College of Health Professions


Department of Kinesiology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kinesiology?

Kinesiology is broadly defined as the study of human movement. This study includes an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of movement and exercise patterns through the lifespan.

I want to major in kinesiology. Where do I find out more about this major?

At Towson University the term "kinesiology" is used to describe the entire department. The department offers four academic majors:

 There is no major in "kinesiology" at Towson University.

Are any of the majors sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology screened?

Athletic training is a screened major. It requires a separate application for admission. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the athletic training major.

Which programs are accredited by professional organizations?

The Athletic Training Education Program at Towson University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as an entry-level program. Satisfactory completion of this program qualifies the student as a candidate for the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification examination.

The Physical Education/Teacher Education Program is recognized by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education/National Association for Sport and Physical Education as meeting the standards for teacher education preparation.

As a transfer student, how can I determine the number of credit hours that I have earned toward the major?

Once the Office of Admissions and the Transfer Evaluation Group receive an official transcript from each college attended, they will evaluate potential transfer course work and determine the total number of credit hours accepted at Towson University and will specify course work that meets General Education requirements. The Department of Kinesiology evaluates accepted credits to determine course equivalency within each of the majors. This determination is made by the chairperson of the department in consultation with the appropriate program coordinator. This evaluation may include reviewing course titles, catalog descriptions, and/or course outlines/syllabi.  A minimum of one-half of the credit hours required in the major must be completed at Towson University.

Please note that due to accreditation standards within the Athletic Training Education Program that limited transfer credits may be granted for athletic training-specific courses. Please contact and consult with the program coordinator for more details:

I want to coach at the high school level, which major would be the best for me?

Students interested in pursuing a coaching career at the high school level should strongly consider the Physical Education/Teacher Education Program to receive teacher certification in this area.

How are students advised in the Department of Kinesiology?

All incoming freshmen at Towson University are assigned to a First Year Experience (FYE) adviser who works with the student throughout their first year at the university. This adviser assists in transition to college, location of campus resources, schedule building, course sequencing, and other special programs available to TU students. Ms. Susie Truitt serves as the FYE adviser for most of the Department of Kinesiology freshmen. Transfer students work with a transfer adviser within the Department of Kinesiology for their first semester on campus. Dr. Gail Parr and Matt Rothbard serve as transfer student advisers for students in the department. Following the FYE year or the transfer semester, students are assigned to a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology within the student's particular area of interest who serves as their faculty mentor/adviser for their remaining years at Towson University.

Are scholarship funds available for students in the Department of Kinesiology?

The Department of Kinesiology offers the following scholarship opportunities for students:

•  Physical Education/Teacher Education Scholarship (PE/TE student, sophomore or higher)
•  Mildred Murray Scholarship Endowment (PE/TE student, junior or higher)

For more information, please contact the department.

What can you do with a degree in exercise science?

Students majoring in exercise science examine the relationship between exercise and human performance and the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Exercise science consists of several overlapping disciplines, including biomechanics, exercise physiology and biochemistry, growth and development, exercise nutrition, measurement and evaluation, and exercise psychology. The program of study is designed to provide an effective blend of classroom instruction and practical experience.

Students graduating with a degree in exercise science find a wide range of career opportunities.   Specifically, graduates may find professional positions in:

  • clinical sites
  • corporate settings
  • commercial ventures
  • community exercise/wellness settings
  • high school, college, and professional sport teams
  • graduate study in related fields, including physical therapy, physicians' assistant, cardiac rehabilitation, clinical exercise physiology ...

I already have a degree in a field outside of physical education. Can I return to Towson University and receive a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in Physical Education?

Individuals interested in obtaining certification through Towson University as a Physical Education Teacher (grades K -12) in the State of Maryland should apply for the Post Baccalaureate Certification Program in Physical Education. The program includes 56 credits of coursework prior to a term of student teaching. Based on the necessary sequencing of courses, it will take 5-6 terms as a full time student to complete the entire program. It is important to note that the majority of the coursework can only be completed during the normal school day rather than through night classes.

For additional information, please contact us.

What are the career opportunities for a student majoring in sport management?

The major in sport management is designed to address the unique position of sports in American business and to prepare students for careers in athletic and recreation administration, the fitness industry, college and professional sports, and retail marketing. The growth and development of the sport industry world-wide has created opportunities for management professionals in a wide variety of sport settings.

 

Department of Kinesiology
Towson Center, Room 200
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 410-704-2376
Fax: 410-704-3912



 

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