Department of Health and Kinesiology

Department Chair: Daniel R. Chilek, Ph.D., drchilek@lamar.edu

Administrative Associate Senior: Mrs. Shelly Traxler, straxler@lamar.edu 
Location: 101 Health & Human Performance Complex A, Phone: (409) 880-8724

Degree Coordinators:

Exercise Science: Shannon Jordan, (409) 880-7824, sjordan5@lamar.edu, HHPA 106A 
Health
: Israel Msengi, (409) 880-8716, igmsengi@lamar.edu, HHPA 211
Kinesiology: Kim Gauthreaux, (409) 880-8006, kdtallent@lamar.edu, HHPA 207
Master's of Public Health: Praphul Joshi, (409) 880-8944, pjoshi@lamar.edu HHPA 220
Academic Advisor: Kristen McDonald, (409) 880-8872, luap-mph@lamar.edu 
M.S. in Kinesiology: Alan Moore, (409) 880-2226, amoore36@lamar.edu HHPA 106D


Faculty

Professor: Doug Boatwright, Rick Carter, Barbara Hernandez

Associate Professor: Praphul Joshi, Alan Moore, Julio Morales, Israel Msengi

Assistant Professor: Daniel Chilek, Shannon Jordan

Clinical Instructors: Kim Gauthreaux, Jeanne Mullican

The Department of Health and Kinesiology has three undergraduate degrees and two master's degree options.

Undergraduate Program Offerings

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Teacher Certification) – 120 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Health (Non-Certification Community Health) – 120 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science & Fitness Management – 120 hrs
Minor in Kinesiology - 18 hrs
Minor in Health - 18 hrs

Entrance Requirements for all Undergraduate Majors

  • Entering freshmen who meet the university’s general entrance requirements may be admitted to the Department of Health and Kinesiology.
  • Transfer students who wish to enter the Community Health program must have a minimum 2.0 GPA on all work attempted.
  • Transfer students who wish to enter the Exercise Science and Fitness Management program must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on all work attempted.
  • Transfer students who wish to enter the Kinesiology Teacher Certification program must have a minimum 2.75 GPA on all work attempted.

For detailed information about our undergraduate degree programs, please visit our website

Kinesiology

The Kinesiology program of study prepares the student for a teaching career in Kinesiology. The Kinesiology teacher education program leads to EC-12 Physical Education Certification. The course of study leading to a baccalaureate degree and teacher certification in Kinesiology encompasses three areas of work:

  1. the required block of professional theory courses (HLTH & KINT) - 38 semester hours,
  2. the required block of professional development courses (PEDG) - 21 semester hours, and
  3. the required block of professional activity courses and electives (KINA) -19 semester hours.

A grade of “C” or better must be earned in each of the kinesiology professional theory courses (HLTH & KINT) and in the professional activity courses (KINA). A student must have completed the English, Mathematics, Biology (C or better), Political Science, and History General Education Requirements prior to enrolling in the 3000- and 4000-level professional theory courses (KINT). For teacher certification in Health and Kinesiology, the required blocks of professional development courses are READ 3326, PEDG 3300, 3380, 4340 and 4630 and PEDG 2310. A student must be admitted to the College of Education and Human Development’s teacher education program with a GPA of 2.75 before enrolling in professional development courses (PEDG 2310 is taken prior to admission into the teacher education program). The required blocks of professional activity courses are KINA 1370, KINA 2378, KINA 3390, and PEGA 1176. Nine additional hours must be selected from KINA 2370, 2371, 2372, or 2373.

Bachelor of Science – Kinesiology

Teacher Certification Program EC-12 Certification – Total Min. Hours: 120

 

First Year Second Year
ENGL 1301-1302 6 ENGL LIT/PHIL 3
MATH 1314  3 POLS 2301-2302 6
HIST 1301-1302 6 BIOL 2401-2402 8
KINT 1301 3 SOCIAL SCIENCE 3
HLTH 1370 3 KINA 2378 3
KINA 1370 3 HLTH 2376 3
COMM 3 PEDG 2310 3
MATH 1342/PSYC 2317 3 KINA Elective 3
FINE ARTS 3 32
33
Third Year Fourth Year
KINT 3320 3 KINT 3322 3
KINT 3350 3 KINT 4330 3
KINT 3370 3 KINT 4360 3
KINA 3390 3 READ 3326 3
KINT 3330 3 PEDG 3380 3
KINT 3315 3 PEDG 4340 3
PEGA 1 PEDG 4630 6
KINA Electives 6 24
FCSC 1322 3
PEDG 3300 3
31

Minor in Kinesiology Teaching - Total Min. Hours: 18

KINT 1301 - Intro to Physical Education

KINT 3320 - Management Skills

KINT 3370 - Motor Development

KINT 4360 - Measurement and Evaluation

KINA 2378 - Applied Fitness Concepts

KINA 3390 - Movement Experiences for Young children

Health

The Community Health program is a non-teacher certification program that prepares students for a career in public, government, non-profit, and private health agencies. A student must have completed the General Education Requirements, including English, Mathematics, Biology (C or better), Political Science and History, prior to enrolling in the 3000- and 4000-level health professional courses. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in each of the health professional courses. There are prerequisites for most 3000- and 4000-level health professional courses. Students are required to complete an internship.

Bachelor of Science – Health

Non-Certification Community Health Program – Total Min. Hours:120

First Year Second Year
ENGL 1301-1302 6 ENGL LIT/PHIL 1370 3
MATH 1314 3 POLS 2301-2302 6
MATH 1342 OR PSYC 2317 3 COMM 6
HIST 1301-1302 6 FCSC 1322 3
HLTH 1370 3 HLTH 2374 3
FINE ARTS 3 BIOL 2401-BIOL 2402 8
HLTH 1373 3 SOCIAL SCIENCE 3
27 29
Third Year Fourth Year
BIOL 2420 4 HLTH 4309 3
HLTH 3337 3 HLTH 4340 3
HLTH 3360 3 HLTH 4360 3
HLTH 3370 3 HLTH 4370 3
HLTH 3378 3 HLTH 4372 3
HLTH 3372 3 HLTH 4380 3
ENGL 3310 3 HLTH 4342 3
KINT 3370 3 HLTH 4660-Internship 6
Electives: 6 Electives: 6
25 33

 

Minor in Health - Total Min. Hours: 18 (9 must be Upper-Level)

Required Courses - 12 Hours

HLTH 1370 - Health and Wellness

HLTH 1373 - Foundations of Health

HLTH 3360 - Epidemiology

HLTH 4340 - Program Planning

Electives - 6 Hours From:

HLTH 2374 - Consumer Health

HLTH 3337 - Health disparities

HLTH 3370 - Contemporary Health Issues

HLTH 3372 - Drug Use and Abuse

HLTH 3378 - human Sexuality

HLTH 4309 - Environmental Health

HLTH 4342 - Workplace Health Promotion

HLTH 4370 - Community Organizations and Development

HLTH 4380 - Human Diseases

Exercise Science and Fitness Management (ESFM)

The Exercise Science and Fitness Management program of study has two professional track options; personal fitness and pre-professional programs. The personal fitness track serves to prepare the student for a career in a variety of corporate fitness and wellness settings. The pre-professional track serves to prepare students for graduate programs in Physical or Occupational Therapy, Medicine or Physician Assistant and Law programs. The course of study leading to the baccalaureate degree encompasses several areas:

  •  A student must have junior status and have successfully completed Biology 2401 and 2402 (Anatomy and Physiology I & II), KINA 2378 (Applied Fitness Concepts), ENGL 3311 (Professional Writing) and KINT 3330 (Exercise Physiology) prior to enrolling in higher-level courses.  A grade of “C” or better must be earned in each of the pre-professional and professional theory courses
  • the required block of professional courses to include six hours of course work in either the pre-professional or personal fitness track ( KINT, HLTH, FCSC & ENGL) – 58 hours.
  •  the block of emphasis area courses from either personal fitness (management, nutrition, community or athletic training) or pre-professional (prerequisites course work for professional graduate programs). - 12 hours.

Bachelor of Science – Exercise Science & Fitness Management – Total Min. Hours: 120

First Year Second Year
ENGL 1301-1302 6 ENGL LIT/PHIL 1370 3
MATH 1314 3 POLS 2301-2302 6
MATH 1342 OR PSYC 2317 3 BIOL 2401-2402 8
HLTH 1370 3 SOCIAL SCIENCE 3
HIST 1301-1302 6 FCSC 1322 3
KINT 1301 3 KINA 2378 3
FINE ARTS 3 ENGL 3311 3
COMM 3 Elective 3
30 32
Third Year Fourth Year
KINT 3315 3 KINT 3345 3
KINT 3130 1 KINT 3380 3
KINT 3330 3 KINT 4315 3
KINT 4323 3 KINT 4350 3
KINT 4342 3 KINT 4355 3
HLTH 3360 3 KINT 4630 6
Emphasis Area 6 Emphasis Area 6
Chosen Track 6 Elective 3
Personal Fitness Track 28 30
KINT 3310, KINT 3322
or
Clinical Track
KINT 3342, KINT 3363

Athletic Training Specialization

Licensure by the State of Texas as an Athletic Trainer is available through meeting the following requirements:

  • Admission to the Athletic Training Internship Program at ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ.
  • Completion of a minimum of 1800 clock hours during a period of at least five academic semesters prior to graduation.
  • Completion of an undergraduate degree in addition to certain course requirements.
  • Successful completion of Texas Department of State Health Services Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers licensure examination.

Graduate Degrees Offered

The Department of Health and Kinesiology offers two programs of study:

For detailed information about our graduate degree programs, please visit our website.

Master of Public Health in Health Disparities: This online degree program is an in-depth examination of community health theory, research, and practice in health promotion program assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Program topics include current issues, epidemiology, behavior, and psychosocial and socioeconomic factors and determinants influencing health status.

Admission requirements for Master on Public Health

Candidates for admission to the Master of Public Health must meet all the admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies.

  1. Candidates must have a 2.5 or greater GPA on a 4.0 scale overall or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of their undergraduate degree program.
  2. Candidates must satisfy the necessary undergraduate prerequisites as prescribed for a particular area of specialization. All students desiring entrance to the Master programs will receive a review of their prior coursework. In some instances, leveling course work may be required before full admittance to the program of study is granted. Leveling courses may be required if undergraduate course transcripts do not provide sufficient evidence for successful mastery of cognitive and/or practical applied skills and abilities as related to the program of study.
  3. GRE is not required for M.P.H. admissions.

Degree Requirements:

  • Candidates for the Master of Public Health in Health Disparities must meet all of the College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements.
  • Twenty-seven semester hours of required curriculum core courses.
  • Nine semester hours of advisor-approved elective courses.
  • Six semester hours of Capstone.
Master of Science in Kinesiology: The Kinesiology program of study leading to the Master of Science in Kinesiology is designed to accomplish three major objectives:
  1. To provide students with the academic and research skills needed for doctoral study in kinesiology, exercise science, physiology of exercise, postural control, athletic training or biomechanics.
  2. To prepare students for exercise and fitness related professions that place an emphasis on translating research into practice, application of critical thinking and problem-solving skills and application of scientifically sound principles and practices to a variety of environments and diverse clientele.
  3. To prepare students for employment in clinically-oriented environments that place an emphasis on research-based practice such as cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning or sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, medicine and law, to mention a few possibilities.

Admission requirements for Master of Science in Kinesiology
Candidates for admission to the Master of Science in Kinesiology must meet all the admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies.

  • Candidates must also have a 2.5 or greater GPA on a 4.0 scale overall or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of their undergraduate degree program.
  • Students are required to complete the Graduate School Record Exam (GRE) and must have a score of > or = to 428 for full admission to the program of study based on the following formula:

(GPA * 50) + (GRE Verbal + GRE Quantitative) > or = 428

  • GRE exemption: Candidates whose transcripts support a 3.0 or greater grade point average (GPA), for the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work completed, may be exempt from taking the GRE.
  • Candidates must satisfy the necessary undergraduate prerequisites as prescribed for a particular area of specialization. All students desiring entrance to the Master programs will receive a review of their prior coursework. In some instances, leveling course work may be required before full admittance to the program of study is granted. Leveling courses may be required if undergraduate course transcripts do not provide sufficient evidence for successful mastery of cognitive and/or practical applied skills and abilities as related to the program of study.
  • Each prospective student should petition the department for a transcript review early on in the application process to ensure a timely admissions response. Further, students are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all credentials for admission are sent to the graduate school for inclusion in their application packet. The department only receives applicant notification once all materials are in receipt at the Graduate school.

Degree Requirements:

  • Candidates for the Master of Science degree in Kinesiology must meet all of the College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements.
  • Fifteen semester hours of required curriculum core courses.
  • Nine semester hours of Exercise Science or Sport Studies track courses.
  • Six semester hours of Thesis or 12 additional hours of research and/or track courses.

Completion of degree option:

  • Thesis – (30 hours) to include 24 hours of course work and a minimum of 6 hours of thesis.
  • Non-Thesis – (36 hours) to include a minimum of 36 hours of course work. At least 3 hours of course work (Independent Study) will be devoted to a capstone experience culminating in a professional paper suitable for publication, as well as, a formal presentation and defense of the topic and conclusions resulting from the scholarly pursuit. Each student will be assigned a major professor no later than their second semester in the program of study and this faculty member will mentor the student in their scholarly efforts along with the Graduate Coordinator.
  • Students are encouraged to present their research at state and national meetings of the following organizations: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The M.S. degree, combined with supervised clinical experience, will assist students in their preparation for national certification exams.