Department of Kinesiology
262-472-1140
262-472-1140
Mission
The mission of the Department of Kinesiology is to:
Prepare undergraduate and graduate students for careers related to the exercise sciences and health & physical education, and contribute to the General Education Program for undergraduate students. Advance knowledge as teacher-scholars in disciples related to human performance and health & physical education; and Contribute expertise and experience to professions related to human performance, and health & physical education, to the university community and general public.
The Human Performance major prepares students for varied careers in Kinesiology, including health promotion, human performance, exercise science, strength and conditioning, recreation, sport management, and coaching. The program also prepares students for graduate studies in exercise science, athletic training, sport management, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other pre-professional programs.
Students learn practical skills from experts in their fields, ensuring students develop the knowledge base needed to be a leader in their chosen Kinesiology profession. The major offers 3 distinct emphases to prepare students for their intended career or graduate program. The Exercise Science Emphasis is a broad program of study that when combined with the choice from several minors and certificates, prepares students for careers in the exercise and health sciences, such as cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, strength & conditioning, nutrition, sport & exercise psychology, and coaching . The Sport, Wellness, and Recreation Emphasis is designed for students interested in careers in the fields of Coaching, Health Promotion, Sport Management, and Recreation. For both the Exercise Science and Sport, Wellness and Recreation emphases. A required, flexible 6-credit internship program helps students build their resume while maintaining their current life-work responsibilities. The courses are delivered in both online and in-person modalities, providing students with the flexibility to meet their needs.
The Pre-Professional emphasis is designed for students who intend to pursue a professional graduate program in Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, or Occupational Therapy. Students have the opportunity to shape their program by choosing the electives that coincide with their intended graduate program.
The Physical Education Major - Health and Adaptive PE provides classroom education and practical experiences to prepare and license students to teach physical education, health education, and adapted physical education in K-12 schools. This major allows students to earn all three credentials within one comprehensive program.
Students take engaging classes from experienced teachers in pedagogy and content areas including teaching methods, classroom management, serving a diverse student population, and encouraging life-long health and fitness, among others. Students go into schools for practical experiences regularly during their coursework, and end their education with a semester of student teaching under the guidance of faculty and cooperating teachers.
Courses in Physical Education, Health, and Adapted PE are also offered as post-baccalaureate certificates for students with an earned Bachelor’s degree. These certificates lead to Wisconsin Department of Public instruction K-12 teacher licensure. Physical Education and Health are available to students as initial teaching licenses and Adapted PE is available as an add-on license for those that already hold a Physical Education license. These accelerated licensure programs are offered fully online.
The Department of Kinesiology also supports the General Education program at UW-Whitewater. All students complete a required health and physical activity courses supports life-long learning in the areas of personal health and fitness.
Beyond the required course, students may choose elective courses in health and physical activity to learn more study health-related physical fitness, or participate in team, individual, and adventure sports and leisure-time activities.
These courses promote knowledge of sports and leisure activities, and stress the important benefits derived from regular participation in physical activity. Courses are available at both the introductory and intermediate levels for many sports, and are available to all students regardless of major.