School of Kinesiology and Nutrition

Scott Piland, Director
118 College Drive, Box #5142
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5386

Cartwright, Connell, Credeur, Doan, Gordon, Gould, Huye, Judge, Kingston, Krebs, Lemacks, McCoy, Molaison, Neelis, Piland, Rupp, Sha, Speed, Thompson, Yadrick

The School of Kinesiology and Nutrition offers a wide range of curricula aimed at improving the quality of life, health, and well-being of individuals and communities in a variety of settings. Programs in the school address issues related to health through coursework in exercise, physical education, sport, food, and nutrition. Students are involved in coursework that incorporates knowledge with experiential learning, which provides a solid foundation for careers in allied healthcare professions, health promotion, disease prevention, and food-related industries as well as preparation for graduate studies in these fields.

Accredited Programs

Accredited programs must meet criteria of accrediting agencies and therefore may have additional admission and program progression requirements above those of the University. Accreditation and licensure requirements supersede the program requirements listed in this Bulletin. Mandated changes in program requirements are communicated through the student’s assigned academic advisor.

The following degree programs are currently accredited or approved by professional boards or agencies: Physical Education (K-12) licensure is a member of the University’s Professional Education Unit, which is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and is nationally recognized by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE); Sport Coaching Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE); and the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Additionally, courses are offered as part of the various degree programs that facilitate professional certification or licensure of the following types: 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); and physical education (K-12) licensure by the Mississippi State Department of Education (MDE). Students who complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics are eligible to apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship. Completion of internship allows the student to sit for the registration exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Additionally, students who complete the Nutrition and Dietetics degree may also qualify to sit for the Certified Health Specialist (CHES) exam or the Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP) exam.

Special Program Requirements for Kinesiology and Sport Coaching Education Majors

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. Students must demonstrate proficiency (grade of C or better) in each KIN course required by their degree program. All KIN courses numbered 200 level or higher may be repeated only one time unless the course description specifically states that the course is repeatable. A student may use a grade replacement for a course but the course can be taken no more than twice. KIN 145 , KIN 146 , KIN 147 , and KIN 148 (developmental skills series) within the physical education curriculum will follow the same restriction. Please refer to the degree program descriptions below for details regarding additional program-specific requirements.

Degree Programs

BS in Kinesiology (Exercise Science)

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

Program Progression Requirements

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

Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
Earn a minimum grade of C in all required courses (GEC and DEG).
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required as a prerequisite for enrollment in KIN 302 , KIN 304 , KIN 310 , KIN 402 , KIN 402L , KIN 406 , KIN 470 , KIN 471 , KIN 476 and KIN 496 .
Students must complete all other degree requirements before enrolling in internship (KIN 496 ); students may not enroll in additional courses during the internship.

BS in Kinesiology (K-12 Physical Education Licensure)

Traditionally, the teaching specialty of physical education was 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. The K-12 physical education emphasis provides professional education undergraduates with experiences designed to guide candidates progressively toward becoming competent practitioners.

Specifically, the student teaching experience ( KIN 490 /KIN 491 ) provides each teacher candidate with experience at two levels: elementary and middle/high school. Before a student can enroll in teacher candidacy, he/she must have a minimum degree GPA of 2.5, a C or better in all KIN major and professional education course requirements, have completed all other required course work 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. Students should consult Teacher Education Programs and Requirements for additional program admission, progression, and teacher candidacy requirements.

Program Progression Requirements

A number of degree specific courses (KIN 145 , KIN 146 , KIN 147 , KIN 148 , KIN 284 , KIN 318 , KIN 320 and KIN 333 require that students meet the standards of the Physical Education Student Group (PESG). The PESG student must have a 2.65 GPA on a minimum of 32 hours of the 44-hour core used for admission to teacher education and a minimum grade of C in BSC 250 and BSC 250L . If more than 32 hours of the 44-hour core have been completed, all hours will be counted toward the PESG student group. Students are added to the group during advisement if they meet the PESG criteria. This does not replace the admission process to teacher education; students must also meet additional requirements before enrolling in courses restricted to education licensure students (see Teacher Education Programs and Requirements ).

BS in Kinesiology (K-12 Physical Education Licensure/Sport Coaching Education Dual Degree)

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 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.

Students in this degree plan must also meet the requirements of the Physical Education Student Group (PESG) and the Sport Coaching Education Student Group (SCEG). For more details, please refer to the section on Program Progression Requirements under K-12 Physical Education Licensure (above) and Sport Coaching Education (below).

BS in Sport Coaching Education

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. Coaches typically occupy positions as either head or assistant coaches in a variety of educational settings. They also have opportunities in nonprofit and other professional 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 below).

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 for available programs and licensure requirements.

Program Progression Requirements

A number of degree specific courses (KIN 377 , KIN 419 , KIN 474 , and all coaching methods courses) require that students meet the standards of the Sport Coaching Education Student Group (SCEG). The SCEG student must have a minimum 2.50 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 minimum composite ACT score of 21. Students are added to the group during advisement if they meet the SCEG criteria.

The School of Kinesiology and Nutrition also offers a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics with four emphasis areas from which to choose. Each emphasis area offers students a unique approach to professional careers and graduate studies in dietetics, nutrition education, program management, and other related health promotion fields.

BS in Nutrition and Dietetics (Community Nutrition)

This program is designed to meet the needs of students who want training in health promotion, disease prevention, program development, and nutrition interventions. In addition to a strong foundation in nutrition, with background knowledge in food and food systems, this emphasis requires a minor in public health. However, this emphasis does not allow students to enter a dietetic internship. Students who wish to pursue the registered dietitian nutritionist credential should refer to the didactic program in dietetics or consult with the program director for additional requirements.

BS in Nutrition and Dietetics (Didactic Program in Dietetics)

This program prepares students for careers as dietetics professionals who will enhance the quality of life for individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities in the state, region and nation. The didactic program in dietetics provides the knowledge, skills, and values required for successful entry into a supervised practice program, graduate school, or the job market. This program is currently granted continued accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.

Many work environments, particularly those in medical and health care settings, require that an individual be credentialed as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Registered dietitian nutritionists are employed in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, public health departments, nursing homes/retirement centers, food service establishments, private practice, colleges and universities, food and nutrition-related businesses, contract food service companies, and military service.

There are three steps to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN):

Earn a bachelor’s degree and complete the didactic program requirements for entry-level dietitians in an accredited program;
Successfully complete an accredited supervised practice program/dietetic internship; and
Earn a passing score on the national Registration Examination for Dietitians.

BS in Nutrition and Dietetics (Nutrition and Food Systems Management)

This program is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in food, nutrition, and delivering the food to the customer in a variety of settings (hospitals, extended care facilities, schools, etc.). Students enrolled in this emphasis will have a background in nutrition, but they will have a broad knowledge base in food, food delivery systems, and management and business skills needed in a variety of settings. Students who complete this degree will be eligible to sit for the exam to become a Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP). However, this emphasis does not allow students to enter a dietetic internship. Students who wish to pursue the registered dietitian nutritionist credential should refer to the Didactic Program in Dietetics or consult with the program director for additional requirements.

BS in Nutrition and Dietetics (Nutrition Science)

This program is suitable for students who wish to study nutrition, but who do not intend to enter into dietetics practice or pursue registered dietitian nutritionist credentialing. This program is appropriate for students who wish to pursue post-baccalaureate professional or graduate education in nutrition or the health sciences. Completion of this degree program will provide a foundation for further study in the health sciences, and will satisfy some, but not all, admission requirements for professional programs in medicine and allied health. Admission requirements for graduate and professional programs in the health sciences, including medicine, optometry, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, differ by program. Students choosing the nutrition science emphasis as a foundation for a professional degree should check with the admissions office of the program of their choice to determine its admission requirements. This program does not allow students to enter a dietetic internship. Students who wish to pursue the registered dietitian nutritionist credential should refer to the Didactic Program in Dietetics or consult with the program director for additional requirements.

Program Progression Requirements for all Nutrition and Dietetics Degree Plans

All students must meet and maintain the following requirements in order to enroll in each subsequent NFS course and/or semester:

Earn a minimum grade of B in NFS 362 , and
Earn a minimum grade of C in all courses and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 within the Program Curriculum (DEG 01 and DEG 02).

Additional Requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics and the Nutrition Science Degree Plans

Earn a minimum grade of C and a GPA of 2.5 on all required science courses (DEG 02) prior to enrolling in NFS 410 , and
Program Curriculum courses (DEG 01 and DEG 02) may be repeated one time only.
Students who fail to meet program requirements after two consecutive semesters may not continue in the program and must seek a new major.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Non-degree

Certificate