Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources, BS

▲ Concentration in Kinesiology (KNES)

The mission of the Kinesiology Concentration at George Mason University is to provide a comprehensive approach to the study of human movement. The concentration offers and disseminates evidence-based knowledge and its practical application through classroom, laboratory, research, and field experiences. Emphasis is placed upon the development of future professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to enhance physical performance, fitness, and general well-being across the age spectrum.

The 75-credit concentration in kinesiology is a demanding science based concentration designed to prepare students for a career in clinical exercise, coaching, corporate fitness, exercise and sport psychology, medical and exercise equipment sales, mind-body studies, pharmaceutical sales, personal training, sport and exercise nutrition, sport science, or wellness/fitness management. The KNES concentration provides students with a strong science foundation for post-graduate specialized study in kinesiology or professional schools (e.g., chiropractic, medical, physical therapy). The KNES concentration has a comprehensive approach to the study of human movement.  Three separate internship experiences totaling 700 hours provide KNES students with the opportunity to apply evidence-based knowledge and its practical application in general fitness, clinical and sports performance settings.

The KNES concentration is designed to assist students in their preparation for nationally recognized certifications, specifically those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Students are required to challenge either the ACSM-Health Fitness Specialist or the NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam by the 7^th week of the semester in which they are enrolled in KINE 490 - Kinesiology Internship III .  All exam registration fees are the responsibility of the student.

Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 each semester and to receive a grade of C or better in all major coursework (BIOL 124 , BIOL 125 , HEAL 230 , STAT 250 , as well as all Professional Sequence courses). Failure to do so will result in probation or termination from the KNES concentration. The Kinesiology Academic Advisor is available to assist KNES students with course registration and academic program design. It is expected that KNES students will meet with their academic advisor each semester that they are enrolled at George Mason University.

If SCHEV approves the pending Kinesiology, BS, this concentration will not be available.

Special Requirements

See Special Requirements  for specific information regarding fees, technical standards, health screenings and certifications, and background checks.

▲ Concentration in Parks and Outdoor Recreation (POR)

This concentration explores the contribution of recreation and parks to public well-being and quality of life. The curriculum includes courses in natural resources management, outdoor recreation programming, and environmental education. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions. Graduates are employed in national, state, and local recreation and park agencies, non-profit organizations, and private and commercial operations. Students complete both a supervised practicum and internship in professional settings.

▲ Concentration in Sport Management (SPMT)

This concentration enhances the professional development of liberal arts-educated students, thereby preparing them to assume entry-level managerial positions in the $300 billion sport industry, including private enterprises, government or public employment sectors, nonprofit or voluntary agencies, and commercial sport ventures. Preparation in sport marketing, finance, ethics, law, operations, planning, and program leadership fosters the skills that enhance students’ acquisition and advancement in sport management careers. An integral part of the program is the opportunity to complete two field experiences in sport organizations.

▲ Concentration in Therapeutic Recreation (TR)

This concentration teaches students how to use activities as therapeutic tools toward a renewed quality of life for people with disabilities across the lifespan. Completion of the therapeutic recreation (TR) foundation, issues, processes, and assessment courses to name a few, as well as an internship supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, prepares graduating seniors to sit for the national exam sponsored by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. The concentration is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions. Graduates find employment in local, state, and federal recreation settings; senior and adult health care; non-profit organizations; and educational and clinical institutions.