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 (11 percent) between 2014 and 2024.
-
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)
-
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 patients to use exercise appropriately in rehabilitation efforts
- 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.
Additonally, there are four tracks students can choose from. The pre-professional track is for students who are pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree or other allied health professions, such as physician's assistant, nursing, chiropractic, etc. The pre-health track is for students interested in medical school. The applied kinesiology track is for students interested in strength training. The 3-year track is similar to the pre-professional track, but utilizes intersession and summer course offerings, which allows students to finish in three years. Note that students participating in this track are not eligible for a guaranteed seat in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.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, Class of 2015, was mentored by Dr. Paul Cutrufello, associate professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport, and presented the team’s research at the Amercian College of Sports Medicine’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. Gadomski also co-authored a research article in the Journal of Sports Science. Amanda Pacella, Alexandra Brennan, Lauren Luginsland and Gabrielle OPa'lkowski all presented research at the National American Society of Biomechanics Conference in 2016, while Brittany Benson and Charlotte Woelkers both presented at the American College of Sports Medicine's regional conference in 2016.
Internships
Many students have worked closely with the Lackawanna College football team to develop resistance training programs and nutrition guidance for the players, while other students pursue summer internships at hospitals or clinics in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or New York. For kinesiology students, some internships offer earned credit while others are completed for experience and professional opportunities alone.
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 the American Heart Association Walk during the sophomore year. Students join forces with faculty to help with planning and execution.
In their junior year, students volunteer with United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania. In their final year, students work in direct service in programs at agencies including the Jewish Community Center and the Boys and Girls Club.
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
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 Exercise Science & Sport
(570) 941-5841
paul.cutrufello@scranton.edu