Your Future in Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement based on the study of anatomy, physiology with application to movement analysis, fitness assessment, performance enhancement and rehabilitation.

In Charleston Southern University’s kinesiology program, you will benefit from small class sizes with multiple laboratory sessions in which you will practically apply the scientific principles and concepts you learn during lecture. All students complete internships with credentialed professionals in the field in which they will be practicing after graduation.

Each of our faculty has extensive professional experience and clinical training to complement their respective academic backgrounds, such as: physical therapy, athletic training, certified strength and conditioning and clinical exercise physiology.  

Accreditation:

Charleston Southern University’s accreditation can be found here.

Kinesiology

The Bachelor of Science in kinesiology prepares graduates for career options in schools, corporate wellness centers, rehabilitation and sports medicine clinics. Many students continue on to graduate school or further study in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy and cardiac rehabilitation.

As a Kinesiology major, you’ll take courses like…

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Exercise Testing & Prescription
  • Tests and Measurements
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology

Graduates are equipped for a variety of career paths.

  • Corporate Wellness Centers
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
  • Physical & Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs
  • Athletic Training Graduate Programs
  • Employee Fitness Directors
  • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists

You can choose from these emphases.

The clinical emphasis entails a more rigorous scientific course basis. This emphasis prepares students to work in clinical settings (e.g., cardiac rehabilitation) and prepares them for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy or physician assistant.

This emphasis is for students who are interested in working with athletes and the general population in fitness and corporate settings. Students will be prepared for the NSCA’s certified strength and conditioning specialist certification exam. 

This 3+2 dual degree program is for students who want to complete their BS in kinesiology and master of athletic training at Charleston Southern University in five years. 

Any student wishing to pursue the Master of Athletic Training (M AT) degree option would have to declare themselves as Kinesiology (Pre-Athletic Training) major. This declaration doesn’t guarantee a student a spot in the professional phase of the degree program but it places the student on the track to apply to the M AT program during their 3rd year (junior year or completion of the 103 hours). A student would apply to the M AT program during the fall or spring semester of his/her 3rd year (junior year). A student must have at least an overall 3.25 GPA and must have taken the GRE exam. If a student has 3.5 GPA or higher than taking the GRE exam is not required.

In order to be officially accepted into the professional phase (Athletic Training) of the degree:

  • A student must have completed ALL of the coursework (103 units) as noted in the Pre-Athletic Training 3+2 curriculum guide
  • A student must submit a current professional resume
  • A student must submit three letters of recommendation, one of which has to be from a certified athletic trainer
  • A student must have a current and valid CPR/AED for the Health Care Provider/Professional Rescuer certifications (see Board of Certification for a list of acceptable providers)
  • A student must score an 80% or greater on the in-person interview evaluation (rubric)
  • A student must provide proof of personal health insurance
  • A student must pass a criminal background check (performed by CSU prior to start of program)
  • A student must read and sign the Program Standards form (personal verification of the ability of the student to meet the Technical Standards during participation in the ATP with no compounding risks to one’s self and/or others within the health care environment)
  • A student must provide proof of personal vaccinations (immunization record), which must include MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tetanus-diphtheria, Polio. Further, the AT student must provide a negative TB test (taken within the month of June prior to start of the program)

Click here to learn more about the Master of Athletic Training program.

Health Science building

The College of Health Sciences

Charleston Southern’s College of Health Sciences is committed to providing our students with an education based on contemporary scientific research, practical application, and the skill set to help them excel in their future professional endeavor.

A room of athletic training students evaluating each other in a classroom lab.
Explore our facilities

Athletic Training Program Lab

The building serves as a classroom for kinesiology courses and labs and also the office of the program director for physical education.

CSU has provided me with an exceptional education that has provided practical skills and preparation for my graduate studies in physical therapy.

Amber Karren / kinesiology, ’16Student, Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Medical University of South Carolina

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