Kinesiology (BS)

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Kinesiology focuses on the study of health and human performance. Students in the degree program will study foundational sciences such as anatomical kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, and the psychology of physical activity. Successful degree candidates will complete the set of core Kinesiology courses, the UNLV general education requirements, and several upper-division elective courses.

Please see the UNLV School of Integrated Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Science web page for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available on the UNLV Degrees Directory.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognize Kinesiology career options.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of functional anatomy and biomechanics.
3. Describe the biological foundations of motor control, explain information processing and learning theories, and identify practical concerns relating to enhancement of motor performance.
4. Explain the biomechanical principles that underlie human motor performance.
5. Specify the physiological response to exercise and describe the systemic adaptations that occur at rest and during submaximal and maximal exercise following chronic aerobic, anaerobic, and strength training.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to discuss the physiological basis of the major components of physical fitness, and develop individual fitness programs.
7. Evaluate current concepts in nutrition in relation to health and disease, and apply guidelines for designing a healthy diet.
8. Explain acute care of sport related injury and illness, and design risk management and injury prevention strategies.
9. Evaluate popular nutrition practices utilized by competitive and recreational athletes, focusing on dietary assessment, scientific validity, and efficacy.
10. Explain the risk factor concept of disease and the role of physical activity in modifying risk factors.
11. Analyze and evaluate research data.

Career Possibilities

The results from a survey of graduates of our undergraduate programs have highlighted the flexibility Kinesiology graduates have in choosing a career. For example, some of our graduates have gone on to have careers as:

• Executive director of recreation
• Physical therapy technician
• Director of fitness
• Personal trainer
• Activity coordinator
• Fitness instructor