Academic Programs

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (General Kinesiology) is appropriate preparation for further professional study in sport and exercise science or in movement-related areas such as physical and occupational therapy. The major consists of 130 semester hours of coursework and includes required courses in Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Motor Learning and Control, and the psychosocial foundations of movement. Twelve elective hours allow students to specialize by taking additional Kinesiology & Health Education classes in such cognate areas as Sport Management or Health. Some graduates taking this degree plan to go on for further study in exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy or sports medicine. However, the majority of students in this degree plan to find fitness and sport-related positions upon graduation. (view Degree Plan)

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Teaching Certification (PETE website). Students who are preparing to work as physical educators in the public schools, also choose the B. S. in Kinesiology major but then use their electives [and several additional courses] to become professionally prepared for teaching. New regulations, imposed by the Texas Department of Education, did away with the specialization in elementary physical education previously offered by the Department. Because of this, all student teachers in our program are now preparing for All-Level Teacher Certification. Many of the students in this degree plan will also become involved with coaching in their new positions. (view Degree Plan)

The B.S. degree in Kinesiology with a major in Health Promotion and Fitness consists of 130 semester hours of coursework. Health Promotion is defined as any combination of health education and related means designed to activate changes conducive to better health. In 2002-2003 the Undergraduate Advisory Committee adopted two advising tracks for the Health Promotion and Fitness major. Students may now choose between a concentration in fitness training and assessment and health promotion with a behavioral health foundation. Upon graduation, Health Promotion and Fitness majors will be prepared for careers in community health care settings, corporate fitness and wellness centers, government agencies, voluntary health agencies, and fitness rehabilitation. Many of our students also pursue graduate degrees in health promotion or related fields of study such as physical therapy, allied health, nursing, nutrition or counseling. (view Degree Plan)

The B.S. degree in Kinesiology with a major in Sport Management is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the management, marketing, and administration of sport programs in educational settings and in the world of sport business. The degree consists of 130 total hours of coursework with 45 hours in Kinesiology and other professional development courses. Required courses include such classes as Sport Law, Sport Philosophy, Structure and Organization of Sport Programs, Revenue and Budgeting in Sport, and Sport and Event Promotion. The degree also requires students to do both fieldwork and a semester-long internship in some aspect of the sport industry. Some recent undergraduates fulfilled these obligations by working for the Round Rock Express baseball team, the Austin Ice Bats hockey team, the San Antonio Spurs basketball team, the University Interscholastic League, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and a wide variety of other professional sport and recreational agencies. Some students choose to continue their education through graduate studies in sport management, law and business. Admission to the degree is now competitive and requires a formal application by the student. (view Degree Plan)

The B.S. degree in Kinesiology with a major in Athletic Training is designed to prepare students for a career as an Athletic Trainer. Athletic Trainers are allied health care professionals that specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses to athletes and those engaged in physical activity. The major is also appropriate for students interested in continuing their education in medicine, sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other allied health care professions. Typical employment settings for graduates of the program include college and university athletics, high schools, clinics and hospitals, professional sports teams, and corporate and industrial health care settings. Many students also continue their education in graduate, medical, or allied medical schools. (view Degree Plan)

Students who plan to major in Athletic Training must be admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP). Admission to the program is based on a competitive admissions process. The student's grade point average and completion of prescribed coursework are factors in the admission decision. Applicants must also participate in the Directed Observation Program, meet a set of technical standards, pass a health assessment/physical examination, provide proof of immunizations and vaccinations, submit letters of recommendation, and submit additional application documents. More information about the admission process and requirements is available from an academic advisor and at http://www.edb.utexas.edu/atep/main.htm.

In addition to completing the coursework associated with the athletic training major, students in the ATEP must participate in a series of clinical assignments and become adept in a set of educaional competencies and clinical proficiencies. Students who plan to take the Board of Certification (BOC) examination or the state licensure examination fo athletic trainers must complete the ATEP.

The Athletic Training major consists of 130 semester hours of coursework, with 36 credit hours of required coursework, nine credit hours of Kinesiology electives, and a minor with 15 credit hours. The Athletic Training Educational Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).