Kinesiology majors and minors

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement and is generally divided into the physiological, psychological, and mechanical aspects of movement. The physiological aspects of kinesiology encompass the study of the short-term responses and long-term adaptations of organisms and systems to the challenge of exercise, physical activity, or movement. From a neuromuscular perspective, kinesiology relates to how humans learn and control movements. The psychological aspects of kinesiology relate to the effects of human behavior on physical activity levels and performance. The mechanical aspects of kinesiology encompass the biodynamics of human movements as they relate to exercise and human performance. Kinesiology is a broad, interdisciplinary field of study that includes diverse specialties such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, exercise psychology, and muscular function and adaptation. Areas of inquiry range in scope from the study of the molecular response of cells to the response and adaptation of the whole body. The kinesiology major encompasses a wide spectrum of performance-related issues involving muscular and cardiovascular physiology, energy balance, exercise adherence, skill acquisition, and fitness testing and prescription.