Kinesiology is the study of human movement and all its manifestations. Through a required set of core courses and related emphasis areas, the department seeks to foster an understanding of human movement and an appreciation of the scientific principles of the field of kinesiology. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire offers a comprehensive kinesiology major with emphases in the following areas: physical education teaching (provides licensure for grades K-12), human performance, sports pedagogy, athletic training, and movement studies. Graduates of the athletic training emphasis will be eligible to take the Board of Certification for Athletic Training certification examination. UW – Eau Claire’s Kinesiology Department also offers minors in adaptive physical education, liberal arts kinesiology, and science of coaching.

What will I learn from studying Kinesiology?

Knowledge:

A kinesiology major’s knowledge draws from many areas including: biomechanical kinesiology, exercise physiology, management concepts, as well as motor learning and development. Also, by participating in a variety of kinesiology courses, students will obtain general knowledge about the field of kinesiology. Many students also receive training in CPR and First Aid.

Skills:

• Leadership skills
  
• Instructional Skills
  
• Demonstrate techniques and rules of sports and games
  
• Control and discipline
  
• Safety skills

What are some of the interests and values related to Kinesiology?

• Healthy lifestyle
  
• Sports/ fitness
• Teaching/ education
  
• Exercise
  
• Working with children/adolescents

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• Officials Association
  
• Fun Runners
  
• Student Athletic Advisory Committee
  
• Student Athletic Trainers Association
  
• Intramural Sports
  
• Kinesiology Club
  
• Hobnailers Club
  
• Future Teachers’ Club K-9
  

• American Alliance for Health Physical Education, Research and Dance (AAHPERD)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• American Heart Association
• National Recreations and Park Association
• American Council on Exercise
• American College of Sports Medicine
• National Athletic Trainers Association

What career fields are related to a Kinesiology Degree?

Potential Employers:

Kinesiology graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Employers of kinesiology graduates include public and private elementary and middle schools, special education school districts, and, with continued education, secondary institutions including universities and colleges.

Potential Job Titles:

• Administrator
  
• Athletic Coach
  
• Sports Instructor
  
• Athletic Trainer
  
• Counselor
  
• Educational Coordinator
  
• Physical Education Teacher
  
• Adaptive Physical Education Teacher
  
• Coach
  
• Fitness Consultant
  
• Personal Trainer
  
• Physical Therapy Aide

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Kinesiology graduates?

• Afterschool Site Supervisor, Ocomomowoc Town & Country YMCA, Oconomowoc, WI
  
• Personal Trainer/ Group Fitness Instructor, The Marsh, Minnetonka, MN
  
• Fitness Consultant, Gold’s Gym, Eau Claire, WI
  
• Cardiovascular Assistant, St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, MN
  
• Exercise Physiologist, Fitcorp Healthcare, Boston, MA

How can I learn more about Kinesiology?

Department

• Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Kinesiology
  
• McPhee 219, 836-2546
  

Career Services:

• Meet with a career counselor
  
• Take interest inventories and self assessment tests
  
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

• Careers for Sports Nuts & Other Athletic Types, WM. Ray Heitzmann
  
• The 50 Coolest Jobs in Sports, David Fischer
  
• Sports and Fitness Careers, Ray Heitzmann
  
• Careers in Education, Roy A Edelfelt
  
• Careers for Kids at Heart & Others Who Adore Children, Marjorie Eberts, Margaret Gisler
  
• Careers for Competitive Spirits & Other Peak Performers, Jan Goldberg
  
• Opportunities in Education Careers, Marjorie Eberts & Mary McGowan
  
• Great Jobs for Physical Education Majors, Nancy Giebel

Internet:

• PE Central
  
• US Department of Education
  
• PE Digest
  
• Special Olympics
  
• American Heart Association
  

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Kinesiology?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Athletic Training that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Kinesiology department chair about enrolling in KINS 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in KINS 495 or 499.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students can volunteer to coach a children’s team or volunteer for the Special Olympics program.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships can be helpful for gaining “real-world” experience. Apprenticeships will help majors to get hands on experience, which enhances the breadth of knowledge learned in classes. Qualified students can do an apprenticeship for credit with KINS 346 (Athletic Training), 347 (Coaching), 348 (Human Performance) or 350 (Teaching). These students are selected and supervised by faculty members to facilitate teaching and learning in a specific course.