COURSE CURRICULUM

The Kinesiology (K–12 Physical Education Licensure) BS degree is a 120-hour program designed to prepare students for careers in school-based physical education teaching and broader movement education roles. The curriculum is built around a structured progression that combines general education, exercise science foundations, pedagogy, and supervised teaching practice. Students begin with general education requirements in written communication, natural sciences, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, and communication skills, ensuring a broad academic base that supports later professional training. A strong emphasis is placed on biological and physical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, physics, and chemistry, which are essential for understanding human movement, fitness, and health. Within the major coursework, students study kinesiology, biomechanics, motor learning, exercise physiology, and sport psychology, along with specialized courses in adapted physical education and developmental movement skills. The teacher licensure pathway adds education-focused training such as methods of teaching physical education, classroom management, literacy in content areas, and educational psychology, ensuring graduates are prepared for instructional responsibilities in K–12 environments. A key feature of the program is the extensive clinical and practicum experience, culminating in student teaching semesters (KIN 490 and KIN 491), where candidates teach at both elementary and secondary school levels under supervision. Additional requirements include nutrition, personal wellness, computer applications in education, and assessments in kinesiology to support modern teaching practices. The program is designed to meet Mississippi state licensure standards, meaning graduates are eligible for certification as physical education teachers upon completion. Overall, the degree integrates scientific understanding of the human body with educational theory and hands-on teaching practice, producing professionals capable of working in schools as well as adapting skills for fitness, coaching, and health-related careers.