Applied Kinesiology

About this Composite Major

The Applied Kinesiology program is designed for students interested in careers in non-teaching physical education, health education, and other fitness-related fields. The program is a part of the Kinesiology and Human Performance Department. Students enrolled in the program will develop an understanding of health and fitness-related services by providing students with field experiences mentored by professionals from their chosen fields.

The program of study aims to develop the concepts and theories of sport activities, along with the health and wellness behaviors of the general public. Students will acquire the skills needed to develop and/or assist other health and fitness professionals in publicly or privately owned and operated businesses.

Meet a Student

VCSU Katie Juarez during her student teaching semester at an elementary school.

Modifying activity for my students was something that my learning in KHP helped me to do. I learned about different ways to challenge my students, but also learned about ways to modify activities for them to be able to gain confidence in their skills as well. - Katie Juarez, Angels Camp, California

Career Opportunities

There are 2,577 jobs listed in the upper Midwest in this field last year. The average median salary for degree holders in this field is $44,000.

A degree in Applied Kinesiology from VCSU can open up opportunities you never thought possible. Career opportunities with an Applied Kinesiology degree can include:

Personal Trainer
Fitness Instructor
Coach
Professional Graduate Programs
And MORE!

- Students learning how to lead a game to teach physical education in a Kinesiology course at the Gaukler Family Wellness Center at Valley City State University.

Get Involved in the Major

The Kinesiology and Human Performance Club empowers students by providing invaluable opportunities such as attending professional conferences, crafting resume materials, preparing for exams like the GRE and PRAXIS, navigating the application processes for professional graduate programs, and studying for certifications and credentialing exams. The club is dedicated to cultivating students' growth and achievement within their discipline, fostering success in both academic and professional environments.

Contact Information

Department Chair and Faculty Contact

Dr. Rachelle Hunt, rachelle.hunt@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7260

Campus Location

Gaukler Family Wellness & Physical Education Center 149, (701) 845-7580

Schedule your visit today!

http://visit.vcsu.edu/

(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641

About VCSU

Our Foundation

VCSU isn’t just a place to get an education – it’s a community built on tradition that is powered by bright, innovative students who bring new ideas and potential.

Our Students

Here, students can be individuals and embrace their genuine selves while taking advantage of opportunities only VCSU can provide. Take a look at our unique make-up of individuals from all over the globe and different backgrounds, and see what makes us a favored landing place for talented students. VCSU is a launchpad that will help students leap into their careers or prepare them for graduate-level education.

Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance Mission

The Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance exists to prepare students to succeed within their professional field of study. The department's mission is to cultivate a learner-centered community and prepare students to function as critical thinkers using evidence-based practices. The Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance incorporates Valley City State University’s mission through the use of technology, active learning, and meaningful scholarship.

General Education Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
English Composition
Select one of the following:		6
ENGL 110	College Composition I
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
or
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
ENGL 210	College Composition III: Persuasive Writing
Speech Communication
Select one of the following:		3
COMM 110	Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 212	Interpersonal Communication
COMM 216	Intercultural Communication
Mathematics
Select one of the following:		3
MATH 103	College Algebra
MATH 104	Finite Mathematics
MATH 107	Precalculus
MATH 110	Mathematics in Society
MATH 165	Calculus I
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics
Lab Science
Select two of the following, one must come from the Natural and Physical Sciences category		8
Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC)
BIOL 111	Concepts of Biology
BIOL 150	General Biology I
BIOL 151	General Biology II
BIOL 170	General Zoology
CHEM 115	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 116	Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II
GEOL 100	Introduction to Earth Science
GEOL 106	The Earth Through Time
PHYS 100	Concepts of Physics
PHYS 110	Introductory Astronomy
PHYS 211	College Physics I
PHYS 212	College Physics II
PHYS 251	University Physics I
PHYS 252	University Physics II
Additional Sciences (ND:SCI)
PSYC 240	Cognition and Brain Science
TECH 161	Technology, Engineering, and Design
TECH 165	Technology Solutions for Society
Wellness
Select one of the following:		2
HPER 100	Concepts of Fitness and Wellness
HPER 212	Introduction to Stress Management
Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed)
Select one of the following:		3
CIS 147	Principles of Information Security
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems ²
CSCI 120	Introduction to Programming
CSCI 127	Introduction to Programming in Java
CSCI 160	Introduction to Structured Programming I
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology ²
SE 110	Discovering Computing
Humanities
Literacies
Select one of the following:		3
ASL 101	American Sign Language I
ASL 102	American Sign Language II
COMM 211	Oral Interpretation
ENGL 220	Introduction to Literature
ENGL 225	Introduction to Film
ENGL 231	Bible as Literature
ENGL 232	Mythology
ENGL 236	Women and Literature
ENGL 241	World Literature I
ENGL 242	World Literature II
ENGL 261	American Literature I
ENGL 262	American Literature II
HUM 201	Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage
PSYC 200	Ethics and Philosophy of Science
SPAN 101	1st Year Spanish I
SPAN 102	1st Year Spanish II
SPAN 201	2nd Year Spanish I
SPAN 202	2nd Year Spanish II
THEA 110	Introduction to Theatre Arts
Art and Music
Select one of the following:		3
ART 110	Introduction to the Visual Arts
ART 115	Introduction to Digital Media
ART 210	Art History I
ART 211	Art History II
ART 233	History of Craft
HUM 202	Fine Arts and Aesthetics
MUS 100	Music Appreciation
MUS 101	Music Fundamentals
MUS 201	World Music
MUS 207	History of Popular/Rock Music
Social Science
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
COMM 112	Understanding Media and Social Change
COMM 114	Human Communication
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics
GEOG 151	Human Geography
HIST 103	United States to 1877
HIST 104	United States to Present
HIST 211	World Civilizations to 1500
HIST 212	World Civilizations since 1500
HIST 267	Environmental History
HIST 270	Native American Studies
POLS 115	American National Government
POLS 116	State and Local Government
PSYC 111	Introduction to Psychology ¹
SOC 110	Introduction to Sociology
SOC 111	Introduction to Anthropology
Additional Humanities or Social Science
Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following:		2
ART 122	Two-Dimensional Design
ART 130	Drawing I
ART 150	Ceramics I
ART 180	Photography I
GEOG 111	Survey of Geography
MUS 104	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 105	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 130	Valkyries
MUS 131	Concert Choir
MUS 140	Athletic Band
MUS 141	Concert Band
PHYS 275	Planetarium Science
THEA 201	Theatre Practicum
Total Credits		39

¹: Required
²: Course satisfies the Digital Literacy graduation requirement.

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
HPER 108	Exercise Techniques for Resistance Training	1
HPER 207	Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries	2
HPER 208	Introduction to Physical Education	3
or HPER 127	Introduction to Kinesiology
HPER 210	First Aid & CPR	1
HPER 240	Principles of Nutrition	3
HPER 410	Organization and Administration of Physical Education and Sport	3
or HPER 438	Organization and Administration for Kinesiology
Directed Electives		39
HPER 109	Exercise Techniques and Program Design
HPER 128	Communication for Health Care Professionals
HPER 206	Fundamentals of Teaching Health and Physical Education
HPER 215	Motor Behavior
HPER 220	Practical Application of Fitness Education
HPER 222	Recreation and Leisure in Modern Society
HPER 225	Leadership in Sport
HPER 258	Applied Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Performance
HPER 259	Applied Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Performance
HPER 285	Introduction to Adapted Physical Education
HPER 300	Drug Education and Information
HPER 307	Philosophy and Application of Coaching
HPER 309	Sport Nutrition Concepts
HPER 311	Emergency Response Management
HPER 314	Activities for the Physical Educator
HPER 315	Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
HPER 321	Recognition of Orthopedic Injuries I
HPER 326	Therapeutic Modalities
HPER 327	Recognition of Orthopedic Injuries II
HPER 328	Therapeutic Exercise
HPER 332	Foundations of Clinical Medicine
HPER 335	Legal Aspects of Sport
HPER 338	Modern Sports Officiating
HPER 350	Sport Ethics
HPER 382	Strength and Conditioning for High School Athletes
HPER 384	Fitness Assessment and Prescription
HPER 388	Outdoor Pursuits for the Physical Educator
HPER 400	Current Issues in Community Health
HPER 415	Sport Governance and Policy
HPER 444	Exercise Physiology of Peak Performances
HPER 454	Evidence-Based Practice
HPER 487	Field Experience
Total Credits		52

Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirement 52 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120 Hrs

For degree and graduation requirements, visit degree requirements and graduation requirements.

Plan of Study

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 100 or 212 (Gen Ed)	2	HPER 108	1
HPER 127 or 208	3	HPER 207	2
English Composition (Gen Ed)	3	ENGL 125 (Gen Ed)	3
Math (Gen Ed)	3	Art and Music (Gen Ed)	3
Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed)	3	Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
UNIV 150	1	Speech Communication (Gen Ed)	3
	15		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PSYC 111 (Gen Ed)	3	Literacies (Gen Ed)	3
Directed Electives	6	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
Electives	6	Directive Electives	6
		Electives	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 240	3	HPER 210	1
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	Directed Electives	9
Directed Electives	6	Electives	5
Electives	3
	16		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Additional Humanities (Gen Ed)	2	HPER 438 or 410 (HPER 438 is FALL only. HPER 410 is SPRING only)	3
Directed Electives	6	Directed Elective	6
Electives	6	Electives	6
	14		15
Total Credits 121

Learning Outcomes

Describe key aspects in the prevention and care of athletic injuries.
Engage in reflective exercises exploring various occupations within the diverse field of Kinesiology, thereby equipping students with insights to make informed decisions regarding their professional career paths.
Create projects that demonstrate their understanding of managerial, fiscal, and leadership concepts.
Demonstrate proficiency in first aid, CPR, & AED.