Advising Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a major in Kinesiology?

Athletic Training students learn about care and prevention of injuries to athletes. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Completion of this program prepares graduates to sit for the National Athletic Trainer's Association Board of Certification national certification examination.

Exercise Science includes three emphasis areas. The Biomechanics Emphasis develops an understanding of the mechanical principals of human movement in sports and exercise. It is designed to prepare students for graduate study in Biomechanics, biomedical engineering, or ergonomics.

The emphasis area in Exercise Physiology focuses on the scientific principles of training and exercise. This degree is designed to prepare students for graduate study in exercise physiology.

The Fitness Evaluation and Programming Emphasis is designed to prepare students with knowledge and competencies to conduct fitness programs in corporate, hospital, commercial, and public agency settings. Completion of this program will prepare graduates for the American College of Sports Medicine or National Strength and Conditioning Association certification exams and for careers in fitness evaluation and programming.

Health Education and Promotion helps individuals and communities facilitate optimal health through increasing knowledge, changing behaviours, and creating environments that support positive health practices. Students work in a wide variety of settings and are eligible for the National Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.

K-12 Physical Education students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential for success in teaching physical education in the elementary and secondary schools. Candidates who complete this program meet the Idaho Beginning Teacher Standards and are eligible for recommendation for state teaching certification.

What are the admissions requirements for Kinesiology?

Students need not be concerned with admission requirements for lower-division course work, but starting with their junior year they need to apply for upper-division Kinesiology coursework. They must complete 57 credits and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to apply.

What is the best way to get in touch with a Kinesiology Advisor?

Phone numbers, office locations, office hours, and email addresses of all Kinesiology Departmental Advisors are listed on the faculty page.

As a transfer student, who should I contact to get help?

You should contact a departmental advisor. Seek advice from the advisor who has been assigned to your major. If you are seeking advising in the summer or during holiday breaks, it is best to seek out the Department Chair for more information.

I am a transfer student and would like to see if my previous coursework will count toward a Boise State University Kinesiology degree. What should I do?

Contact the Chair of the Department of Kinesiology. The Chair will review your external credit report, transcripts from your previous institution(s), and a course description for all courses you wish to petition to count toward your Kinesiology Degree. Courses taken outside the Kinesiology Department must be approved by the Department Chair of the Department where the course would best fit i.e. Biology courses must be approved by the Biology Department.

I am a certified teacher and wish to pursue an endorsement in Physical Education or Health?

Check the Idaho State Department of Education website. There is information about select courses needed to obtain any endorsement, not just physical education and health. Next, check the course catalog for the semester you wish to enrol. Also call the department and ask for the course offering sheet that delineates courses offered over the next few years. Lastly, schedule an appointment with the Chair of Kinesiology to confirm that the classes you propose to take would count toward your desired endorsement.

I received a degree in physical education, exercise science, or health promotion and now would like to obtain a teaching certificate?

Obtain a copy of your college transcript(s) and arrange a meeting with the Kinesiology Chair. You will have two options: pursue a second baccalaureate degree, or pursue a masters degree that results in a teacher certification. Typically pursuing a masters degree is the recommended choice because you will become highly qualified and it will increase your teaching salary. Regardless of your choice, you will have to pass ED TECH 202 (and the Educational Technology exam), and receive a passing score on the PRAXIS I writing examination.

I am a first year (freshman) student enrolling in the Kinesiology program at Boise State University. What courses should I take?

First, if at all possible, schedule an appointment with an advisor. Advisors will help you finish your degree without major problems or delays. Unfortunately, campus advisors are usually not present during the summer months (mid-May through mid-August) so one assigned person typically conducts advising for the department during the summer. The Department Chair conducts advising during the months of May, June, and early August. Advising is available in July on a very limited basis. As a starting point, first year students should examine the recommended courses for their specific major, check the course schedule, and register for courses. Some courses may be closed so a few alternatives should be selected. Below, please find a list of recommended courses for first year Kinesiology Majors.

Recommended First Year Courses For Kinesiology Majors:

Area III Core Courses Mathematics (Select an Appropriate Mathematics Course:

Any AREA I, II, or III course work (check each major for recommendations and requirements)

Course Selection Notes

I have heard that I need to apply for Upper Division coursework prior to the start of my Junior year. What should I do to apply for upper division?

Students in K12 Physical Education must apply for upper division in the Department of Kinesiology AND they must apply for admission to the Teacher Preparation program within the College of Education. Applying to the Teacher Education / College of Education program enables students to pursue a teaching certification for the state of Idaho. To apply for upper division in Kinesiology in K12 Physical Education, students must: (a) complete at least 58 credit hours (from the recommended Kinesiology course list), (b) maintain a GPA that is 2.5 or higher, and c) pass the PRAXIS I writing exam (#0720). A formal application should be submitted to the Department Chair (K209) no later than February 1 (for admission to Fall semester) or October 1 (for admission to Spring Semester). A formal application consists of: (a) a copy of the blue advising sheet, signed by your departmental advisor, (b) a copy of your unofficial transcript and/or degree progress report, and c) a copy of the paperwork showing that you passed your PRAXIS I writing exam. Information about applying for admission to the College of Education/Teacher Preparation program is located on the College of Education/Teacher Preparation website.

Students in Exercise Science (Fitness Evaluation and Programming, Exercise Physiology, and Biomechanics) and Health Education and Promotion must apply for upper division by October 1 (for Spring admission) or March 1 (for Fall admission). To apply for upper division in Exercise Science or Health Education and Promotion, students must: (a) complete at least 58 credit hours (from the recommended Kinesiology course list), and (b) maintain a GPA that is 2.5 or higher. A formal application, which should be submitted to the Department Chair (K209), consists of: (a) a copy of your advising sheet, signed by your departmental advisor, (b) your unofficial transcript and c) your degree progress report.

Students in Athletic Training must apply for upper division by October 1 (for Spring admission) or March 1 (for Fall admission). To apply for upper division, students must: (a) complete at least 58 credit hours (from the recommended Kinesiology course list), and (b) maintain a GPA that is 2.5 or higher. A formal application, which should be submitted to the Department Chair (K209), consists of: (a) a copy of your advising sheet, signed by your departmental advisor, (b) your unofficial transcript and c) your degree progress report. In addition, Athletic Training program applications are due the second Monday in April of each year.

What do I need to do to secure an internship?