School of Kinesiology

Scott Piland, Director
Gary Krebs, Assistant Director
Nancy Speed, Assistant Director
118 College Drive, Box 5142
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5386
www.usm.edu/kin

Boyd, Credeur, Doan, Dolbow, Gordon, Gould, Green, Holcomb, Judge, Krebs, McCoy, Neelis, Piland, Purvis, Sha, Speed, Thompson, Ziegler

The School of Kinesiology (KIN) prepares professionals concerned with the improvement of the quality of life of individuals by addressing issues related to health, leisure, exercise and sport. Those issues are many and diverse and include rehabilitation (both physical and psychosocial), sport and leisure service systems, and helping individuals attain their maximum human performance potential. There are four majors, four emphasis areas, and one dual degree program within the school:

Athletic Training
Kinesiology
- Exercise Science
- Kinesiotherapy
- Physical Education (K-12 Licensure)
- Physical Education (K-12 Licensure)/Sport Coaching Education dual degree
Recreation
- Therapeutic Recreation
Sport Coaching Education

The following degree programs are currently accredited or approved by professional boards or agencies: athletic training by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE); kinesiotherapy by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); physical education is a part of the Professional Education Unit which is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); and sport coaching education by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE).

Additionally, courses are offered within the various degree programs that facilitate professional certification in athletic training by the Board of Certification (BOC); kinesiotherapy registration by the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT registration); certified clinical exercise physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); teacher licensure-K-12 physical education by the Mississippi State Department of Education and therapeutic recreation specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Offerings for Non-Majors

Courses are offered within the School of Kinesiology that do not have prerequisites and are excellent choices for electives. Several certification programs are also available through the School of Kinesiology for nonmajors. A variety of American Red Cross certifications are available in first aid and aquatics areas (see specific description of areas and corresponding courses of study for further detail).

American Red Cross Certification
KIN Lifetime Fitness and Activity Instructional Program
The School of Kinesiology offers a variety of 100-200-level activity-based academic courses. Students have the opportunity to learn basic skills of lifetime sports, fitness and leisure activities, which may be applied to on-campus or off-campus leisure time. These are available to all students and are offered for a grade or on a pass/fail basis.

Special Program Requirements

Students should follow the program outline in their specific major or emphasis. High school graduates and transfer students from community/junior colleges or other four-year colleges may be admitted to the School of Kinesiology in their chosen degree programs upon admission to the university. Students desiring to transfer from other schools or colleges within the university must be in good academic standing and possess a minimum GPA of 2.0 in order to be admitted to a degree program.

A number of programs within the School of Kinesiology must meet criteria of accrediting agencies and therefore may have additional admission and retention requirements above those of the university for formal admission. Accreditation requirements supersede the program requirements listed in this Bulletin. Mandated changes in program requirements will be communicated through the student’s assigned academic adviser. It is School of Kinesiology policy to place all majors under the Bulletin year corresponding to the date the student declares his or her final KIN major.

Students who wish to enter or are admitted to the School of Kinesiology must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all Southern Miss hours. Students whose GPAs fall below the minimum are placed on program probation. Policies governing academic probation are available from the school director.

Students must demonstrate proficiency (grade of C or better) in each KIN course required by their major or minor. Any major who earns a grade lower than a C must repeat the KIN course until proficiency is established. Specific program specialization areas may also have proficiency requirements above and beyond those previously discussed.

Athletic Training

Overview of Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in athletic training is designed to provide students with a firm foundation in the professional preparation for a career in athletic training. The Athletic Training program (AT) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). All athletic training majors must complete the 89 semester hour program curriculum as well as the university GEC requirements. Students who wish to pursue athletic training certification by the Board of Certification (BOC) and Mississippi Athletic Training Licensure should major in athletic training.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the academic degree in athletic training, the student is eligible to sit for the BOC exam. Students who pass the BOC exam may be employed at various settings such as high schools, clinic outreach programs, clinics, colleges and universities, professional sports, industrial wellness centers and performing arts.

Laboratories, Field Experiences, Internships, Practica

Clinical experiences are divided into five clinical courses (KIN 354L , KIN 355L , KIN 454L , KIN 455L and KIN 456L ). Students must accumulate a minimum number of hours of supervised clinical experience in clinical courses each semester. These requirements are identified in the syllabus for each clinical course.

Additional Costs

There are additional costs (above tuition/fees and costs of textbooks) for course materials, lab fees and expenses related to travel to the clinical sites or conferences/workshops. Costs may include but are not limited to (a) professional liability insurance, (b) physical examination and immunizations, (c) professional state and national association fees and educational workshops and conferences, (d) transportation to all off-campus clinical sites and (e) uniforms. Each student has a minimum of two off-campus clinical assignments during the curriculum. Students may contact the AT program director for a complete list of expenses.

Program Application and Admission Requirements

All athletic training majors are subject to the admission procedures and standards of the university. Admission to The University of Southern Mississippi as an athletic training major does not ensure consideration for admission to the Athletic Training program. All athletic training majors must complete prerequisites for consideration for admission to the AT program. Prerequisite courses include the following:

BSC 250 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I  (with BSC 250L  taken concurrently)
BSC 251 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II  (with BSC 251L  taken concurrently)
KIN 218 - Athletic Training and Therapeutic Terminology
KIN 219 - Introduction to Athletic Training  (40 hours of supervised observations by BOC-certified athletic trainer)
MAT 101 - College Algebra
PSY 110 - General Psychology

Students must achieve a grade of C or better on all prerequisite courses. Students who have completed the prerequisites for admission to the AT program must also complete a program application that can be obtained from the AT Website. Application to the AT program is made during the fall semester. The deadline for submitting part A of the application is August 31 and for part B is November 1 of each year.

Progression to the upper division athletic training courses is reserved for students admitted to the AT program. The following are required to be considered for admission to the AT program:

Completed application forms and two letters of recommendation

Cumulative collegiate GPA of 2.80 (includes USM and transfer courses, excluding remedial coursework) All official transcripts are required.

Minimum grade of C in each of the required prerequisite courses, as previously noted

Forty hours of observation with a certified athletic trainer

Submission of a complete physical examination by a physician or nurse practitioner, a TB skin test (or chest X-ray if positive), a current tetanus immunization (within 10 years) and verification of Hepatitis B vaccination. Each of these should be completed no earlier than June and no later than August of the application year to remain in effect for that academic year. Students admitted to the AT program will be required to repeat this process annually while enrolled in the program.

Athletic Training is a limited-access program. Top candidates who qualify for consideration will be invited for formal interviews with the AT admissions committee. Admission decisions will be made by December 1 and admission will be contingent upon successful completion of all prerequisites taken during the application semester and a cumulative collegiate GPA of 2.80 at the end of the fall semester. Candidates who are not accepted may reapply the next application period.

Students admitted to the AT program may be required to purchase liability insurance through The University of Southern Mississippi. Students will be required to sign indicating that they can meet the technical standards for admission provided below.

Transfer Students

Students wishing to transfer to Southern Miss may complete prerequisite courses and observation hours that are approved by the Southern Miss AT program director. Transfer students must apply to the program by the November 1 deadline. For additional information and a review of official college transcripts, transfer students should contact the AT program director prior to transferring to Southern Miss.

Transfer Students from Another AT Program

Students who were enrolled in another AT program and wish to transfer to Southern Miss are considered for admission to the AT program provided there is space available. In addition to all AT program application requirements, transfer students are considered based on the following criteria:

Official college/university transcripts are evaluated on an individual basis for credit toward AT requirements. To be considered for credit toward AT requirements, each course must meet at least the minimum grade requirement for the class in which credit is requested. Transcript courses at the 100 and 200-level are generally not accepted as a 300 or 400-level equivalent.
One of the two letters of recommendation must be from the student’s previous AT program director.
Prospective transfer students must provide course syllabi of all relevant coursework. The level at which the student may be placed depends on the evaluation of the course syllabi and available space in the AT program.
Prospective transfer students must be in good standing with and eligible to return to the college/university they last attended. Any applicant who is under suspension is not considered for admission until the terms of the suspension are satisfied.

Technical Standards for Admission

The AT program at The University of Southern Mississippi is a demanding and concentrated program that places detailed and specific requirements on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates for entry-level employment in a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the AT program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills and abilities of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the AT program. The AT program technical standards are available on the Southern Miss AT Website.

Compliance with the technical standards does not guarantee students’ eligibility for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.

Candidates for selection to the Southern Miss AT program must demonstrate:

The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm
Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment of patients
The ability to record physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately
Accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients
The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress
The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the AT program as outlined and sequenced. This includes reporting to campus on or about August 1 of each year for orientation and to begin your clinical experience. This also includes a minimum of 935 logged hours in the clinical experience. The clinical experience may include hours during early mornings, late evenings, weekends and time outside of the academic calendar.
Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations
Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care

Candidates for selection to the AT program are required to verify that they understand these technical standards and believe that they can meet each of these standards.

Program Progression Standards

All students admitted to the AT program must adhere to the program retention policies as stated in the AT Program Policies & Procedures Manual.

The following policies apply to all students admitted to the AT program:

Any student who drops below a cumulative collegiate 2.80 GPA is placed on probation in the program for one semester. If the student does not obtain a cumulative collegiate 2.80 GPA during the probation semester, he/she is dismissed from the program. The AT program director notifies the student of dismissal from the program.
Any student who receives a grade lower than C in any program curriculum course (see current degree plan page) is placed on probation and must retake the course the following year and make a grade of C or better in order to continue in the program.
Any student on program probation earning a grade lower than a C in a program curriculum course that is being repeated will be dismissed from the program.
Any student earning a grade lower than a C in three program curriculum courses including labs will be dismissed from the program.
A student may be on program probation only two times after which the student will be dismissed from the program.
Clinical settings and rotations require that students conduct themselves in a professional manner, including a strict professional dress code as established by the clinical site. Failure to follow the dress code, lack of attendance, excessive tardiness, the inability to fulfill technical standards, or function safely in a clinical setting is cause for dismissal from the program (see AT Program Policies & Procedures Manual).
Students who violate established clinical site policies or codes of moral and ethical conduct are subject to dismissal from the AT program (see current policies in the AT Program Policies & Procedures Manual and Code of Ethics of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association).

Readmission

Students who have previously enrolled in AT courses, have a break in attendance of one or more terms, and leave in good standing may reapply. The deadlines for return of completed applications are March 15 for fall term readmission and October 15 for spring term readmission.

The following are considered when an application for readmission is received by the AT program director:

Student’s standing in both academic and clinical courses prior to withdrawal
Student’s cumulative collegiate GPA
No grade lower than a C in any completed program curriculum course
Availability of space in the AT program

Any student requesting readmission to the AT program must follow the appeal process as outlined in the AT Program Policies and Procedures Manual.

Kinesiology

Overview of the Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in kinesiology is designed to provide students with a foundational theory based in the movement sciences. The program offers professional preparation in three areas of kinesiology: exercise science, kinesiotherapy and physical education (K-12 teacher licensure). Majors must select one of the three specializations and complete course requirements specific to the emphasis or specialization selected.

Exercise Science

Career Opportunities

The exercise science emphasis prepares students who are seeking careers as health or fitness specialists in corporate and clinical settings. The specialization is frequently used by students wishing to pursue post-graduate education in fields such as exercise science, occupational therapy, physical therapy or medicine. Any student wishing to pursue graduate studies in areas other than exercise science should work closely with his or her adviser to ensure all graduate school prerequisites are met for the selected discipline.

Laboratory/Practicum and Internship

Exercise science students may be required to complete three hours of practicum experience and nine to 12 hours of a supervised internship. Students will complete all other degree requirements before enrolling in KIN 496 - Internship in Exercise Science . No other classes are to be taken during the internship. A 2.5 cumulative USM GPA is required to participate in a practicum or internship experience.

Program Progression Standards

The following progression policies apply to all students admitted to the Bachelor of Science in kinesiology exercise science emphasis:

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 must be maintained.

A grade of C or better must be achieved in all General Education, KIN core, and program specialization courses.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required as a prerequisite for enrollment in KIN 302 , KIN 304 , KIN 310 , KIN 402 , KIN 406 , KIN 471 , KIN 476 and KIN 496 .

Academic Probation/Dismissal

The following policies apply to all students admitted to the Bachelor of Science in kinesiology exercise science emphasis:

A student not maintaining a cumulative USM GPA of 2.5 will be placed on program probation and will remain on probation until the cumulative USM GPA is equal to or greater than 2.5.

A student on program probation will not be allowed to enroll in KIN 302 , KIN 304 , KIN 310 , KIN 402 , KIN 406 , KIN 471 , KIN 476 and KIN 496 .

A student who violates university/professional codes of moral/ethical conduct may be dismissed from the exercise science program.

K-12 Physical Education Licensure

Career Opportunities

Traditionally, the teaching specialty of physical education has been practiced by physical educators working with school-aged children in school-based settings or with adults in postsecondary institutional settings. Physical education teaching specialists are now applying pedagogical skills in nontraditional instructional settings such as sport-specific, community-based or residential institutions, correctional facilities, sport camps and other youth organizations.

Laboratories, Field Experiences, Internships, Practica

The K-12 physical education emphasis provides professional education undergraduates with experiences designed to progressively guide candidates toward becoming competent practitioners. KIN 490 /KIN 491 provide each teacher candidate with experience at two levels: elementary and middle/high school. Before a student is allowed to enroll in teacher candidacy, he/she must have a minimum degree GPA of 2.5 (students must also have a C or better in all KIN major and professional education course requirements), have completed all other course work required in the degree plan, and be in good academic standing. Students enrolling in teacher candidacy must also meet the requirements set forth by the Mississippi Department of Education. Please refer to the information on Teacher Education Programs and Requirements .

Program Progression Standards

Students must be in the Physical Education Student Group (PESG) in order to enroll in the following courses: KIN 145 , KIN 146 , KIN 147 , KIN 148 , KIN 284 , KIN 318 , KIN 321 , and KIN 333 . Membership in this group is restricted to students who complete an application and have a 2.65 GPA on a minimum of 32 hours of the 44-hour core used for admission to teacher education and a grade of C or better in BSC 250 and BSC 250L . If more than 32 hours of the 44-hour core have been taken, all hours will be counted toward the PESG student group. This does not replace the admission process to teacher education, as students must also obtain a “Gold Card” to enroll in courses restricted to licensure students.

K-12 Physical Education Licensure/Sport Coaching Education Dual Degree

Career Opportunities and Program Requirements

This dual degree plan provides a teacher licensure program to students who are interested in teaching physical education and coaching in a K-12 school. Coursework includes physical education methodology, kinesiology classes, coaching methodology, and teacher education. Students in this major are subject to all teacher education requirements as set forth by The University of Southern Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Education. Students who successfully complete the degree requirements as specified under Teacher Education Programs and Requirements and pass the PRAXIS II content and PLT exams will meet all requirements necessary for application for a standard Mississippi teacher license and will be immediately eligible to teach elementary and secondary-level physical education in schools within Mississippi and in many other states throughout the United States.

Program Progression Standards

Kinesiotherapy

Career Opportunities

Current employment settings and duties of program graduates for registered kinesiotherapists are in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, public and private hospitals, medical fitness facilities, rehabilitation facilities, learning disability centers, schools, colleges and universities, private practice and as exercise consultants. The types of treatments carried out by kinesiotherapists focus on, but are not limited to, therapeutic exercise, ambulation training, geriatric rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, prosthetic/orthotic rehabilitation, psychiatric rehabilitation and driver training. Upon successful completion of course work, graduates are eligible for the Kinesiotherapy Registration Examination administered by the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT).

Program Admission Requirements

All students in the kinesiotherapy program must meet the following admission requirements:

A minimum grade of C or better in BSC 250 , BSC 250L , and PSY 110
A minimum cumulative USM degree GPA of 2.5 or above (calculated on all USM and transfer coursework, excluding remedial coursework)

Program Progression Standards

The following progression policies apply to all students admitted to the kinesiotherapy program:

Must maintain a minimum program curriculum GPA of 2.5 or above
A minimum grade of B in each of the following courses: KIN 301 , KIN 437 , KIN 438 , KIN 439 , KIN 440 , KIN 445 , KIN 446 , KIN 457 , KIN 485 , KIN 487
A minimum grade of C in all remaining program curriculum required courses
Students will be given one opportunity to repeat a course in which they failed to achieve the minimum required grade. Students failing to achieve the minimum required grade on the second attempt will be dismissed from the program for a minimum of one semester.
Students who fail to maintain a minimum program curriculum GPA of 2.5 will be placed on program probation for one semester. During this time, the student may take other courses at the university, but cannot enroll in program specific courses. Students who fail to earn a minimum program curriculum GPA of 2.5 by the following semester will be dismissed from the program.
A student dismissed from the program may submit a written petition to the director of kinesiotherapy for consideration for readmission to the program.

Clinical Internship Experience

Students must complete two semesters of clinical internships (KIN 485 and KIN 487 ) in an approved clinical setting. Students must register for KIN 445 concurrently with KIN 487 . At least one semester of internship must be completed at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Kinesiotherapy Program (KT). Prior to beginning the clinical internship, students must have successfully completed all General Education and Program Curriculum (DEG 01 and DEG 02) requirements (to include minimum letter grade requirements for all required courses), have a minimum program curriculum (all DEG 01 and DEG 02 coursework only) GPA of 2.5, and have current certification in CPR/AED.

Recreation

Overview of the Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in recreation offers professional preparation in therapeutic recreation. All recreation majors must complete a 39- to 42-hour degree core as well as the university General Education Curriculum requirements.

Career Opportunities

The therapeutic recreation emphasis is designed to prepare students for professional positions as therapeutic recreation specialists in a variety of settings. Therapeutic recreation specialists may work with individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional or social limitations in clinical, residential or community-based settings. The Bachelor of Science degree in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation prepares students to sit for the national Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Laboratories, Field Experiences, Internships and Practica

All students in recreation are required to enroll in three hours of KIN 210 - Practicum and 12 hours of KIN 495 (Internship). The practica are taken on three occasions over three separate semesters for one credit hour each. The third and final practicum must be taken in the semester immediately prior to Internship. The practicum is a 40-hour-per-semester field experience that provides the student the opportunity to learn through observation, practice new skills, and develop an appreciation for the profession. The internship is the culminating experience for all students in recreation, and is taken after all course work has been completed. The internship is a 10 to 14-week (minimum) full-time field work experience in which students are provided the opportunity to apply theory to practice and begin the process of developing and shaping their skills.

Special Program Requirements

2.0 cumulative GPA for admission

Students must have a 2.2 cumulative GPA or a 2.5 GPA in major requirements including BSC 250 /BSC 250L , BSC 251 /BSC 251L and PSY 110 for therapeutic recreation emphasis and all other course work completed to begin internship.

Sport Coaching Education

Overview of Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in sport coaching education (SCE) offers professional preparation to those who aspire to coach in a variety of athletic and sports settings. The program offers a variety of courses including coaching methodology, sport psychology, and kinesiology, but does not lead to teacher certification. (See Special Program Requirements)

Career Opportunities

Coaches normally occupy positions as either head or assistant coaches in public or independent schools. They also have opportunities in nonprofit settings such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs.

Laboratory and Field Experiences

All students in SCE are required to complete six hours of KIN 419 - Practicum in Coaching Education over two semesters that provide hands-on professional field experience in a variety of approved coaching settings.

Special Program Requirements

Students who wish to coach and teach in a Mississippi public school must possess a Mississippi teaching license. Therefore, all SCE students must choose ONE of the following options:

Pursue a dual degree in K-12 Physical Education Licensure and Sport Coaching Education. Students interested in pursuing the dual degree program should consult the K-12 Physical Education Licensure/Sport Coaching dual degree program requirements in this narrative.
In preparation for alternate route certification, complete a minor in a PRAXIS II specialty subject area. Students interested in alternate route certification should contact the Mississippi Department of Education for current licensure requirements.
Declare and complete a second major in a teacher education program. Students interested in completing a standard licensure program should consult the College of Education and Psychology for programs and licensure requirements.

Program Progression Standards

Student must be in the Sport Coaching Education Student Group (SCEG) in order to enroll in the following courses: KIN 377, KIN 419, KIN 474, and all coaching methods courses.

Membership in this group is restricted to students who complete an application and have a 2.5 or better cumulative GPA, a C or better in BSC 250 and BSC 250L, and a passing score on the Core Academic Skills for Educator Exam or a composite score of 21 or better on the ACT with no sub scores less than 18.

Students in this program must also obtain a grade of C or better in:

All major area of study requirements.
KIN 377 prior to taking KIN 474

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Certificate