Kinesiology
Jennifer Peterson, Skoglund 104
507-786-3749
petersj@stolaf.edu
wp.stolaf.edu/kinesiology
Kinesiology is an academic discipline which involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. It includes, but is not limited to, such areas of study as exercise science, sports management, athletic training and sports medicine, socio-cultural analyses of sports, sport and exercise psychology, fitness leadership, physical education-teacher education, and pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and other health related fields.
Overview of the Major
The kinesiology major at St. Olaf is designed for students interested in the advanced and specialized study of the biophysical aspects of exercise. The major supports academic linkages across disciplines and provides excellent preparation in a wide variety of fields. It also prepares students for advanced study in one of the disciplines related to kinesiology (such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, biomechanics, occupational therapy, nutrition, exercise physiology, sports medicine, and cardiac rehabilitation).
Intended Learning Outcomes for the Major
Distinction
See Academic Honors
Related Program
Neuroscience Concentration - See Neuroscience
Requirements for the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core courses | ||
| BIO 143 | Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells and Tissues | 1.00 |
| BIO 243 | Human Anatomy and Physiology: Organs and Organ Systems | 1.00 |
| KINES 195 | Introduction to Kinesiology | 1.00 |
| KINES 250 | Performance Nutrition | 1.00 |
| KINES 331 | Principles of Strength and Fitness Training | 1.00 |
| KINES 374 | Biomechanics | 1.00 |
| KINES 375 | Physiology of Exercise | 1.00 |
| KINES 390 | Kinesiology Seminar | 1.00 |
| Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 2.00 | |
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Introduction to Therapeutic Practices | ||
| Technology, Health, and Wellness | ||
| Healthcare Internship and Reflection Seminar | ||
| Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription | ||
| Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Psychopathology | ||
| Sport and Exercise Psychology | ||
| Statistics 1 (or STAT 110) | ||
| Total Credits | 10 | |
*By completing this major, the student also satisfies the OLE Core Writing in the Major requirement.
Professional Program
KINES 195: Introduction to Kinesiology
This course introduces students to the study of physiological and functional adaptations to human movement. The field is richly interdisciplinary, involving such disciplines as anatomy, chemistry, biology, physics, physiology, biomechanics, motor control, psychology, nutrition, neuroscience, rehabilitative therapy, and exercise prescription. Rigorous and systematic study of these sub-fields enables students to understand how and why people move and the factors which limit and enhance the capacity to move. Offered annually.
KINES 196: Introduction to Therapeutic Practices
This course is designed for students interested in learning more about a variety of therapeutic practices such as physical, occupational, speech, art, dance, yoga, aquatic, stroke, massage, and animal. Students will explore whether therapeutic service might be their vocational calling. The class includes lectures, discussions, case studies, speakers, and field visits. Open only to first-years and sophomores. Does not count toward Kinesiology major.
KINES 199: Technology, Health, and Wellness
Technology is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the healthcare world today. This course will critically analyze the relationship between science and technology on the healthcare industry, healthcare practitioners, and health and wellness while providing hands-on opportunities and field trips to put these principles into practice. We will explore the origins of many medical/wellness devices, their core strategies, what problems they solve, and what makes them controversial or exciting technologies.
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
KINES 250: Nutrition and Metabolism for Health, Exercise, and Sport
This course examines the science of human nutrition and metabolism and their effects on health, physical activity, exercise, and human performance. Students explore the six basic nutrients - carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water - and how they form the foundation for nutritional guidelines. Students also explore the bioenergetic principles that govern metabolic pathways during exercise and physical activity. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: BIO 143; kinesiology major.
KINES 291: Topics in Kinesiology
The field of kinesiology is constantly expanding into new frontiers. This course provides an in-depth study of advanced topics that are chosen with attention to student interest and available staff. Class work depends on the topics and instructor, but is consistent with the amount and level of work in other 200-level kinesiology courses. May be repeated if courses are different. Counts as an elective toward the kinesiology major. May count toward other majors or concentrations if approved by the chair of that major/concentration. Offered periodically.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
KINES 294: Academic Internship
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
KINES 295: Healthcare Internship and Reflection Seminar
This seminar integrates the liberal arts with the experience of healthcare work and the search for a vocation or career. Course content will include both an off-campus internship and on-campus class sessions that connect academic theories/analyses of work with their particular internship experience. Students will also consider and articulate the value of the liberal arts for their pursuit of a creative, productive, and satisfying professional life in the healthcare world. Offered during January Term.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
KINES 298: Independent Study
Independent work is guided by a faculty member. Students need to have the necessary background, including appropriate coursework, before an independent project is approved. A student may not substitute an IS/IR course for a course regularly offered in a department or program. IS/IR culminates in at least one product (a paper, laboratory report, work of art, etc.). Normally, the student and faculty instructor are expected to meet at least once a week. See catalog for more information under registration and course enrollment.
Prerequisites: at least second-year standing; at least 2 relevant courses for 298 (IS); approval from the faculty instructor, the academic advisor, and the department chair or program director.
KINES 374: Biomechanics
Students analyze mechanical principles in depth as they affect human motion. Topics include study of muscular and skeletal systems, skill analysis, and motion measurement techniques. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Offered annually.
Prerequisites: BIO 143, BIO 243, and junior status.
KINES 375: Physiology of Exercise
Students study in-depth the physiology of exercise, covering cardiovascular and muscular adaptions to exercise and factors affecting performance, including body composition, environmental influences, training implications across gender and age, and the assessment of fitness. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: junior status and BIO 143 and BIO 243 or permission of instructor.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 376: Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
This course presents the fundamental principles of exercise testing and prescription for both healthy and special needs individuals. Students explore techniques for assessing fitness and prescribing exercise using a variety of ergometers for improvement of health fitness parameters. Students also utilize case studies and laboratory experiences. Topics include health/medical histories, submaximal graded exercise testing, and assessment of strength, flexibility, pulmonary functions, and body composition. Offered annually.
Prerequisites: senior kinesiology major; BIO 143, BIO 243 and KINES 375.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body; OLE Experience in Practice.
KINES 390: Kinesiology Seminar
Students may be co-registered for the capstone course and their final core courses in the major. Students conduct semester-long research on a topic and present their findings in the form of a research paper. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: senior status.
KINES 394: Academic Internship
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
KINES 396: Directed Undergraduate Research
This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may relate to their research interests. Offered based on department decision. May be offered as a 1.00 credit course or .50 credit course.
Prerequisite: determined by individual instructor.
KINES 398: Independent Research
Independent work is guided by a faculty member. Students need to have the necessary background, including appropriate coursework, before an independent project is approved. A student may not substitute an IS/IR course for a course regularly offered in a department or program. IS/IR culminates in at least one product (a paper, laboratory report, work of art, etc.). Normally, the student and faculty instructor are expected to meet at least once a week. See catalog for more information under registration and course enrollment.
Prerequisites: at least second-year standing; at least 5 relevant courses for 398 (IR); approval from the faculty instructor, the academic advisor, and the department chair or program director.
Physical Activities
KINES 105: Inclusive Fitness (0.25)
Students of all abilities will explore fitness activities and games designed to keep them healthy and active throughout their lives. Students will work at their own level and pace without pressure or competition. The course is designed to be accommodating and accessible to students with physical disabilities, but all students are welcome. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 106: Rock Climbing (0.25)
Students learn basic rock climbing skills, techniques, and safety procedures.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 107: High-Intensity Interval Training (0.25)
Students will learn the scientific principles behind how and why HIIT works, how to set up a HIIT workout, and the evidence-based rationale regarding the recommended ratios of rest and recovery. This HIIT course is designed for students with a higher level of physical fitness, as this type of training involves repeated bouts of high-intensity effort followed by varied recovery times.
Prerequisite: Students must be able to run a mile in under 8 minutes.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 110: Triathlon Training (0.25)
Students learn and practice the skills and techniques involved in completing a triathlon. Before enrolling, students should be able to swim at least 100 yards, cycle for at least 3 miles, and run at least 1 mile without stopping to rest. Students must provide their own equipment, including a bicycle. Offered annually in the spring semester.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 111: Basketball (0.25)
This course offers an introduction/review of fundamental skills, rules, and drills. Students focus on basic strategy in game playing.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 118: Lifetime Sports and Games (0.25)
This course introduces students to a wide range of lifetime sports and games. Students learn the history and origin of these activities along with the basic rules, etiquette, and strategies.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 121: Beginning Swimming (0.25)
This course is for the non-swimming and the novice swimmer only.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 122: Lifeguard Training (0.25)
This course teaches the skills necessary for lifeguarding, first aid, AED, CPR, and waterfront guarding certification.
Prerequisite: must be able to swim 550 yards (22 lengths).
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 124: Intermediate Swimming
This course builds on basic swimming skills, providing instruction in more advanced swimming strokes while focusing on physical conditioning and aquatic safety. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: KINES 121 or permission of instructor.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 128: Fly-Fishing/Fly-Tying (0.25)
This course introduces students to the lifetime sport of fly-fishing and fly-tying. Equipment available. Course fee.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 130: Swim Fitness (0.25)
This is an aerobic-based course utilizing swimming and water exercises.
Prerequisite: be able to swim 300 yards.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 131: Aerobics (0.25)
Students learn and apply the basic principles of fitness through a variety of aerobic activities.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 136: Fitness Walking (0.25)
This is an aerobic-based course utilizing instruction and participation in walking to enhance personal fitness and training knowledge.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 137: Disc Golf (0.25)
Students will learn the basics of disc golf rules, etiquette, shots, strategies, and scoring and will play in different types of disc golf events. Course fee.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 139: Pickleball (0.25)
Students will learn the basics of pickleball rules, court etiquette, shots, scoring, and strategies and will play in singles and doubles in varying tournament styles.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 140: Weight Training (0.25)
Students learn the principles of training, basic techniques, and safety procedures. Students develop and implement a personal training plan during the course.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 141: Weight Training Men (0.25)
Students learn the principles of training, basic techniques, and safety procedures. Students develop and implement a personal training plan during the course.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 142: Weight Training Women (0.25)
Students learn the principles of training, basic techniques, and safety procedures. Students develop and implement a personal training plan during the course.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 151: Badminton (0.25)
This course offers instruction/review of fundamental skills, rules, and etiquette of badminton. Students focus on basic strategy in game playing.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 152: Racquet Sports (0.25)
This course offers instruction in basic strokes, history, rules, etiquette, and terminology of racquet sports (tennis, racquetball, badminton, pickleball, table tennis). Students participate in a wide range of assessments designed to enhance physical fitness (strength, endurance, nutrition, flexibility, body composition, stress).
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 157: Tennis (0.25)
This course offers instruction/review of basic strokes, history, rules, etiquette, and terminology of tennis. Students learn basic competition strategies in singles and doubles match play.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 158: Intermediate Tennis (0.25)
This course is for students who can already serve, score, play the net, and know basic singles and doubles strategy.
Prerequisite: KINES 157 or permission of instructor.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
KINES 162: Classical Hatha Yoga (0.25)
Students learn and apply yoga principles of physical fitness and emotional wellness through a blend of yoga postures, movements, relaxation, breathing techniques, and mindfulness.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
170-193 Intercollegiate Athletics (0.25)
- Fall: varsity football, soccer, cross-country, volleyball, golf.
- Spring: hockey, alpine skiing, baseball, basketball, cross-country skiing, softball, swimming, tennis, track.
Kinesiology Major - Plan of Study
This is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements for the Kinesiology major at St. Olaf. This tool is meant as a guide and does not replace working closely with the student's academic advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| FYS 120 or WRIT 120 |
First-Year Seminar (or Conversation Program) or Writing and Rhetoric |
1.00 |
| KINES 195 | Introduction to Kinesiology | 1.00 |
| World Language or OLE Core Course (depending on placement) | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| January Term | ||
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| WRIT 120 or FYS 120 |
Writing and Rhetoric (or Conversation Program) or First-Year Seminar |
1.00 |
| KINES 195 | Introduction to Kinesiology (if not taken in Fall (or Elective/OLE Core Course)) | 1.00 |
| World Language or OLE Core Course (depending on placement) | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 143 | Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells and Tissues | 1.00 |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| January Term | ||
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 243 | Human Anatomy and Physiology: Organs and Organ Systems | 1.00 |
| KINES 250 | Nutrition and Metabolism for Health, Exercise, and Sport | 1.00 |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| KINES 250 | Nutrition and Metabolism for Health, Exercise, and Sport (if not taken in spring of sophomore year (or Elective/OLE Core Course)) | 1.00 |
| KINES 374 or KINES 375 |
Biomechanics or Physiology of Exercise |
1.00 |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| January Term | ||
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| KINES 374 or KINES 375 |
Biomechanics or Physiology of Exercise |
1.00 |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| KINES 331 | Principles of Strength and Fitness Training | 1.00 |
| KINES 390 | Kinesiology Seminar | 1.00 |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| KINES 331 | Principles of Strength and Fitness Training (if not taken in fall (or Elective/OLE Core Course)) | 1.00 |
| KINES 390 | Kinesiology Seminar (if not taken in fall (or Elective/OLE Core Course)) | 1.00 |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
Students must successfully complete the equivalent of 35 or more St. Olaf credits, through a combination of full-credit and fractional-credit courses, one major, and all other degree requirements to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Visit the kinesiology webpage for more information.
Note: For students interested in pursuing Allied Health Science careers (e.g. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training) additional elective coursework is needed beyond the Kinesiology major. Students are strongly recommended to utilize Pre-Health preparation resources from the Piper Center. Students will work with their academic advisor to develop a plan of study. Below is a partial list of coursework at St. Olaf that is commonly needed for prerequisite admission requirements. Many of the courses below also meet OLE Core Requirements.
- 2 courses in Biological sciences (BIO 123, BIO 150, BIO 227)
- 1 year General Chemistry with lab (CHEM 122 or CHEM 125; CHEM 126*)
- 1 year General Physics with lab (PHYS 124*; PHYS 125*)
- 1 semester Statistics (SDS 172)
-
2 courses in Psychology** (PSYCH 125, PSYCH 247)
- 1 course in Biological sciences (BIO 123, BIO 150, BIO 227)
- 1 semester General Chemistry with lab (CHEM 122 or CHEM 125)
- 1 semester General Physics with lab (PHYS 124*)
- 1 semester Statistics (SDS 172)
- 1 semester Statistics (SDS 172)
- Common Psychology requirements** (PSYCH 125, PSYCH 241, PSYCH 247)
- Common Sociology requirements** (SOAN 121, SOAN 128, SOAN 247)
*CHEM 126, PHYS 124, PHYS 125 have the prerequisite of MATH 119 or MATH 120 or equivalent
**Psychology & Sociology requirements vary widely by institution. PSYCH 125 is a prerequisite for PSYCH elective courses and should be taken if no prior credit has been awarded through AP/IB/CAL.
Department Chair, 2026-2027
Charles (Chuck) Fountaine
Professor of Kinesiology
Dennis Bengston
Adjunct Instructor of Kinesiology
yoga
Ann-Marie Chesterfield
Visiting Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Julienna Graf
Adjunct Instructor of Kinesiology
Kayla Hatting
Adjunct Instructor of Kinesiology; Head Softball Coach
weight training; aerobics
Robert Hauck
Adjunct Instructor of Kinesiology; Head Men's and Women's Swim Coach
swimming; triathlon training
Grant Herfindahl
Adjunct Instructor of Kinesiology
Josie Mazzone
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Jennifer (Jenny) Miller (on sabbatical Fall Semester and January Term 2026-27)
Associate Professor of Kinesiology
exercise physiology; strength fitness; nutrition
Scott Nesbit
Instructor of Kinesiology, Head Women's Tennis Coach
tennis; fly fishing; lifetime sports and games; racquet sports
Matthew Neuger
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
biomechanics; exercise prescription
Ryan Townzen
Adjunct Instructor of Kinesiology
Terry M. VanDeWalker
Adjunct Instructor of Kinesiology
Carly Wahl
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Paul Yerhot
Visiting Assistant Professor of Kinesiology