By Pam McKeta
Anna Blessing, a kinesiology major, participates in the George Mason Kinesiology Club’s activities at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center.
George Mason University now offers a bachelor of science in kinesiology. Formerly a concentration within a degree program, the new kinesiology bachelor’s program gives students the opportunity to earn a degree that reflects what they have studied.
“When employers and graduate schools see ‘kinesiology,’ they have an immediate sense of the depth of a student’s knowledge, experience and skills,” says Margaret T. Jones, an associate professor in the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. “Our emphasis is on preparing future professionals, so they can enhance physical performance, fitness and general well-being across the age spectrum,”
Kinesiology is now a popular major across the country. The availability of resources to offer a separate degree in kinesiology also reflects how much George Mason’s program has grown. More than 200 undergraduates are currently enrolled in the program.
Even so, for many the term “kinesiology” is unfamiliar, and the field is sometimes referred to as “exercise science” or “exercise physiology.” Not surprisingly, students who participate in sports, yoga or other physical activities are naturally attracted to the kinesiology major and minor.
Required classes for the degree include science courses similar to those that pre-med or pre-physical therapy students take. Undergraduate research opportunities abound, with students often participating in Office of Scholarship, Creative Activities, and Research projects and taking part in laboratory experiences at the cutting-edge Sports Medicine Assessment Research and Testing (SMART) Lab.
Kinesiology major Patrick Carr gives a poster presentation at the annual National Strength and Conditioning Association conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Many kinesiology students find rewarding careers in fitness, coaching and health. Those who opt for further graduate study find the program is excellent preparation for careers in medicine, physical therapy and human movement.
As a part of the degree program, students are required to complete four internships in three different settings, for a total of more than 700 out-of-class hours. This extensive amount of field work experience results in opportunities to explore different facets of the field, such as recent graduate Nicole Clark’s memorable internship experience at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The students in the program are a cohesive group. They recently founded the George Mason Kinesiology Club, which is advised by Mason professor Joel Martin. The group has its own Facebook page.
The Kinesiology program at Mason is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and nationally recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, one of the few programs in the country to hold both credentials.
To learn more about the Kinesiology program, visit rht.gmu.edu/kinesiology, make an appointment with an advisor at rht.gmu.edu/advise/appointment or email srht@gmu.edu.