Kinesiology
About
Kinesiology is the study of human movement as it relates to exercise and physical activity. This applied science field is focused on utilizing exercise to prevent disease, facilitate rehabilitation, promote health and enhance human performance.
Why is Kinesiology in demand?
- According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for exercise physiologists is expected to grow faster than average (13 percent) between 2020 and 2030.
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Trends that will result in more need for kinesiology professionals include: child and adult obesity rates, increased interest in fitness, more companies and organizations offering fitness programs to their employees. (Source: degreedirectory.org)
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Kinesiology majors are exceptionally well-prepared for graduate school and professional studies as well as for careers in a variety of health profession fields.
Is it for me?
Are you:
- Motivated and determined to succeed?
- Passionate to learn about the human body?
- Caring and compassionate towards others?
Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Kinesiology
Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus
You’ll learn how to:
- Understand the mechanics of movement in the human body
- Utilize knowledge about the effects and benefits of exercise
- Work effectively with other professionals
- Help clients exercise appropriately to improve health
- Develop strength training programs and train athletes
- Merge proper nutrition and movement to maximize health
Exceptional facilities
Leahy Hall, which is the new home for our occupational therapy, physical therapy and kinesiology programs, provides an advanced, modern facility to match the exceptional reputations already established by our health sciences programs. The LEED-certified center puts our students and faculty on the cutting edge of research and learning, while benefiting the local community through student-based service programs. Learn more.
What You'll Learnplus or minus
Curriculum
Required courses in biology and physiology give students a strong foundation in the life sciences. Calculus-based mathematics, applied statistics and physics are required. Students also take advanced courses in exercise physiology, nutrition and biomechanics.
For details on the curriculum, click here.
Many kinesiology students continue at The University of Scranton or at other institutions to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees.
Research
There’s no substitute for active research in undergraduate education to make your learning transformational. At Scranton, you will be able to dive into meaningful research guided by some of the best staff in the field. For example, Stephen Gadomski co-authored two published manuscripts with Dr. Cutrufello while recently serving as the lead author on a manuscript published in 2018.
Students present annually at the American College of Sports Medicine's regional conference including Everett Minchew and Abby Wagner in 2018.
Internships
All students complete internships focusing on exercise programming at sites, such as college and high school strength training programs, fitness centers or cardiac rehabilitation.
Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus
University of Scranton students begin to contribute to society long before they officially enter their fields of interest.
Kinesiology students participate in community-based learning through class projects. The department is dedicated to focused community outreach. A great example is working with patients at St. Joseph's Center.
In their junior year, students lead strength and conditioning programs for area high school athletes. In their final year, students work in direct service in programs at agencies including the Jewish Community Center and the Leahy Clinic.
As professionals, kinesiology majors work to prevent disease, facilitate rehabilitation, promote health and enhance human performance. Every day, they make a difference in the lives of individuals and society as a whole.
As a student researcher in the Human Motion and Ergonomics Lab, I conducted independent research and presented my findings on the national level. These opportunities helped me to build a strong resume, while enhancing my self-confidence, improving my potential for independent work, and allowing me to develop as a scholar and a leader.
Alexandra Brennan
Class of 2017
Careers
Where Will Kinesiology Take Me?
About 85 percent of Scranton exercise science/kinesiology majors pursue advanced study after graduation, with nearly 80% being accepted to their first choice of programs. Many continue at Scranton in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Other graduate degree pursuits include:
- Physician’s assistant
- Clinical exercise physiology
- Medicine
- Biology
- Physiology
- Exercise science
You’ll find kinesiology majors working in a variety of settings with such major employers as:
- U.S. Army
- Beth Israel Medical Center
- Staten Island Yankees
- Allstate
- St. Joseph’s Prep
Top Graduate Schools
Just some of the graduate schools which have admitted recent exercise science/kinesiology graduates:
- The University of Scranton
- Stony Brook University
- University of Maryland
- Pace University
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Seton Hall University
- Temple University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Hofstra University
- Baylor Universit
- Medical University of South Carolina
- University of Miami
- University of Mississippi
Based on a senior exit survey, 73 percent of our exercise science alumni continued their education. Eighty-six percent of those pursuing graduate degrees were accepted at their first choice of institutions.
When I am not in Scranton, I am an intern for the company Barwis Methods in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, which specializes in professional sports training for elite athletes and neurological reengineering for individuals who have suffered from severe spinal injuries. The University of Scranton has prepared me both mentally and spiritually for a very successful future!
Brittany Benson, '16
How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge
Kinesiology majors receive exemplary career preparation along with a solid education in the liberal arts and sciences.They all participate in the college-wide professional development program called T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students are learning skills and adopting the tried-and-true Ignatian values of excellence, reflection and care for the whole individual. The program results in professionals of high integrity who are ready to take on the challenges of graduate school or full-time employment.
The significant time that students have been involved in real-life laboratory sessions enables them to demonstrate practical experience and fluency with equipment and technology for exercise science.
Although not required, completion of the kinesiology degree prepares students to take certification exams offered by several professional organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Take the Next Step
Get the Facts
For More Information
Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu
Kinesiology
Paul T. Cutrufello, Ph.D., ATC, CSCS
Chair, Department of Health and Human Performance
(570) 941-5841
paul.cutrufello@scranton.edu