Applied Exercise & Health

Offered at University Park

For students interested in applied interdisciplinary training in the foundations of the scientific understanding of exercise and health across the lifespan, the Applied Exercise and Health Option provides great opportunities for hands-on experiences.

Students who enroll in the Applied Exercise and Health Option within Penn State’s B.S. in Kinesiology program select from one of two options:

A series of courses and student teaching experience leading to health and physical education teacher certification. Click here to learn more about the Health and Physical Education Emphasis.
Courses and practical experiences directed toward certification by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Click here to learn more about the Fitness Certification Emphasis

Applied Exercise and Health Option graduates, are prepared to work in the private or corporate fitness arenas, community-based fitness organizations, and university or hospital settings, or be Pennsylvania-certified in health and physical education (K–12) to secure a teaching position in public or private school setting.

Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Experiential Learning Facilities

Students in the Applied Exercise and Health Option benefit from upgraded facilities that emphasize skill building through hands-on learning. These applied learning classrooms and lab spaces encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, enabling students to apply concepts learned in the classroom to practical situations.

The lab spaces are supplied with equipment that provides students with the setting to develop their coaching and teaching skillset, using advanced equipment to assess movement and performance. With key faculty offices located nearby, students can easily connect with instructors for mentorship and guidance.

An instructor in front of a class of students

=An instructor is shown with two students and their laptops in the background.

=A male student is using battling ropes with other students using other workout equiptment.

=A female student does a bicep curl with a dumbbell while a male student uses ropes to do standing planks.

Limitation on the number of transfer courses used for KINES 300-Level core:

Effective FA15, out of the Kines 300-level core courses (Kines 321, 341, 345, 350, 360, and 384), only up to two courses (6 credits) can be transferred in and used towards graduation for the Kinesiology or Athletic Training Majors.

Policy 83-80 limitations on source and time for credit acquisition:

In accordance with Policy 83-80.5, the Department of Kinesiology requires at least 24 credits of Kinesiology courses required for graduation to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. The 24 credits include the capstone course in the major: Kines 495B for the Movement Science Option; Kines 495F for the Athletic Training Major; Kines 495A or Kines 495B for the Applied Exercise and Health Option; and Kines 495C for the Exercise Science Option. Students who are earning the Kinesiology or Athletic Training Major at University Park may not count courses taken at other Penn State Campuses towards this 24 credit minimum.