Topics:
What Can You Do With a
Degree in the Kinesiology and Physical Education program?
The
Kinesiology and Physical Education program provides a general education
about the body and movement. The P-12 Physical Education and
Health degree prepares students for teacher certification. The
Kinesiology degree is a Renaissance type preparation: natural sciences,
applied sciences, socio-cultural aspects, practical experience, and
physical activity. Graduates in Kinesiology have a variety of
career options depending upon specialization within the major.
Graduates of the Movement Studies and the Health and Fitness Specialist
options may become employed in health clubs, hospital, and workplace
settings, or work in sales of fitness and health products (such as
equipment, braces, pharmaceuticals, among others), or with furthertraining may
workin careers such as physicians
assistants, allopathic medicine practioners, nutritionists,
chiropractors, or biomedical imaging. Graduates
of the Pre-Physical TherapyandPre-Health Care
Professionsoptionsgenerally
pursue post-baccalaureate study in a physicaltherapy program, or other allied health
programs (e.g., nursing, occupational therapists, physicians
assistants, allopathic medicine practioners, nutritionists, or
chiropractors). Our Sport Psychology graduates pursue practical
application of psychology to sport and exercise settings. Graduates
representing all areas of specialization may go on to pursue graduate
study in their area of interest.
Which Line Of Work Is For
You?
Probably
the best way to figure out the "right fit" in a job is to clarify what
interests you the most. Do your research. Think about the
kinds of work you are interested in, and learn everything you can about
your top two or three areas of interest. What inspires you most?
Also think about your own natural strengths and abilities, as well as
your values. How do you see yourself, and where do you see
yourself working? How do you really want to spend your time? What
specific goals do you wish to achieve? What type of company or
organization would you like to work with? What kinds of people do
you wish to work with?
Look
through the resources listed in this web site,and use all the
resources available to you at Western's
Career Services Center.The Center is the best resource for
assistance with career planning, assessments, internships, job market
information, job search services, and alumni services. The Career
Center offers individual counseling as well as a wide variety of
workshops.
Job Search Strategies
Use the resources available to you
through Western's Career Services
Center, Old Main 280
Attend career fairs
and other events.Several career fairs and other events are offered
throughout the year to help students and alumni research employers and
job opportunities. Check the special
events schedule to see what events are scheduled for this
quarter.
Also participate in on-campus recruiting.
Business, industry and government organizations recruit during fall,
winter, and spring quarters. School districts recruit primarily during
winter and spring quarters.
Here are several other
Job Search Strategies
- Contact agencies,
companies or organizations you would like to work for and see if
they're hiring
- Check with the state
employment opportunity office
- Talk with parents and
others about job possibilities in their companies
- Check local newspaper
classified ads--especially on Sunday
- Consider volunteer or
internship positions (these sometimes lead to paid positions)
- Call employment/temporary
placement agencies
- Check the internet for
job posting web sites--several are listed below
Job Listings
Job Hotlines.The
Career Services Center maintains a list of job hotline numbers.
Many employers use automated telephone listings to announce current
openings and provide application information. Stop by the Center
for a copy.
Job
Search Websites. When you register
with the Career Services Center, you will have on-line access to a
weekly Job Opportunity Bulletin which lists regional openings.
Considering Graduate
School?
Many
undergraduate kinesiology and physical education majors pursue graduate
training. A master's degree or doctorate will be essential for higher
education teaching and advanced research or applied careers. Others
choose graduate work in professional fields such as physical therapy,
physicians assisantship, or other allied health professions.
Choosing a Graduate School.
Here
are some excellent resources to help you search for, and learn
about, graduate programs.
Preparing
for Graduate School. During your junior year, or early in
your senior year, you should begin talking with WWU faculty about how
to prepare for graduate school. You should also begin contacting the
schools you wish to consider. To apply to graduate school you will need
to begin planning at least a year before the fall in which you intend
to enter. Most schools only accept students in the fall and expect to
have all of your materials in hand by the end of the previous December.
Most departments require you to fill out an application form, including
a personal statement on why you want to pursue graduate work. You will
probably be asked to supply a transcript and at least three letters of
reference. It is therefore to your advantage to get to know faculty by
taking small classes, writing papers, serving as a teaching assistant,
or getting involved in faculty research projects. Many departments also
require applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
See also: How do I become a good candidate for Graduate school.
The
Graduate Record Exam (GRE). For information see Graduate Record Exam. Be
sure to look through the "GRE Free Publications section". This
site contains a description of test content, sample test questions.
Western's
Graduate Program in Human Movement and Performance.
Information on the WWU graduate program in
Exercise Science or Sport Psychology.
Graduate School information about the MS
degree in Human Movement and Performance.
