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Kinesiology Department

Overview

The Kinesiology program is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and dedicated professors with extensive experience as educators, coaches and researchers. The program covers a wide range of topics, including athletic training, coaching, exercise physiology, fitness leadership, physical education, teacher preparation, sport and exercise psychology, sport management, and pre-professional training for the allied health fields. With a Kinesiology degree from McDaniel College, students will be well-prepared for a variety of careers in the sports and health industries.

Health Sciences

For additional Health Sciences specializations in athletic training, chiropractic, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy, visit our Health Sciences Program.

Health Sciences

Majors, Minors & Specializations

Kinesiology Major

For students interested in developing expertise in human movement—in the many skeletal, muscular, and neural systems that combine to help us move through space.

Kinesiology-Chemistry (Exercise Chemistry) Dual Major

For a more comprehensive course of study of chemistry’s effect on the body’s many ways of working.

Kinesiology Major with an Education Minor

Offers specialized training for those passionate about teaching or coaching.

Kinesiology Minor (for non-majors)

An excellent complement to an alternate science major such as biology, biochemistry or health sciences.

Performance, Fitness and Conditioning Minor

An opportunity to develop expertise in conditioning, speed, agility, performance optimization, and the principles of strength development.

Sports Coaching Minor

A targeted program for students who want to pursue professional opportunities in coaching.

Sports Management Minor

A targeted program for students who want to pursue professional opportunities in sports management.

Faculty Spotlight

Photo of professor Jennifer McKenzie in a lab coat holding a breathing tube in the lab.

Jennifer McKenzie '01, Ph.D.

"Besides knowledge of how the human body moves, the desire to never stop learning, and the willingness to try new things, I hope students leave Kinesiology courses knowing how much we truly care about them as people."

Professor Jessica Ford seated behind her desk with books resting on the table in front of her.

Jessica L. Ford, Ph.D.

"What I think is most notable about the Kinesiology program itself is that there are tons of opportunities for students to get real world experience that mirrors the roles and responsibilities that they will have within their respective careers post-graduation."

Photo of professor Diane Williams holding a trophy in front of a display of vintage McDaniel sports uniforms.

Diane L. Williams, Ph.D.

"I enjoy teaching students to think critically about the history, context, cultures, and potential of sports and physical activity. I encourage students to apply the theories and research to their own experiences, bringing the texts to life through examples, questions, and discussions."

Nick Razze Class of 2023

Class of 2023: Nick Razze Get to Know a Green Terror

Whether he was running on the track or student teaching in the classroom, Kinesiology major and Education minor Nick Razze’s goal was to make a positive impact. Inspired by educators in his family, he knew wanted to follow in their footsteps in college. The techniques and classroom strategies he learned in his favorite course, Methods in Physical Education, taught by Linda Kephart, will stay with him as he pursues a career as a teacher and coach.

Read Nick's full profile.
Headshot of Josh Sproul

Alumni Spotlight Class of 2022: Josh Sproul

Josh Sproul will remember the McDaniel basketball courts as a place of inspiration, as a Green Terror athlete, student, and Kinesiology major. In his capstone titled “The Effects of Core Strength v. Ankle Stability on Explosive Power, Balance & Agility,” Josh combined his expertise in sports and health. With multiple opportunities to shadow physical therapists and membership in the Pre-Health and Kinesiology Clubs, Josh is ready to leap right into a physical therapy Ph.D. program after graduation.

Read "Class of 2022: Josh Sproul"

Meet Graduates of the Kinesiology Department

We're proud to call these recent graduates alumni, and prouder still to share a selection of their stories here – told as only they can tell them, in their own words.

A student with a stethoscope around her neck holds a stack of books in front of a white background.

Karina Martinez-Contreras
Class of 2024 / Kinesiology

Hannah Ravenscroft Class of 2020

Hannah Ravenscroft
Class of 2020 / Kinesiology, Chemistry

Katherine Taveras tossing a soccer ball

Katherine Taveras
Class of 2025 / Kinesiology, Health Sciences – Athletic Training, American Sign Language (ASL) Studies

A student stands with his arms crossed in front of a white background.

Sebastian Whipple
Class of 2024 / Kinesiology, Biology, Chemistry

Meet McDaniel: Profiles from the Hill

Connect With Us

Richard Laird

Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Department Chair

McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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