Kinesiology
The Kinesiology major at Miami University leads to the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health degree. This major is for students interested in the scientific aspects of human movement. Kinesiology focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of interactions of physiological, anatomical, neuropsychological, and biomechanical factors that affect human health and performance. Skills learned in the classroom, laboratory and internships include assessing and developing effective strategies for enhancing health, improving performance, preventing diseases related to sedentary behavior, and promoting the recovery of health in rehabilitation settings. State-of-the-art laboratories complement the classroom and foster critical thinking, reasoning, and other basic principles of liberal education instrumental in careers in and outside of Kinesiology.
Kinesiology students successful in being accepted into doctorate of physical therapy and medical school programs
Over the last four years, 78.3% of Kinesiology undergraduate applicants have been accepted into doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) programs and 54.9% of Kinesiology undergraduate applicants have been accepted into medical programs.
Student Learning Outcomes
• Students will be able to assess, interpret, and synthesize data related to the measurement of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, physical activity, the health-related components of physical fitness (i.e, cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and range of motion) and functional movement patterns.
• Students will be able to develop specific, individualized and quantified structured and non-structured (i.e., home-based) exercise/physical activity prescriptions based on assessment and interpretation of relevant data.
• Students will be able to demonstrate the application of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and knowledge of basic physiological responses to physical activity/exercise and the physiological adaptations to exercise training in the development of an exercise prescription
Student Videos
Kelsey Biller '15
Kayley Buddenbaum ‘15
What Our Students Say
Emmanuel Caster
Kinesiology major
"Coming into Miami I had no idea what kinesiology was. After doing some research on the major, I realized that it was just right for me...
“I love learning about the biomechanics of the human body and this major allows me to learn and experience it through many different--and exciting--classes. After I graduate, I've got my sights set on becoming a physician's assistant."
Matthew Gingras
Kinesiology major
“Choosing to be a kinesiology major was the best decision I have made since choosing to come to Miami University. The professors are all extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and best of all approachable...
”They have a great diversity of backgrounds and are always willing to offer you advice about both class and future endeavors. There are also just enough students in the KNH major so over the four years at Miami you become very close to your classmates which makes studying for exams, doing group projects, and filling out graduate school applications much easier."
A few more facts about me:
- Member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity
- Former Vice President of the Interfraternity Council
- Currently a student manager at the Rec Center
- Studied abroad twice with Dr. Mark Walsh of the KNH department: once to the Himalayas and Mt. Everest Base Camp, and a second time to Machu Picchu."
Anjali Naik
Kinesiology major
"I am a senior kinesiology major and I absolutely love it! Coming into college, I knew I wanted to go to medical school, but I did not want to take the typical route and be a zoology or biology major...
Kinesiology has given me many hands-on experiences, which I will be able to practice in my future profession. Besides having a lot of anatomy classes (which I love), being in this major has opened up my opportunities to participate in research as well. Finally, the faculty is always willing to help students out in any way possible!"
Scarlett Shader
Health Promotion & Kinesiology major
"I chose health promotion to be a second major during the second semester of my sophomore year. I thought it went along really well with my kinesiology major and getting the classes done in time to graduate was really do-able since a lot of them overlapped...
“I hope to go to physician assistant school and focus on educating my patients about a healthy lifestyle to prevent sickness and injury. Health promotion and the classes I have taken in the field give me the tools I'll need to do this."
A few more facts about me:
- I am a research assistant for Dr. Rose Marie Ward in a health psychology research lab through the KNH department.
- I am the current PR chair and incoming president of Colleges Against Cancer here on campus.
- I am currently working at Elements Wellness center as an intern in Hamilton. I spend about 5 hours a week
working hands on with the clients using things I learned in Dr. Timmerman's "exercise prescription" class. I also getacademic credit that counts for my Health Promotions major! - This summer I will be interning at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, working with patients and gaining experience in order to apply to physician assistant schools.