Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences

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The Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences program within the College of Arts and Sciences provides students with a diverse range of high quality instruction and opportunities within the areas of health, physical education, recreation, and the exercise sciences. A wide range of activity courses provides individuals with exposure to a variety of physical activities and opportunities to enhance their overall well being. Lecture type courses provide introductory and advanced preparation for the fields of elementary and secondary education, coaching, recreational management, and the exercise sciences.

Degree Requirements

See degree requirements for a detailed listing of the Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences B.A. requirements.

Why Study Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences?

The UHH program of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, formerly the Health and Physical Education (HPE) program, is an umbrella major which provides a diverse range of studies in the areas of health, physical education, exercise science, anatomy and physiology, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, and recreation management. A wide range of activity courses provides students with exposure to a variety of physical activities and opportunities to be educated to, and exposed to opportunities to enhance their overall well-being. Lecture and laboratory courses provide introductory and advanced preparation for the fields of elementary and secondary education, coaching, recreational management, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and the exercise sciences.

Goals for Student Learning in the Major

A student who completes the Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences degree program will be able to:

Participate in basic physical and recreational activities
Apply for acceptance into the Teacher Education Program with the desire to become a Secondary Health and Physical Education teacher
Apply for acceptance into: Graduate School in the areas of the exercise sciences; medical school; physical therapy programs; and athletic training programs
Identify and understand the various health issues within our society, especially those encountered by elementary and secondary school students
Have an understanding of the anatomical, physiological and kinesiological functions of the human body

Special Opportunities

The Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences program at UHH presents students with much depth and breadth in a variety of dimensions. Within the major, the Department presents a sequence and detailed lesson plan based upon the current Hawai’i Content and Performance Standards (HCPC II), presenting opportunities for acceptance into the Teacher Education Program for those with the desire to become a Secondary Health and Physical Education teacher.

The Department operates an exercise science laboratory with facilities for anthropometric measures, stress-testing, exercise physiology investigations, stress psychology investigations, strength and power and other human performance investigations. The laboratory has been noted for the study of performance, anatomy and physiology and aging. Studies of aging and muscle physiology are ongoing. Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences students have special opportunities to contribute to the research efforts of the laboratory, much like a doctoral student would elsewhere. Trained students have actually had the opportunity to have authorship in peer-reviewed international journals in their field. While the program provides a broad approach to the discipline of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, students majoring in the field are encouraged to focus their upper division work in subdisciplines. Such emphasis in exercise science and anatomy-physiology presents interested students in possible acceptance into Graduate Schools in the areas of exercise science, and medical school with many possible careers.

Faculty-Student Relationships

The faculty in Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences at UHH are committed to undergraduate instruction. The faculty members are close to the students, and take pride in their advising of students. They pride themselves in their preparing of their students for post-graduate success.

Related Career Titles for Kinesiology Majors

Entry Level Job Titles

Activities Director
Adventurer/Risk Trainer
Aquatic Management
Athletic Coach
Athletic Trainer
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiovascular Fitness Instructor
Community/Commerical Recreation
Corporate Fitness Instructor
Country Club Manager
Cruise Recreation Director
Dance Instructor/Aerobics Instructor
Emergency Medical Technician
Exercise Physiology Technician
Health/Fitness Consultant
SPA/Health Club Manager
Nutrition Specialist
Occupational Exercise Scientist
Park Manager
Personal Trainer
Prison Recreation Specialist
Recreation Specialist
Rehabilitation Specialist
Sporting Goods Sales
Social Director
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Swimming Pool Manager
Teacher; Physical Education

Additional Education or Experience Required

Camp Director
Dietitian
Chiropractor
Sport Agent
Athletic Director - College/University
Sports and Fitness Nutritionist
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Sports Medicine
Exercise Physiologist
Sports Physiologist
Sport Psychologist
PE/Sport/Research Instructor
Kinesiology/Exercise Science Professor - College/University
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Assistant
Pro Football Referee
Professional Sports Scout
Professional Sports Umpire
Medical Doctor

Related Major Skills for Kinesiology Majors

Interest in Coaching
Motor Skills
Motivational Skills
Discussion Skills (i.e., human sexuality)
Oral & Visual Communication Skills
Demonstration Skills (physical activities)
Interest in Health Issues
Interest in Teaching
Knowledge of Proper Nutrition
Planning Skills
Patience
Athletically inclined
Interest in Physical Activities
Interest & Knowledge in the mechanics and general health of human body

Laboratory for Exercise Sciences

Visit the lab in UCB 207.