The Kinesiology (KINE) undergraduate program at George Mason University is a demanding, science-based degree designed to prepare students with strong scientific knowledge in health, wellness, and performance across the lifespan. Kinesiology faculty provide students with a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to the study of human movement utilizing classroom, laboratory, and experiential learning environments. Two concentrations are offered: Strength and Conditioning and Allied Health Sciences.

The curriculum and learning environment prepare students for advanced professional or graduate study and to excel in careers post-graduation. Students obtain jobs in a variety of careers in the health and wellness industry, such as clinical exercise, corporate fitness, athletic training, personal training, strength and conditioning, sport science, sport and exercise nutrition, wellness/fitness management, sports chiropractic, medical, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

The BS in Kinesiology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP: American College of Sports Medicine sponsored) and holds national program recognition status from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-ERP).

Policies

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see  AP.5 Undergraduate Policies. Students should also review  Mason Core  requirements. 

Degree Requirements

Kinesiology Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 each semester and to receive a grade of C or better in all Professional Sequence courses as well as STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) or EDRS 220 Introduction to Applied Quantitative Analysis (Mason Core) . Failure to do so will result in probation or termination from the Kinesiology program. (See AP.5.2.3 Termination from the Concentration or Major). The Kinesiology Academic Advisors are available to assist Kinesiology students with course registration and academic plans. All students are encouraged to meet with their Academic Advisor each semester they are enrolled at Mason. 

Concentration Requirements

Students in the Allied Health Sciences and Strength and Conditioning concentrations must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn a C or better in their Professional Sequence and concentration coursework. Failure to do so will result in termination from the concentration. (See AP.5.2.3 Termination from the Concentration or Major).

Practicum/Internship Requirements

All students completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree are required to complete 3- credit practicum during their junior year and a 6-to 12- credit capstone internship during their graduating semester. Students must have earned 90 credit hours and met the specific prerequisites to be eligible for the internship (KINE 490 Kinesiology Internship (Mason Core) ) 

The practicum and internship are structured and supervised work experiences that may be paid or voluntary. Arrangement and cost of transportation to and from practicum/internship settings is the full responsibility of all Kinesiology students. Approved sites are expected to provide an environment in which students can foster their development as research-savvy practitioners, hone and demonstrate skills, and transition into chosen careers through guided experiential learning.  

Students in the Strength and Conditioning concentration are required to complete a minimum of 570 internship hours (12 credits of KINE 490 Kinesiology Internship (Mason Core) ) in two substantially different experiences (e.g., sport, gender, age range, or other). Contact the Internship Coordinator for additional requirements.  

Banner Code: E1-BS-KNES

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 120

Mason Core

Foundation Requirements:
Written Communication3
Composition (Mason Core)
Oral Communication3
Information Technology and Computing3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core)
Introduction to Applied Quantitative Analysis (Mason Core)
Exploration Requirements:
Arts3
Global Understanding3
Literature3
Natural Science 1
Social and Behavioral Sciences3
Global History3
Integration Requirement:
Written Communication3
Advanced Composition (Mason Core)
Writing Intensive 2
Synthesis/Capstone 3
Total Credits30
1

Met by BIOL 124 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 125 Human Anatomy and Physiology II, program requirements.

2

Met by KINE 450 Research Methods (Mason Core), a program requirement.

3

Met by KINE 490 Kinesiology Internship (Mason Core), a program requirement.

Professional Sequence

ATEP 120First Aid and Emergency Care2
ATEP 300Functional Anatomy3
BIOL 124Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 125Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
KINE 100Introduction to Kinesiology3
KINE 200Methods of Exercise Instruction3
KINE 260Behavior Modification for Physical Activity3
KINE 295Principles of Human Nutrition3
KINE 310Exercise Physiology I3
KINE 340Exercise Testing and Evaluation3
KINE 341Kinesiology Practicum3
KINE 350Exercise Prescription and Programming3
KINE 355Introduction to Biomechanics3
KINE 404Motor Control Theory and Application3
KINE 450Research Methods (Mason Core) (fulfills writing intensive requirement)3
Total Credits46

BS in Kinesiology without Concentration

Students are encouraged to pursue a minor and/or concentration. Students who do not select an optional concentration must complete the professional sequence and select at least 38 additional credits from any of the courses in the university catalog. 

KINE 490Kinesiology Internship (Mason Core)6-12
Total Credits6-12

Electives

Select an additional 32-38 credits from any of the courses in the university catalog.32-38
Total Credits32-38

Note: Students are encouraged to complete BIOL 103 and BIOL 105 as electives before taking BIOL 124

Concentration in Allied Health Sciences (AHS)

This concentration prepares students with the prerequisite knowledge and skills needed to advance to graduate programs in pursuit of becoming an allied health professional, such as an athletic trainer, physical therapist, occupational therapist, sports medicine physician, or sports chiropractor.

ATEP 201Medical and Scientific Terminology3
BIOL 103Introductory Biology II-Survey of Cell and Molecular Biology (Mason Core)3
BIOL 105Introductory Biology II Laboratory (Mason Core)1
KINE 410Exercise Physiology II3
KINE 490Kinesiology Internship (Mason Core)6-12
PSYC 100Introduction to Psychology (Mason Core) 13
PSYC 211Lifespan Development (Mason Core)3
PHYS 243College Physics I (Mason Core)3
PHYS 244College Physics I Lab (Mason Core)1
Choose one ATEP or KINE course at the 300 level or higher3
Total Credits29-35
1

If PSYC 100 fulfills a Mason Core requirement, students may need to complete an additional 3 credits of electives.

Electives

Select an additional 9-15 credits from any of the courses in the university catalog.
Electives9-15
Total Credits9-15

Note: Students are highly encouraged to review the prerequisite courses required by their desired graduate program(s) and use their electives to meet any additional program requirements. At least 6 elective credits must be at the 300 and 400 level.

Concentration in Strength and Conditioning (STCN)

This concentration prepares students with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to become Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS). This certification is a requirement for many positions in personal training, strength and conditioning coaching, sport science, fitness, and player development.

KINE 250Endurance Sport Program Design3
KINE 360Strength Training: Concepts and Applications3
KINE 361Advanced Resistance Training Techniques 3
KINE 405Health and Fitness Facility Administration and Management3
KINE 409Strength and Conditioning 3
KINE 420Sport and Exercise Nutrition3
KINE 490Kinesiology Internship (Mason Core)12
SPMT 320Psychology of Sport3
Total Credits33

Electives

Select an additional 11 credits from any of the courses in the university catalog.
Electives11
Total Credits11

Note: Students are encouraged to complete BIOL 103 and BIOL 105 as electives before taking BIOL 124

Special Requirements

Technical Standards

The standards set forth by the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students in this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed in Kinesiology-related professions, as well as meet the expectations of the program's accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs).

This degree is academically-rigorous with a significant experiential learning component, which places specific demands and requirements on its students. After admission into the Kinesiology degree, students must submit a technical standards certification statement indicating that they have read, understand, and can meet the technical standards for Kinesiology students, either with or without accommodation. These standards outline the essential functional tasks that students must be able to perform to enroll in and complete the program. Students requiring special accommodations are encouraged to contact Disability Services.

Certifications

All Kinesiology students must have Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR, AED Certification at the level of a Healthcare Professional (e.g. American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals)and First Aid certifications before entering their first practicum experience (KINE 341 Kinesiology Practicum ) and must maintain these certifications through the remainder of the Kinesiology degree program. The initial certification and all re-certifications must include successful completion of hands-on, practical skills, not just completion of online lessons/training.

All Kinesiology students will complete blood-borne pathogens and infectious disease exposure training in the practicum and internship courses. Some practicum/internship sites require proof of current immunizations and may require students to obtain additional immunizations and health screenings not required by George Mason University. Costs associated with said immunizations and health screenings are to be assumed by the Kinesiology student.

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on pre-requisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and with PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.

(To be supplemented by Mason Core and Electives)

BS in Kinesiology without Concentration

First Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
KINE 1003BIOL 1244
Mason Core/Electives13KINE 2003
 Mason Core/Electives9
 16 16
Second Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
BIOL 1254KINE 2953
ATEP 3003KINE 3103
KINE 2603KINE 3403
Mason Core/Electives6Mason Core/Electives6
 16 15
Third Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
KINE 3503KINE 3413
KINE 3553STAT 250 or EDRS 2203
ATEP 1202Mason Core/Electives9
ENGH 3023 
Mason Core/Electives3 
 14 15
Fourth Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
KINE 4043KINE 4906
KINE 4503Mason Core/Electives (may vary based on internship credits)7
Mason Core/Electives9 
 15 13
Total Credits 120

Concentration in Allied Health Sciences

First Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
KINE 1003BIOL 1244
PSYC 1003KINE 2003
BIOL 1033PSYC 2113
BIOL 1051Mason Core/Electives6
Mason Core/Electives6 
 16 16
Second Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
BIOL 1254ATEP 2013
ATEP 3003KINE 2953
KINE 2603KINE 3103
Mason Core/Electives6KINE 3403
 Mason Core/Electives3
 16 15
Third Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ATEP 1202KINE 3413
ENGH 3023PHYS 2433
KINE 3503PHYS 2441
KINE 3553One ATEP or KINE 300 level or higher3
KINE 4103STAT 250 or EDRS 2203
 Mason Core/Electives3
 14 16
Fourth Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
KINE 4043KINE 4906
KINE 4503Mason Core/Electives (may vary based on internship credits)6
Mason Core/Electives9 
 15 12
Total Credits 120

Concentration in Strength and Conditioning

First Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
KINE 1003BIOL 1244
Mason Core/Electives13KINE 2003
 Mason Core/Electives9
 16 16
Second Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
BIOL 1254KINE 2503
ATEP 3003KINE 2953
KINE 2603KINE 3103
Mason Core/Electives6KINE 3403
 Mason Core/Electives3
 16 15
Third Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ATEP 1202KINE 3413
ENGH 3023KINE 3613
KINE 3503KINE 4203
KINE 3553STAT 250 or EDRS 2203
KINE 3603Mason Core/Electives3
 14 15
Fourth Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
KINE 4043KINE 4053
KINE 4093KINE 49012
KINE 4503 
SPMT 3203 
Mason Core/Electives1 
 13 15
Total Credits 120

Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://advising.gmu.edu/academic-planning/.