Kinesiology

Faculty:
Cullers - Chair, Alasmar, Cathey, Nguyen, Schiding, Smith, Theiss, and Wang
Robert E. Young Gymnasium • 417-625-9316

Mission

The Department of Kinesiology supports the Missouri Southern State University mission to offer a liberal arts baccalaureate program that fosters the total education of each student. The department emphasizes quality teaching and academic advising, while promoting dedicated community and university service. The curriculum prepares future professionals to be successful at promoting healthy, active lifestyles in a global society.

The Kinesiology Department offers three degrees: the Bachelor of Science in Education degree (BSE) with a major in Physical Education K-12 and the Bachelor of Science degree (BS) with a major in Exercise Science, Food Science and Nutrition, and in Sport and Recreation Management.

Candidates in the Department of Kinesiology are strongly encouraged to become involved in the profession through professional development, professional clubs and organizations, leadership opportunities and service. The Department’s programs of study reflect guidelines from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE America), Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Red Cross and requirements from the School of Education at Missouri Southern State University. Students studying in the Department of Kinesiology must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in all required courses with a KINE, BIO, EDUC, SRM, or PSY prefix.

Advisement

The Department of Kinesiology assigns academic advisors to candidates following admission to the University. Those without an assigned Kinesiology advisor, but who have declared a major in the Kinesiology Department, should contact the Department Chair or administrative assistant for an advisor. Academic advising is a collaborative relationship between the student and academic advisor. The academic advisor facilitates and outlines the steps for achievement of the students’ personal, academic and career goals and encourages student access to a variety of resources and services available on the MSSU campus. The advisor/student partnership requires participation and involvement of both the advisor and the student; however, meeting the degree requirements is ultimately the responsibility of the student.

K-12 Physical Education

Students who desire certification as a teacher of physical education will become qualified at both the elementary and secondary level (K-12). Physical Education K-12 majors should refer to Missouri Southern’s Teacher Education program. In order to graduate from the Teacher Education Program, the candidate must successfully complete the exit requirements, in addition to all other academic requirements of the University. The candidate must also pass the Praxis in K-12 physical education, maintain a 2.0 or above cumulative GPA, earn a 3.0 or above professional education GPA, and earn a 3.0 or above content area GPA. Additional department/content requirements may apply. updated for fall 2024

All Teacher Education programs have been approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Exercise Science (formerly known as Health Promotion and Wellness)

Graduates in this major will be prepared to promote life-style strategies to prevent illness and improve quality of life. Students seeking the Exercise Science degree will actively participate in an internship experience in their final semester. Upon completion of the program, graduates may seek professional opportunities in a wide variety of areas including, but not limited to:

Physical Therapy or Physical Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant
Chiropractic Care
Physician Assistant
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist/Wellness Industry
Personal Training
Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN)
Community Health/Wellness
Corporate Wellness
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Public and Population Health
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy or Physical Therapy Assistant
Exercise Physiology

Note: Several career options require additional schooling and/or certifications.

Students who wish to pursue the degree in Exercise Science must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all university course work prior to enrolling in KINE 0491 - Internship in Wellness.

Sport and Recreation Management

The College of Business, Technology, and Communication and the Department of Kinesiology are offering an interdisciplinary, joint program in Sport and Recreation Management.

This new Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Recreation Management is designed to prepare well-rounded employees for successful careers in the complex and challenging recreation and sport industry.

In addition to the requisite knowledge needed to begin a career in the Sport and Recreation Management industry, the program will develop student’s communication, leadership and management skills.

Sport and Recreation Management majors find employment opportunities in

Municipal Recreation
Campus Recreation
College Athletic Administration
Private Clubs
Sporting Goods Companies
Non-profit Organizations
Professional Sport Organizations
Private / Commercial Recreation Organizations

Food Science and Nutrition

The Food Science and Nutrition program at MSSU offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate aspects of food science, nutrition, and human health. This program encompasses a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from various STEM fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, and biochemistry. The program integrates practical experience through internships, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities crucial for success in the industry. Students will have the opportunity to delve into the fundamental principles of food science, including food safety, processing, packaging, analysis, quality assurance, food policies and regulations. The completion of this degree program will allow students to apply critical thinking and analytical skills to identify problems in food and nutritional sciences, participating in the design and evaluation of solutions that advance the field. With smaller class sizes, a lower faculty-to-student ratio, immersive learning opportunities, and strong connections to local food industries, the program ensures a tailored educational experience.

Multidisciplinary approach, drawing from various STEM fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, and biochemistry.
Integrates practical experiences through internships, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities crucial for success in the industry.
Students will have the opportunity to delve into the fundamental principles of food science, including food safety, processing, packaging, analysis, quality assurance, food policies and regulations.
The completion of this degree program will allow students to apply critical thinking and analytical skills to identify problems in food and nutritional sciences, participating in the design and evaluation of solutions that advance the field.
14% Job growth in Missouri, 13% nationwide
Small class sizes, a lower faculty-to-student ratio, immersive learning opportunities, and strong connections to local food industries, the program ensures a tailored educational experience.

Master of Science in Sport and Recreation Management

This degree is designed to help students that are interested in working in sports or recreation. This degree helps prepare students for management-level positions within the sports and recreation industries. Students will learn not only how to do various upper-management level duties, but also why they are doing the tasks. Students will learn necessary business skills, facility and event management, marketing and promotion, and more. This degree will help students advance in their careers and opens up opportunities in other fields.

With the degree being offered online, students can complete the degree from anywhere in the world.

Potential career paths for graduates of this program include: college athletic administration, interscholastic athletic departments, professional sports, health and country clubs, charitable and youth organizations, sport marketing and promotions, facility/event management and planning, activity programming, community recreation departments, and program management.

Asynchronous online only- this method was selected to allow for students across the region, and globally, to complete the degree at their own pace, in as little as 1-year. Workers within the sports industry work various hours throughout the day, so scheduling courses where students would be able to attend would limit many industry workers from being able to enroll in courses.

Additional Interest Areas:

Lion Co-op, Center for Nutritional Security

The Lion Co-Op was founded to help students who are dealing with food insecurity…a reduction in the quality or variety of food intake, which often results in disrupted eating patterns. The Center provides education opportunities through Internships, Practicums, volunteer hours, and course work (KINE / HIST 488) and conducts research both on campus and across the state in the area of food insecurity and college students.

Coaching Certificate

There is a high demand for quality athletic coaches, both interscholastic and youth coaches, as well as a demand for quality game officials. The coaching certification program, offered by the Kinesiology Department, is designed to improve the coaching effectiveness and efficiency of both educators and non-educators interested in athletic coaching. The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) provides the requirements for Missouri interscholastic coaches in the MSHSAA Official Handbook, Section 3: Athletics By-Laws http://www.mshsaa.org/resources/pdf/Official%20Handbook.pdf. In the state of Missouri, coaching levels and minimum requirements are outlined for the Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Student Teacher and Hardship Coach. For the coaching requirements of another state, students will need to contact the state’s governing agency. For students with an interest in athletic coaching, the Kinesiology Department offers a 22-hour Coaching Certificate to strengthen the student’s career preparation. Certificates may be earned independently from a degree.

Rehabilitation Science Certificate

The Rehabilitation Science Certificate focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to use exercise as a model for prevention and treatment of disease. The classes that are part of the Rehabilitation Science Certificate emphasize skill development and applied, hands-on learning and are focused on preparing students for graduate level training in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine and other Allied Health Careers. This certificate is aimed at students entering many different types of health fields and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and learning and communicating across fields. The Kinesiology Department offers a 16-17 hour Rehabilitation Science Certificate to strengthen the student’s career preparation. Certificates may be earned independently from a degree.

Community Health Certificate

Healthcare is moving from a treatment model to a model of prevention. Community health focuses on understanding the social determinants of health that influence the health of individuals and communities over time. The Kinesiology Department offers a 19-21 hour Community Health Certificate to strengthen the student’s career preparation. Certificates may be earned independently from a degree.

Nutrition Certificate

The Nutrition Certificate provides a variety of class in community nutrition, disease prevention and food safety and preparation. It will assist individuals in meeting educational requirements for the Women, Infant and Childcare Program, Nutritionist Positions. For students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree and Registration in Dietetics, this certificate can assist in meeting prerequisites for those programs.

Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

A graduate degree is required to become an Athletic Trainer, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Missouri Southern does offer the required perquisites for students to take to prepare them to apply to these graduate programs. Through course work and advisement students in the Kinesiology department are equipped with the knowledge and skills for graduate programs in these professions.

Health

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) identifies Health as a certification area. To teach health in the State of Missouri, one must be certified to teach in Missouri and pass the Praxis. Courses related to health education content and teaching methods are offered at Missouri Southern. updated for fall 2024

Student Organization

Kinesiology Club (K-Club) is a registered student organization (RSO), open to all students who are interested in promoting healthy, active lifestyles in a global society. The club provides additional opportunities for leadership, professional learning and career preparation. K-Club sponsors a wide variety of social, service and professional learning events each semester.

For additional information contact:
Dr. Andrea Cullers, Department Chair
Young Gymnasium 214
417-625-9382
cullers-a@mssu.edu

Programs

Major Programs (Undergraduate)

Certificates (Undergraduate)

Graduate Programs

*NEW Sport and Recreation Management, Master of Science, GR27

Teacher Education Programs

Physical Education Major, Grades K-12, BSE

Courses

Food Science and Nutrition

Kinesiology

Sports & Recreation Management