Pacific Revamps Exercise Science Program, Renames it Kinesiology

One of Pacific University’s most popular undergraduate majors is getting an update to better meet the needs of students.

The exercise science major will be renamed kinesiology, signaling the program’s strong focus in both the natural and social sciences. Students who complete the major will earn a bachelor of science in kinesiology.

Kinesiology “is a broad scientific study of human movement,” said Department Chair Brian Jackson. Kinesiology majors will have a strong foundation to pursue graduate programs and careers in the fields of health, education, fitness and wellness, coaching and research, he said. 

The update also will streamline the program’s curriculum. Students will be required to take 44 credits, rather than 62, within the major. This will afford students more latitude to double major, pursue minors, and even study abroad without being required to take courses that may not appeal to their professional goals. The change also makes the program more accessible to transfer students.

“We really wanted to streamline our curriculum,” Jackson said. 

The program, within the College of Arts & Sciences, has consistently been one of the most-pursued majors at Pacific, graduating between 40 and 60 students a year. The revamped curriculum is expected to not only continue that trend but provide a broad and flexible preparation for those students to pursue their professional goals, Jackson said.