The primary purpose of the Department of Kinesiology is to develop competent educators and professionals who can make a positive contribution to school systems and to society and/or be admitted to and be successful in graduate studies. The department provides the curriculum, expertise, teaches the scientific basis of physical activity and the skills and fitness competencies inherent in the profession that will enable majors to be successful within the PE disciplines in the public and private sector (wellness/fitness training and promotion, recreation, sports programming in various settings), as well as instilling in the entire student body the awareness, appreciation, and benefits of lifetime physical activity.
The Department of Kinesiology is committed to excellence consistent with the overall liberal arts mission of the College. Majors seeking Alabama Physical Education Teacher Certification for grades P-12 can receive certification by successfully completing all requirements in the Stillman Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes maintaining a 2.75 grade point average, passing all required state standardized tests, and passing the edTPA assessment (see the Teacher Education Program section of this catalog for overall required program details). All teacher education candidates are required to complete a background check using the Alabama State Department of Education process. Teacher candidates must have a background check before completing any field experiences hours. All students taking education courses with field experience hours are required to join the Student Alabama Education Association (SAEA).
All physical education majors must participate in a required fitness test each semester to assess candidates’ skilled-based and fitness based competence levels. The test will be scheduled by the department chairperson. It is the student’s responsibility to be medically cleared, condition, and be properly prepared for this test, as this is a graduation requirement.