DRAFT - Kinesiology Major - Standard - SO

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Kinesiology

Major

The Kinesiology major at West Point prepares cadets to master human movement, performance optimization, and injury prevention through an evidence-based approach to exercise science. Combining biomechanics, physiology, and leadership training, this program equips you to enhance soldier readiness and advance careers in military fitness, health, and human performance.

Offered by the Department of Physical Education

Kinesiology: Where Science Meets Human Performance

The Kinesiology major is more than science; it’s the key to unlocking human potential. At West Point, you’ll explore biomechanics, physiology, and motor control to solve real-world challenges that impact soldier readiness and mission success. This isn’t just about movement; it’s about sharpening analytical and problem-solving skills that make you indispensable in any high-stakes environment.

The West Point Advantage

At the United States Military Academy, the Kinesiology major is not just a subject. It’s a strategic advantage. You’ll gain expertise in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and human performance while developing critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills. The program combines rigorous academics with hands-on application, integrating purposeful leadership into every experience to prepare you for high-stakes environments.

Integrated military focus

  • Apply principles of human movement to improve soldier performance and reduce injury risk.
  • Gain the skills to translate scientific knowledge into operational and leadership roles.

Hands-on research

  • Engage in lab and field experiences where theory meets action.
  • Drive innovation through projects that address military health and performance challenges.

Ethics and innovation

  • Build a career grounded in ethical responsibility while advancing performance science.
  • Shape solutions that balance cutting-edge innovation with integrity and accountability.

Mentorship that matters

  • Learn from expert faculty and military leaders committed to your success. Their commitment reflects the academy’s mission: to develop leaders of character who inspire trust and achieve results.
  • Forge lasting mentor relationships that guide your academic journey and career progression.

Careers That Shape Military Readiness

West Point’s approach ensures you graduate ready to innovate, inspire, and succeed in:

Military health and human performance

  • Serve as an Army Medical Service Corps officer, applying movement science to improve soldier health and readiness.
  • Lead injury prevention and rehabilitation programs that sustain operational effectiveness.

Performance medicine and rehabilitation

  • Design evidence-based training programs to maximize physical readiness.
  • Implement strategies that reduce injuries and enhance resilience in demanding environments.

Research and development for performance technologies

  • Innovate in biomechanics and exercise science for enhanced soldier capability.
  • Contribute to cutting-edge research in human performance optimization for defense.

Operational planning with scientific expertise

  • Advise commanders on physical readiness and injury prevention during missions.
  • Integrate performance data into operational plans for demanding deployments.

These paths demand critical thinking, communication, and innovation - skills you’ll master through rigorous academics and immersive experiences.

Information for Future Cadets

Resources for Current Cadets

Kinesiology: Science, Strength, and Strategy

Kinesiology at West Point is more than an academic program. It’s the fusion of cutting-edge human performance science with West Point’s unparalleled leadership development. You’ll learn from distinguished military and civilian faculty who bring real-world expertise and a passion for teaching. Every course is designed to strengthen your intellect and your ability to lead in complex, high-stakes situations.

Core Foundation

The Kinesiology curriculum begins with a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. These courses build your understanding of human movement and performance while sharpening analytical and decision-making skills essential for military leadership:

  • PE215 – Anatomy and Physiology
  • PE311 – Biomechanics
  • PE320 – Exercise Physiology
  • PE450 – Advanced Topics in Human Performance

Complementary courses in physical education and applied science ensure you’re equipped to translate theory into practice.

Hands-On Learning

At USMA, learning is active and immersive. You’ll step into labs, performance centers, and field environments where theory becomes action. Example courses include:

  • PE360 – Strength and Conditioning
  • PE400 – Research in Human Performance
  • PE415 – Tactical Performance Assessment

These experiences allow you to design training programs, conduct biomechanical analysis, and apply performance science to real-world military challenges.

Electives and Specialization

Customize your academic journey with electives that align with your interests and career goals. Options include:

  • PE355 – Applied Nutrition for Performance
  • PE370 – Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention
  • PE480 – Advanced Conditioning Techniques
  • PE495 – Independent Study in Human Performance

These courses let you specialize in areas critical to soldier health, operational readiness, and leadership in performance optimization.

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Kinesiology: Beyond the Classroom

At West Point, kinesiology is more than an academic program. It’s a gateway to optimizing soldier performance, advancing military readiness, and developing leaders who understand the science of human movement. You’ll engage in tactical performance research and enrichment opportunities that prepare you to lead in health, fitness, and operational environments.

Internships

DPE works with Army agencies and civilian institutions to develop summer educational and training experiences for kinesiology majors. The Physical Individual Advanced Development (PIAD) program enriches the experience of the baseline physical program at USMA. Eligible cadets can explore PIADs such as total fitness, adventure sports, and a SCUBA diving experience. They can also apply to participate in the Outer Limits/Mountain Leader PIAD to develop sound mountaineering skills while also exploring their mental and physiological limits.

Experiential and Hands-On Learning

At West Point, learning is active, immersive, and mission-driven. Kinesiology cadets bring classroom concepts to life through:

  • Labs and simulations: Explore biomechanics, exercise physiology, and muscular adaptation using advanced equipment and technology.
  • Fieldwork and tactical assessments: Apply performance science in real-world military training environments.
  • Research Projects: Collaborate with faculty on studies that impact Army wellness, injury prevention, and soldier performance.

These experiences ensure cadets graduate with the skills to lead, innovate, and serve.

Research and Facilities

Work alongside faculty mentors on original research in areas like biomechanics, tactical conditioning, and recovery strategies. Your contributions help shape Army readiness and innovation in soldier health and performance.

Scholarships, Honors, and Recognition

The West Point Scholars Program empowers exceptional cadets to compete for prestigious scholarships and fellowships. Kinesiology majors receive:

  • Personalized mentorship: Guidance from distinguished faculty and advisors.
  • Application support: Resources to craft competitive applications for scholarships such as Fulbright, Marshall, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge.
  • Global opportunities: Pursue graduate study and service in fields like physical therapy, public health, and human performance.

The West Point Technical Scholars Program (TSP) mentors and guides cadets in pursuit of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship as they seek national and international honors for their performance. With over 240 scholarships and fellowships, the TSP has continued to fill the Army ranks with innovative leaders prepared for the challenges they will face throughout their careers.

West Point also celebrates academic excellence and leadership through:

  • Honor societies: Join prestigious organizations recognizing academic excellence and leadership and offering access to scholarships, mentorship, and professional development.
  • Departmental awards: Honors for outstanding achievement in kinesiology coursework and research.
  • Academic conferences: Opportunities to present research and engage with experts in exercise science, psychology, and military readiness.

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