Our Programs
Kinesiology
The discipline of Kinesiology explores the art and science of human movement. In the Health and Kinesiology program students develop an appreciation of the human body and its tremendous potential, as well as an understanding of the relationship between positive lifestyle choices and long-term improvements in health and well-being.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Leisure, Fitness and Recreation Services rank just behind Health Care and High Technology as expanding career fields for the 21st Century. By the year 2000, one of out every ten people in the United States will be working in the Leisure industry. Education, therapeutic exercise, geriatric wellness, health and fitness leadership, sports training, coaching, athletic medicine, sports and fitness communication, and commercial fitness are areas in which most graduates in Kinesiology seek career opportunities. Additional avenues open to graduates include positions in: service agencies, private athletic and recreation clubs, recreation organizations, corporate fitness programs, commercial and summer camps and sporting goods companies. Many students choose to go on to graduate school.
Students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology will complete a program of study with either:
- coursework leading to K-12 Physical Education and Secondary School Health Teaching Endorsements or
- coursework in one of four Specializations:
- Exercise Science/Sports Medicine
- Health Promotion/Personal Training/Wellness Coaching
- Sport Administration/Coaching
- Youth Sports/Recreation.
Lewis-Clark State College also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Administration.
Health and Kinesiology Program Standards
Each graduate from the Health and Kinesiology Program will be able to meet the following standards:
Standard 1: Knowledge of Subject Matter
Understands health and kinesiology subject matter and creates meaningful experiences for individuals.
Standard 2: Knowledge of Human Development and Learning
Understands how individuals learn and develop, and provides opportunities that support their physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.
Standard 3: Adapting for Individual Needs
Understands how individuals differ in their approaches to learning and creates instruction and programs adapted to individuals with diverse needs.
Standard 4: Multiple Strategies for Instruction and Participation
Understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to develop critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.
Standard 5: Motivation and Management Skills
Understands individual and group motivation and behavior to create programs and learning environments that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-
motivation.
Standard 6: Communication Skills
Uses a variety of communication techniques.
Standard 7: Planning Skills
Plans instruction and programs based on knowledge of the subject matter, participants, the community and program goals.
Standard 8: Assessment Strategies
Understands, uses, and interprets formal and informal assessment strategies to advance individual performance and to determine program effectiveness.
Standard 9: Professional Commitment
Is a reflective practitioner who demonstrates a commitment to professional standards and is continuously engaged in purposeful mastery of the profession.
Standard 10: Partnerships
Interacts in a professional, effective manner with colleagues, families, and community agencies to support growth and well being of programs and the participants.
Standard 11: Safety
Provides for a safe environment for learning and participating in physical activity.
Kinesiology and Health Minors
Coaching Minor
Students interested in coaching in schools, youth organizations or recreation departments will find the 21 hour coaching minor should enhance their employability. Teachers are encouraged to obtain a Physical Education minor instead of the Coaching minor, in that with a Physical Education minor, and another approved major field, they will be able to teach and coach in schools.
Students completing the coaching minor will be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge related to:
- Injury prevention, care and management
- Risk management
- Growth, development and learning
- Training, conditioning and nutrition
- Social/psychological aspects of coaching
- Sport specific skills, tactics and strategies
- Teaching/coaching and continued professional development
- Administration
Health Minor
This minor is designed for individuals interested in health promotion and/or teaching in allied health organizations, fitness/wellness programs, recreation programs, and schools. Upon completion of this minor, teacher education students will be certified to teach health in Idaho and Washington Secondary schools.
Students completing a health minor will be able to:
- Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease.
- Demonstrate the ability to access valid health information and health-promoting products and services.
- Demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and reduce health risks.
- Analyze the influence of culture, media, technology and other factors on health.
- Demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health.
- Demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting and decision- making skills to enhance health.
- Demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health.
Kinesiology Minor
The Kinesiology Minor is designed for:
- An individual interested in motor skill development and physical activity in a variety of related careers including sport management, sales, recreation, social services, journalism.
- The prospective teacher with another subject major, but who may wish employment with physical education or coaching as part of the teaching load.
Physical Activity/Skill Courses
The purpose of the physical activity/skill program is to develop motor skills, understandings, and habits that support a healthy, active lifestyle. Classes include instruction in the theory and skill of sport, dance, games, aquatics, outdoor adventure activities and health-promoting exercise.