Kinesiology - Pre-Healthcare Professions

Department of Health and Human Development, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

This major provides a concentrated study of human movement from mechanical, physiological and pathological perspectives. The program is appropriate for students who plan to work in the fitness/exercise industry or any other field such as coaching or rehabilitation, where human movement and exercise prescription are the focus. Additionally, this degree can serve as the gateway degree to the allied health professions (i.e., physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant) or preparation for post-baccalaureate study in other areas such as exercise physiology, health/ fitness, biomechanics, nutrition, and human growth and motor development. Supporting courses from biology, chemistry, computer science, communication studies, health education and physics are included to provide more in-depth analysis of principles associated with human structure and function.

The pre-healthcare professions option is available for students who wish to pursue post-baccalaureate study in a healthcare profession such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, nursing, naturopathy or chiropractic. Students meet with an advisor to select a set of courses that will meet the admission requirements of their program(s) of choice. This option also can serve as a foundation for graduate study in exercise science.

The Kinesiology major is in very high demand at Western. Prior to declaring the major, WWU students are strongly urged to obtain and utilize advising information from the Kinesiology program web page, or the HHD Advisor Jen Leita (contact information below), to know what classes are recommended to be taken to prepare for the major.