Kinesiology and Physical Education

The Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education offers a B.S. in kinesiology and a B.S.Ed. in physical education. The department also offers minors in kinesiology and physical education (with an interdisciplinary option), and coaching. In addition, the department offers selected courses developed to meet the needs of the university community.

The B.S.Ed. in physical education K-12 program is designed for students who plan to teach physical education at the elementary, intermediate, or secondary level. Students who receive physical education K-12 licensure may add endorsement(s) to current license. Additional course work is necessary.

The B.S. program in athletic training is designed for students preparing to become athletic trainers (AT). In collaboration with the physician, the AT student provides services consisting of prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. Athletic trainers work under the direction of physicians as prescribed by state licensure statutes.

The B.S. program in kinesiology is designed to prepare students for professional opportunities/further studies in health behavior/promotion, sport performance, sport management, and cardiac rehabilitation settings. The program provides a rigorous program of study combining classroom, laboratory, field experiences, and a culminating internship that develop students to become professionals in the health and fitness industry.

The Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education recommends high school preparation in biology, geometry, chemistry, and physics for students who plan to major or minor in any area of physical education. Such students should seek early academic advisement through the office of the coordinator of advisement.

Course information

With the exception of KNPE 100 and KNPE 111, all 100-level KNPE and KNDN courses may be repeated for credit one time only.

Courses marked with the symbol # involve risk or safety factors. The department reserves the right to deny admission to or continuation of enrollment in these courses to any student who is deemed a risk factor to others or to himself or herself.

Kinesiology and Physical Education Faculty

Steven M. Howell, Ph.D., Purdue University, professor, chair

Clayton L. Camic, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, professor
Rodney L. Caughron, Ph.D., University of Iowa, associate professor
Neal Ternes, Ph.D., Florida State University, assistant professor
Peter J. Chomentowski, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, associate professor

Wonock Chung, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, assistant professor

Todd A. Gilson, Ph.D., Michigan State University, professor

Nicholas Grahovec, Ph.D., Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, assistant professor
Shaine E. Henert, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, associate professor
Farah Ishaq, Ph.D., University of Kansas, assistant professor
Jennifer M. Jacobs, Ph.D., Northern Illinois University, associate professor

William A. Pitney, Ed.D., Northern Illinois University, professor
James D. Ressler, Ph.D., The Ohio State University, professor
Zachary Wahl-Alexander, Ph.D., University of Alabama, associate professor
Tyler Wood, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, assistant professor
Paul M. Wright, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, Presidential Engagement Professor
Lauriece L. Zittel, Ph.D. Oregon State University, professor