Welcome
Greetings from the McMurry Department of Kinesiology and Health Fitness. Here, we explore the amazing human body and how complex movement impacts overall well-being. As a kinesiology student, you’ll gain knowledge of anatomy and physiology, psychology, exercise science and statistics, chemistry, physics, nutrition and more. A B.S. degree in the kinesiology field of study will put you on track to help others of all ages and abilities, whether the objective is to attain better health, improve mobility and optimize athletic performance.
McMurry’s faculty and staff are well regarded in the field and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience as researchers, scientists, clinicians, coaches and fitness experts. Through a robust curriculum, immersive coursework and community-based service, you will experience all that kinesiology offers to promote physical, spiritual and emotional health.
Areas of Study
Through university and community-based programs, the Department of Kinesiology and Health Fitness blends spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social and physical dimensions into learning about health and wellness. The curriculum encompasses a broad area of study with a multitude of subspecialties and career options. Our department offers three bachelor of science degrees, two minors, and pre-professional courses to prepare students for advanced studies in areas such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy and related fields.
All Level Physical Education
Inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts as a coach and mentor. As a physical education instructor, you’ll help young students improve their mental and physical health through the power of exercise. Your studies at McMurry will prepare you to build regular lesson plans and use proven teaching techniques to provide an exciting education to students. Or you can use your physical education degree to pursue other careers in kinesiology, like fitness instructor, health educator, sports coach and more. Physical Education (All Levels)Exercise Science and Human Performance
Today, there are numerous health conditions that can be improved by simple changes in diet and fitness routine. If you enjoy pushing your body to the limit and creating an environment for optimal health, then exercise and human performance is the perfect degree program for you. During your time at McMurry, you’ll study all aspects of kinesiology and movement. You’ll explore physical, mental and nutritional health — all at an advanced level. The skills you learn will equip you to help others navigate the path to optimal health and performance. When paired with pre-professional courses offered through the Kinesiology or Human and Health Sciences Departments, you’ll be prepared for graduate studies or to begin career your career in health and fitness, exercise science, or coaching. Exercise Science and Human PerformanceSports Industry
This course involves in depth study of a particular aspect in Sports Industry, including but not limited to, compliance, sports communications & promotions, sports facilities design & management, sports programming & operations, sports Leadership & administration, and contemporary issues in sports. CatalogSports Leadership and Management
Being a strong leader is essential in today’s organizations. In this degree program, you’ll focus on wellness and fitness — with particular emphasis on teambuilding and leadership skills. You’ll dive deep into the study of human anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, care of injuries and more. This well-rounded program will prepare you for a career as a coach, sports ministry leader, athletics director, facility operations manager, fitness program manager or personal trainer. Sports Leadership and ManagementAdministration of Coaching (Minor)
Combine your passion for sports with your natural skills for mentorship and management. As a student of McMurry’s coaching program, you’ll understand the mechanics of the human body and learn to optimize its performance for sport and recreation. You’ll create relevant fitness plans, help teams harness their strengths and understand injury and recovery. Focus your career efforts on secondary students for physical education or work with professional athletes at an advanced level. Administration of CoachingKinesiology (Minor)
If you’ve ever worked with a sports coach, chiropractor, rehabilitation specialist or physical therapist, you’ve worked with a kinesiologist. Kinesiology is the study of the human body and its movement. Professionals in this field help others improve physical function through exercise or body manipulation. You may feel drawn to this degree program if you’re interested in helping others improve their health holistically. Kinesiology
Advanced Degree Pathways
McMurry to Parker University
3+3 Program [D.C.]Students apply for acceptance into the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program at Parker University. Accepted students enter the doctoral program after their junior year at McMurry, and their first year of professional courses transfer back to complete the B.S. degree at McMurry in Biology, Biomedical Science, Life Science, or Kinesiology.
McMurry to Texas Chiropractic
College 3+3 Program [D.C.]Students apply for acceptance into the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program at Texas Chiropractic College. Accepted students receive early admission and transfer courses back to complete their McMurry bachelor's degree in Biology, Biomedical Science, or Life Sciences.
McMurry to Hardin-Simmons University
School of Physical Therapy 3+3 [DPT]Students apply for this program early in their McMurry career. If accepted, they are able to enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T) program after their junior year. Courses taken in PT school also count toward completion of the McMurry undergraduate degree.
Student Opportunities
Pre-Professional Programs
The mission of the McMurry University Pre-Professional Program is to provide the curricular advising and career guidance needed by our students as they prepare themselves for application to and successful completion of a professional school program.Pre-Athletic Training
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Professional Programs
Kinesiology Klub
The McMurry Kinesiology Klub is a group of like-minded students who want to expand their knowledge of kinesiology through community and exciting activities. Most active members are students of the Department of Kinesiology, but the Kinesiology Klub is open to all interested in broadening their study of the human body. Klub affiliates include the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Activities are planned throughout the year and include keynote study with guest professionals, field trips, workshops and fundraising activities. The “Klub” fosters student leadership and advanced scientific research for an exciting and impressive addition to education.Brady Cox Endowment
The Brady Cox endowment, honoring the late Dr. Brady Cox, funds a scholarship to support students by broadening their experiences to improve their preparation for successful futures as health professionals. Students may apply for a maximum of $250 to defray travel expenses associated with conference attendance or group trips with a health professions theme. Contact Erica Medina, your faculty advisor, or your academic coach for more information! More InformationHonor Society
McMurry University is home to Phi Epsilon Kappa, a national fraternity for students majoring in all manners of physical education and study. Exercise science, human performance, dance, sports and health majors share their knowledge and passion for a combined understanding of the human body. Only students with the highest academic performance are inducted into Phi Epsilon Kappa.Internship opportunities
Internships are a wonderful way to build your portfolio of real work experience while gaining knowledge from top researchers in your field. Internships are available to high achieving students in the Kinesiology and Health Fitness Department.Departmental Honors and Awards
Each spring, awards are presented to outstanding students who are engaged in professional preparation in the Department of Kinesiology.- The Hadley and McCowen Scholarships are awarded to pre-athletic training students in the exercise science and human performance major.
- To junior students displaying leadership in their kinesiology studies, the Swagerty Seidel, Sith and Ferris awards are presented. These scholarships may be used in their senior year.
- The Dr. Pug Davenport Parris Endowed Scholarship is awarded to students meeting two of the following three criteria:
- They are active in campus ministries or a local United Methodist Church
- Are a member of the Kinesiology Klub,
- or are from the geographic area served by the Northwest Texas or New Mexico Conferences of the United Methodist Church.
Honors Program
There are multiple honors and sponsorships available to high-performing kinesiology students. Kinesiology Departments honors recognize academic achievement and offer opportunities to expand your knowledge, skills and network. Honors ProgramResearch opportunities
Because learning by doing is the most powerful form of education, we actively engage students in the process of discovery in three ways:- We make our courses discovery based. Your classroom studies include research projects, experiments and hands-on education from highly skilled professors. You’ll engage in scholarly and creative activities, including data collection and analysis for a successful health and fitness career that uses evidence-based research.
- We invite our students to join in faculty research. McMurry professors are well connected with kinesiologists and researchers. Students participate in research projects conducted on campus or at other research centers.
- All students are encouraged to complete a capstone experience. These senior-level projects confirm our students’ readiness to pursue advanced studies or begin a successful career in the workforce.
Global Learning Endorsement
The Global Learning Endorsement provides an opportunity for students to highlight academic achievement in global/international studies on their transcript. This endorsement will provide helpful documentation of the student’s expertise for employment in an increasingly globalized world. Learn More
Beyond McMurry
Careers
An undergraduate education in kinesiology and health science is an excellent foundation for successful careers and advanced study. Here are just a few career options for graduates of this department.- Athletics Administration
- Athletic Training
- Chiropractic Care
- Coaching
- Exercise Science
- Facilities Manager
- Fitness Instruction
- Fitness Program Management
- Health Education
- Occupational Therapy
- Personal Training
- Physical Education Teacher
- Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Sports Agent
- Sports Information
Resources
The McMurry Human Wellness and Health Sciences Advisory Board offers advice, recruits students, sponsors educational projects and helps the Department of Kinesiology and Health Fitness retain their values and mission throughout all educational study. They fund activities that benefit McMurry’s faculty and students.
The Advisory Board works to:
- Promote McMurry University and consistently modify and improve the quality of education received by Kinesiology and Health Fitness students.
- Actively increase the flow of innovation to the administration and faculty by connecting with scientists and kinesiologists in our community.
- Involve department donors and alumni in shaping the future of McMurry’s human wellness and health sciences programs.
- Promote and coordinate recognition of alumni who demonstrate outstanding success and leadership in their professions, in order to encourage current students.
- Participate in fundraising for additional projects or needs for the Division of Human Wellness and Health Sciences.