Kinesiology

Why study kinesiology?

The fascinating field of kinesiology has a wide variety of career opportunities including athletic trainers, personal trainers, physical therapists, physical education instructors, exercise physiologists, and kinesiotherapists. The baby boomer generation and the obesity epidemic are driving forces that will ensure that jobs in the field of kinesiology are in high demand well into the future.

Kinesiology classes at Parkland provide hands-on experience working with the latest technology and equipment. Learn how to use Gray Cook’s Functional Movement Screen, the Polar Body Age system, Team System, heart-rate monitors, and many other systems. 

At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.

Classes

Parkland College offers kinesiology classes that will transfer to a university toward a bachelor's degree, or lead directly to a career path.

Kinesiology Classes
Introduction to Human Performance I  (KIN 101) and Introduction to Human Performance II  (KIN 201) each touch on the various aspects of personal fitness. KIN 101 examines fitness fundamentals such as resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and flexibility. KIN 201 continues this training by focusing on the fitness needs of athletes.

Exercise Fitness (KIN 103) and Exercise Fitness II (KIN 203) teach students about creating individualized fitness programs including the use of equipment such as treadmills and elliptical trainers.

Golf (KIN 262) teach the basic skills and theory of golf with KIN 262 including training on teaching golf to others. 

Beginning Basketball (KIN 141) and Basketball (KIN 161) each teach the fundamentals of basketball with KIN 161 emphasizing basketball coaching techniques. 

Weight Training (KIN 147) and Weight Training II (KIN 247) teach the student the basics of strength training and conditioning through the use of free weights with an emphasis on proper lifting technique. 

Introduction to Kinesiology (KIN 160) examines the multitude of jobs that fall under the kinesiology umbrella. Use it to make an educated decision on your dream job and plan your coursework so you are qualified to obtain it.

Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology (KIN 164) explores the psychology that drives sports and addresses topics such as anxiety, motivation, goal setting, and aggression. 

Theories and Principles of Coaching (KIN 168) partners with Human Kinetics to provide the ASEP Coaching Principles certification. The American Sport Education Program Coaching Principles Certification qualifies you for the National Coaches Registry and is necessary to coach at educational institutions in Illinois.

Health Education (KIN 181) teaches the student personal health and wellness strategies for modifying behaviors to achieve optimal personal health. 

First Aid and CPR (KIN 183) teaches the theory and techniques of basic first aid. Students are issued First Aid and CPR certificates upon completion of this course. 

Introduction to Athletic Training (KIN 184) includes the history of the profession, ways of teaching, and the prevention and care of athletic injuries. 

Introduction to Human Movement (KIN 186) focuses on the study of musculoskeletal anatomy. 

Exercise Physiology (KIN 288) applies the study of anatomy and physiology to human movement. 


Will my classes transfer?

Parkland College classes with an even middle digit (such as ENG 101, MAT 128, and BIO 141) are accepted for transfer as general education classes, major courses, or electives as determined by the transfer institution. 

For more information about transferring, speak with an academic advisor and visit the Parkland Course Matrix.

Personal Fitness Training

The Personal Fitness Training program is a 26 credit-hour certificate program that culminates with the NSCA-CPT certification. The National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer is widely recognized as the gold standard in the industry.

Prepare for a career as a personal trainer. Start working hands-on in your second semester with real clients to develop individualized fitness plans, instruct them on technique, and monitor their progress. Train to use fitness equipment including the Polar TriFit in Parkland's state-of-art performance facility. Additionally, you will become certified in automated external defibrillators (AED) and CPR.

Curriculum

The kinesiology curriculum also gives you the opportunity to earn certifications in personal fitness training and coaching. The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in kinesiology prepares you for transfer to a college or university where you can complete a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or physical education. You may choose one of four specializations: Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Sports Management, or Teaching and Coaching.

Learn more about how these courses fit into a transfer degree or the general education core curriculum (GECC)

Accelerated Personal Fitness Training

Certificate (CER)
Course Sequence

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Kinesiology

Associate in Science (A.S.)
Course Sequence

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Kinesiology: Athletic Training

Associate in Science (A.S.)
Course Sequence

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Kinesiology: Exercise Physiology

Associate in Science (A.S.)
Course Sequence

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Kinesiology: Sports Management

Associate in Science (A.S.)
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Kinesiology: Teaching/Coaching

Associate in Science (A.S.)
Course Sequence

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Personal Fitness Training

Certificate (CER)
Course Sequence

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Parkland Science Scholars

Students pursuing science degrees who are from low-income families are encouraged to apply to Parkland Science Scholars. This program provides financial support, mentoring, and opportunities to gain experience and create networks in science careers. For more information visit parkland.edu/ParklandScienceScholars.