques presented at either the beginning or intermediate level in each of these activities. Enrollment limited to Kinesiology majors and minors. Credit 1.
KIN 114 Rhythmic Activities and Innovative Games. The rhythmic portion of the course will include experiences in basic musical signature and pattern identification. These will be applied to selected regional and square dances, jumping rope, and aerobic dance routines. During the innovative games half principles upon which novel activities are based will be presented along with games which depict each tenet. Enrollment limited to Kinesiology majors and minors. Credit 1.
KIN 115 Track and Field/Gymnastics. The student will gain proficiency in fundamental skills in gymnastics and track and field events, as well as an understanding of basic terminology associated with judging and spotting. Enrollment limited to Kinesiology majors and minors. Credit 1.
KIN 116 Varsity Sports. This course is based upon the National Collegiate Athletic Association CHAMPS/ Life Skills Program and is designed to assist the student-athlete in developing skills in the areas of academics, personal growth, career choice, and commitment to service. Enrollment is limited to members of athletic teams. Substitution of this class for the University’s activity requirement is not permitted. No more than four hours of KIN 116 can be counted toward the degree. Approval for enrollment must be obtained from the student’s coach prior to registration. Credit 1.
KIN 117 Lifetime and Individual Sports. Each class will have skills, knowledge and techniques presented at either the beginning or intermediate level in one or more of the lifetime and individual sports. Credit 1.
KIN 131 Foundations of Kinesiology. This course serves as a base for all kinesiology courses. Units will include historical development, philosophical implications, physical fitness, scientific bases of movement, and educational values of kinesiology and career path options. Credit 3.
KIN 210 Aquatics (Swimming, Standard Red Cross Life Saving, and Scuba Diving). This course will be offered for all levels of swimming (beginning through advanced), diving, synchronized swimming, or scuba diving. For advanced life saving and water safety instructors see KIN 232. Credit 1.
KIN 211 Golf and Recreational Activities. This course presents rules, knowledge and skills in golf, archery and another leisure time activity selected on a rotational basis. Half a semester is devoted to golf, with equal time allotted to archery and the other named activity. Enrollment limited to Kinesiology majors and minors. Credit 1.
KIN 212 Archery. This course will include skills, knowledge and techniques of archery at the beginning level. Credit 1.
KIN 213 Softball/Volleyball. The student will gain skills, knowledge, and techniques of softball and volleyball at the beginning level. Enrollment limited to Kinesiology majors and minors. Credit 1.
KIN 214 Weight Training and Physical Conditioning. Experiences in this course will include skills, knowledge and techniques of weight training and physical conditioning at the beginning level. Credit 1.
KIN 215 Fitness for Living. [PHED 1164] Students will gain an understanding of physical conditioning and wellness pertaining to the five components of health-related fitness. Students will develop an understanding of lifestyle related diseases and behavior modification techniques. In addition, there will be opportunities to participate in a variety of movement experiences related to fitness. Credit 1.
KIN 219 Kinesiology Activities. Activities can include special or unique areas as instructors are available. This will include those activities which are not offered on a regular basis including aerobic dance, aquatic exercise, etc. Credit 1.
KIN 230 First Aid: Red Cross and Instructor’s Course. A course for those who wish to acquire a knowledge of Red Cross emergency and preventive measures. Successful completion leads to CPR and first aid certification. Students may become instructors through additional American Red Cross training. (Also listed as HED 230.) Credit 3.
KIN 233 Honors Fitness for Living. This course will substitute for HON 215 for students in the Honors Program. Specific topics include flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, nutrition, weight control and theories of obesity, ergogenic aids, date rape, sexually transmitted diseases, Title IX, sexual harassment, message, care and prevention of athletic injuries and aging. Other content will be presented as time permits. Students will be required to complete a formal research project which will involve data collection and analysis.
KIN 263 Motor Development. This course investigates theories of motor learning and motor development of children, K-6. Special emphasis is placed upon sequential motor development patterns, the needs, interests, and abilities of the child in relation to physical, social, mental and emotional domains. Opportunities are provided to work with elementary school children in guiding their perceptual-motor learning and development. Credit 3.
KIN 265 Coaching of Track And Baseball or Softball. This course includes a study of the skills and techniques used in coaching baseball/ softball and track and field in the schools. The skills and techniques are demonstrated and performed on the baseball/softball field and track. Credit 3.
KIN 266 Coaching of Football. The latest techniques of offensive and defensive football are stressed with emphasis on the problems that will confront high school coaches. Some techniques are demonstrated and performed on the football field. Credit 3.
KIN 267 Coaching of Basketball. A study is made of the fundamental preparation, operation, expertise and management necessary to coach and conduct a basketball program. Credit 3.
KIN 268 Coaching of Volleyball. A study is made of the individual fundamentals, strategy, scouting, practice preparation and administrative duties associated with coaching a volleyball program. Credit 3.
KIN 288 Officiating Sports. This course includes a study of the rules, interpretations, and the mechanics of officiating. The course is designed to develop the skills and knowledge required in the officiating of football, basketball, baseball, soccer, track and field, and other interscholastic sports. Credit 3.
*KIN 363 Assessment in Kinesiology. This course presents information on the construction and administration of tests evaluating fitness and motor skills used in sports. Issues in grading and evaluation are also addressed. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Credit. 2.
*KIN 364 Motor Learning. This class explores the processes involved in the acquisition of motor actions. Emphasis is placed on how teachers can apply theoretical concepts to more effectively structure their classes. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Credit 2.
KIN 362 Biomechanics. A study of human motion in two broad areas: the neurological and mechanical aspects of human movement, as well as muscle structure and functions. Application of these two areas to motor skills analysis is emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO 245 or 341. Credit 3.
KIN 368 Motor Programming. This course includes a study of motor programming with special focus on the child, his/her needs and abilities, and the administration, organization, evaluation, and implementation of sequential motor programs which enhance motor development. Prerequisites: KIN 114 and 263. Co-requisite: KIN 111. Credit 3.
KIN 369 Therapeutic Modalities of Athletic Training. A study of the theories and principles involved in the use of therapeutic modalities in treating injuries to the physically active, providing students with the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge to formulate treatment plans for injuries. Prerequisites: KIN 370. Credit 3.
KIN 370 Prevention and Care of Injuries. This course includes instruction and laboratory work in the care and prevention of injuries. It is designed to meet the needs of the athletic coach and physical education teacher. Prerequisite: Junior standing in Kinesiology or permission of the instructor, and BIO 245 or 341. Credit 3.
KIN 372 Team and Individual/Dual Sport Skill Analysis. This course will introduce the instructional process of analyzing and sequencing skill components and performance techniques found within team and individual/dual sports. The course is designed to allow the student to engage in individual and cooperative teaching experiences that utilize multiple instructional strategies. The student will investigate the process of a task analysis and other skill sequencing experiences. Aspects of lesson progression and construction will be incorporated throughout the course while maintaining a focus on motor skill acquisition. Prerequisites: KIN 322 and three from KIN 110T, 113, 115, 211, 213 and 214. Credit 3.
KIN 373 Physiology of Exercise. This course is designed to develop an understanding of the manner in which the body reacts to the exacting requirements of activity and exercise. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Credit 3.
*KIN 375 Teaching Secondary Physical Education. This course examines the designing of physical education programs, teaching of
physical education programs, analysis of student performance in a physical education
program, and implementation of a physical education program at the secondary
level. Opportunities are provided to work with physical education students in the secondary
setting. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Credit 3.
KIN 378 Administration of Kinesiology and Recreation. The first half of this course is concerned with the organization and administration of physical education and recreation in the public schools; the second half, with the organization, administration, and business management of a high school athletic program. Prerequisite: 18 hours in Kinesiology. Credit 3.
KIN 388 Sports in Contemporary Society. A study is made of sport and its impact upon society. Credit 3.
KIN 417 Practicum in Kinesiology. A course in which students serve as interns in a laboratory situation where emphasis is placed upon teaching skills. This provides a qualified student with an opportunity to gain teaching experience. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair. Credit 1.
KIN 430 History and Philosophy of American Physical Education and Sport. This course provides a historical and philosophical survey of the events which have influenced the exercise and sporting practices of contemporary American society. The focus is on the development of physical education, exercise, sport, dance, and the Olympic movement with interpretations and analyses of these events. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Credit 3.
KIN 435 Psychology of Coaching. This course deals with understanding of the psychological make-up of the athlete. It explores traditional myths, syndromes and stumbling blocks facing the modern day athlete and how these may be overcome. The course will focus on the dynamics of the coach/athlete relationship. Credit 3.
KIN 463 Laboratory Experiences in the Motor Domain. This course is concerned with a study of fine and gross-motor activities and developmental progressions of pre-school children. Opportunities are given for field-based experiences in teaching children motor skills. Prerequisite: KIN 368. Credit 3.
KIN 469 Adaptive Kinesiology. A study of the special needs of handicapped individuals with emphasis on the adaptations of activities for them in a program of kinesiology. Credit 3.
KIN 473 Advanced Topics in Physiology of Exercise. This course bridges the gap between basic undergraduate and graduate physiology of exercise. Selected topics will include: perceived exertion, biorhythms, mood elevation and exercise, interval training, periodization, LBW gain, somatotyping, effects of high altitude, blood doping, ergogenic aids, vegetarian diets, pregnancy and exercise, theories of obesity and endocrine functioning. Other topics will be presented as time permits. Prerequisite: KIN 373. Credit 3.
KIN 477 Principles of Exercise Testing and Prescription. This course is designed to provide the student with the theoretical background and practical experience necessary for the safe and scientific evaluation of physical fitness, particularly as it relates to health and disease and the development of programs for remediation, maintenance and enhancement of motor and health-related qualities. Prerequisite: KIN 373. Credit 3.
KIN 492 Problems in Kinesiology. A directed individual study of an approved problem related to the field of kinesiology. Prerequisites: 9 advanced hours in Kinesiology and permission of the department chair. Credit 3.
KIN 493 Principles and Practices of Adult Fitness Management. This course is designed to provide the student with the theoretical background and practical experience necessary for a successful internship experience. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Credit 3.
KIN 494 Internship. This course provides the study with opportunities to demonstrate competencies developed in previous courses by working in an agency under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Prerequisites: Senior standing and KIN 493 or HED 493. Credit 3.