Kinesiology
Major
Kinesiology at Bushnell University prepares you to better understand the effects of movement on the body in order to assess and promote physical activity throughout all stages of life. Our bodies are intricately designed. The way we steward them — with exercise, nutrition and medical care — can have profound effects on our physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Students will be well-equipped for graduate-level study in the field of exercise and movement science, or to be a competent professional in the allied health or other human movement related professions.
Contact
Heike McNeil, Ph.D.
Program Director
541-684-7285
hmcneail@bushnell.edu
Discover More
Why Choose Bushnell?
Students will study the sciences of human movement and choose from tracks in Exercise Science or Coaching and Athletic Administration. Students will actively learn about the field through close interaction with faculty and dynamic internships.
Kinesiology is a great starting point for furthering your education in the field, setting you up to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy or occupational therapy or a masters degree in kinesiology, exercise physiology or athletic training, etc.
Program Overview
Tracks
- Exercise Science
- Coaching & Athletic AdministrationÂ
Program Objectives
Exercise Science Objectives
Graduates of this program will:
- Be able to apply scientific foundations of the individual sub-disciplines to exercise and movement science
- Be able to become critical thinkers and competent practitioners
- Be able to analyze and assess components of health-related physical fitness such as cardiovascular endurance, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility
- Have skills to plan and implement appropriate exercise prescription for different populations, accounting for necessary modifications due to factors such as environmental or special needs of the person with whom they work
- Be able to effectively evaluate clients’ needs and design appropriate exercise programs that cater to specific needs, personalities, as well as environmental conditions
- Be prepared to pursue ongoing professional development in exercise science or related professional fields through graduate level study and through membership and participation in professional organizations
Coaching and Athletic Administration Objectives
Graduates of this program will:
- Create physical conditioning programs for individual of all ages and abilities, including implementation of special needs
- Communicate principles of kinesiology and its sub-disciplines in an academic/professional environment
- Demonstrate a level of skill and knowledge necessary for employment or continuing studies at the graduate level
- Demonstrate an understanding of organizational fundamentals of athletic concepts and management
- Demonstrate and understanding of social, medical, physical, and physiological elements of coaching
- Utilize behavioral techniques and principles of leadership to enhance physical activity and performance
- Analyze the nature and cause of injury and design procedures of healing and return to sport
Highlighted Courses
EXSC 330 Health Methods for the Exercise Science Professional
This course will introduce the most common activities in personal training and coaching. Topics covered: assessment, cueing, and technique for strength training, cardiovascular fitness, gait, balance, flexibility, fitness class organization, and sports and games. Students will learn how to adapt each activity for individuals with disabilities.
EXSC 420 Exercise Testing and PrescriptionÂ
Fitness principles and techniques for fitness assessments including cardiovascular endurance, blood pressure, joint flexibility, body composition, muscular strength, and endurance. Topics include health screening, informed consent, field test protocols, data interpretation, and exercise prescription. Practical experience in assessing fitness levels and developing appropriate exercise rescription for healthy individuals as well as special populations.
Beacon Points of Pride
- Over 90% of students from our exercise science track that have applied to physical therapy schools have been admitted.
- 100% of traditional undergraduates students graduate with at least 135 hours of field experience
- 190 company and school internship and field experience partners
- According to EDsmart.org, a nationally recognized publisher of college resources and rankings, Bushnell University is ranked 2nd in the state of Oregon among fully accredited universities and colleges
Accelerated Dual Pathway (4+1)
Students are able to obtain two degrees (B.S. and Master of Arts in Sports Management) in five years by enrolling in our Accelerated Dual Pathway.
Questions? Contact admissions@bushnell.edu or call 541-684-7201.
Career Opportunities
Careers with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology include:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Athletic Training
- Physician’s Assistant
- Corporate Wellness
- Strength Training & Conditioning
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Community Health
- Sports Nutrition
- Recreation Programming
- Coaching
Internship Sites
- Physical Therapy Clinics in Eugene and in students’ hometowns
- Oregon Heart and Vascular Institute
- Athletic Training Centers (University of Oregon, Bushnell, local high schools)
- Peace Health Hospital
- Fitness Establishments
- Chiropractic Clinics
- Bushnell Athletics (coaching / strength & conditioning)
Life After Graduation
Some of our graduates have been hired by the following organizations:
- Bushnell University
- Tensegrity Physical Therapy
- University of Oregon
- Boss Sports Performance
- Run Hub Northwest
- Summit Chiropractic & Sports
Additionally, here are some graduate programs that our former students are currently enrolled at:
- University of Southern California Physical Therapy School
- High Point University Physical Therapy School, NC
- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (Physical Therapy)
- University of Utah College of Health (Physical Therapy)
- Ross University School of Medicine
- University of Western States (Chiropractic)
- Eastern Washington University (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy)
- Pacific University (Physical Therapy, Athletic Training)
- George Fox University (Physical Therapy)
- Lane CC Nursing Program
- Lane CC Massage Therapy Program
- Portland CC Nursing School
- University of Florida Exercise Physiology PhD Program
- Saybrook University, Functional Nutrition Master’s Program
- Wayne State University Accelerated Nursing Program
- OHSU Health Hillsboro Medical Center
Life at Bushnell
Visit Campus
Academic Catalog
Hear From Our Students
Meet the Faculty
Heike McNeil, Ph.D. Program Director
“What makes the kinesiology program at Bushnell truly unique is the makeup of the program faculty. On one hand we deliver difficult science courses and help students achieve the standards required and desired by future graduate schools – but on the other hand we also have a program faculty who is a trained clinician so our students get very practical training as well – which sets them up for success in graduate schools and sets them apart for future jobs in the field of Kinesiology.”