The Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science has a nationally accredited (National Association for Sport and Physical Education- NASPE) Physical Education program and internationally accredited (International Universities Strength and Contitioning Association- IUSCA) Health and Exercise Science and Kinesiology tracks that are part of the College of Education professional preparation program curricula designed to serve students, faculty, and staff of Arkansas Tech University. The Department offers three undergraduate programs (HPE Teacher's Licensure, Health and Exercise Science, and Rehabilitation Science) and two graduate programs (a Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning Studies, and a Master of Science in Counseling).
Prepares students for graduate programs in public health, health administration, or exercise science.
curriculum Overview
Join the Health and Exercise Science program and take the first step toward a rewarding career in health and fitness. Apply Now or Contact Us for more information.
curriculum Overview
The Pre-Allied Health Track is designed for students pursuing careers in physical
therapy (PT), chiropractic (DC), athletic training (ATC), and other allied health
professions. This track provides the foundational knowledge, clinical experience,
and prerequisites needed for competitive entry into graduate-level allied health programs.
Students must maintain a 3.0–3.5 overall GPA to remain competitive for admission into
these programs.
Fall 1
Spring 1
Fall 2
Spring 2
Fall 3
Spring 3
Fall 4
Spring 4
Join the Health and Exercise Science program and take the first step toward a rewarding career in health and fitness. Apply Now or Contact Us for more information.
The Kinesiology Track focuses on the scientific study of human movement, preparing students for careers in exercise science, athletic training, sports performance, and related fields. This track combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on learning experiences to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of kinesiology.
*Pre-requisite HES 1003
Join the Health and Exercise Science program and take the first step toward a rewarding career in health and fitness. Apply Now or Contact Us for more information.
Join the Health and Exercise Science program and take the first step toward a rewarding career in health and fitness. Apply Now or Contact Us for more information.
The Public Health Track prepares students to address community health challenges through education, advocacy, and program development. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the knowledge and skills to promote health and wellness in diverse populations, preparing them for careers in public health, health education, and community health organizations.
Join the Health and Exercise Science program and take the first step toward a rewarding career in health and fitness. Apply Now or Contact Us for more information.
The Rehabilitation Science (RS) major is an interdisciplinary program designed to fully prepare ethical, culturally sensitive, inclusive, and socially just professionals to enter the workforce and graduate-level education programs.
Specializing in working alongside persons living with a myriad of possible disabilities and chronic illnesses, this major will equip students to take learned theories and effectively apply them within real-time experiential learning opportunities. Students enrolled in the program can choose minors in addictions, child welfare and social services, disability studies, and recreation services.
Graduates of this program will effectively serve the needs of the community, individuals with disabilities, and populations within allied health/human service fields. The Program also prepares students for graduate school in clinical mental health, rehabilitation counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, allied health professions, and other fields.
You could work as a(n):
Alumni of our program work at:
This is the first brick and mortar undergraduate Rehabilitation Science program to
be accredited by the COmmision on Allied Health and Education Programs. (2021-2028)
What is Therapeutic Recreation?
Therapeutic Recreation focuses on the essential role recreational activities play
in enhancing individuals' physical, emotional, and social well being. It is vital
in society as it helps people with disabilities, illnesses, or other challenges lead
more fulfilling and active lives.
Potential Employment after Graduation
Graduates of the RS- Therapeutic Recreation program can find rewarding career opportunities in settings like behavioral health facilities, clinical settings, community recreation programs, and senior living facilities.
Program Benefits
By completing our program you will have met the requirements to sit for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam and you will become a part of a community dedicated to driving innovation and making a difference in the vibrant field of Therapeutic Recreation.
The Master’s in Counseling Program is housed in the Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science department in the College of Education and Health. This 60-hour master’s program will have two specialization tracks: Rehabilitation Counseling and Clinical Mental Health. Each track will prepare students to enter the world of counseling to help people to overcome any symptoms/barriers and create a better quality of life for themselves. Our classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning and most of our courses will be taught in the evenings for those that need to work to support themselves through their graduate education in the counseling fields.
Rehabilitation Counselor provide counseling to individuals with physical, developmental, intellectual, and psychiatric diagnoses. Rehabilitation Counseling work for several of the following agencies: Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, Veteran’s Association (VA), Social Security, Worker’s Compensation, Rehabilitation Hospitals, and Colleges and Universities. Students will be eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam (CRC) after completing our coursework and practicum/internship.
Clinical Mental Health Counselors provide counseling to individual with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses. Clinical Mental Health Counselors work in many of the following settings: Counseling Agencies, Hospitals, Public Schools, Hospitals, Colleges and Universities, and Private Practice. This program has been approved by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling as being a “CACREP-like” program that would allow for students to sit for their National Counseling Exam (NCE) which would lead to application for Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and then Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arkansas.
Practicum and Internships: completing either track in this degree includes completion of a one-semester Practicum experience and a one-semester Internship totally 700 hours of professionally mentored on-site experience in the counseling field.
You could work as a(n):
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Mental Health Counselor
Addictions Counselor
Disability Services Director
Agencies where you could work:
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Chenal Family Therapy
Arisa Health
Turning Point (St. Mary's)
Restored Life Services
Lakepoint Recovery & Wellness
Harbor House, Inc.
Restored for Life
Real Practices, Inc. (Behavioral Health)
Colleges or Universities
The Coaching Strength and Conditioning Certificate of Proficiency addresses the growing demand for strength and conditioning professionals by aligning with labor market trends. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Network (O*NET), careers related to coaching, fitness training, and athletic performance are experiencing strong growth, with job projections ranging from 4% to over 11% in various roles. The program's goals include applying scientific and theoretical principles in fitness, conducting fitness assessments, developing training programs, and enhancing health and performance-related physical attributes. With these objectives, the certificate prepares students for careers in coaching, athletic training, and fitness instruction while meeting the increasing industry demand for qualified professionals.
The certificate program includes five key courses designed to equip students with essential skills in fitness training, assessment, and coaching. The curriculum features HES 2013 Weight Training for Personal Trainers, High School Athletics, and Strength Coaching, focusing on strength training techniques for various populations. HES 2023 Endurance Programming and Conditioning emphasizes aerobic and anaerobic conditioning principles. HES 2043 Applied Fitness Assessment and Development trains students in evaluating and enhancing physical performance. HES 3013 Coaching Power, Speed, and Agility covers strategies for improving athletic explosiveness, while HES 4023 Principles of Strength and Conditioning provides a comprehensive foundation in strength training methodologies and program design. These courses ensure students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical application in fitness coaching and athletic performance.
The Coaching Travel Team and Recreational Sport Basic Certificate is designed to address the growing demand for qualified youth sports coaches by providing foundational training in coaching principles and athletic administration. The curriculum includes PE 3413 Coaching Theory, which covers essential coaching philosophies, strategies, and leadership techniques, and PE 4513 Organization and Administration of Athletics and Physical Activity, which focuses on managing sports programs effectively. With the youth sports industry experiencing rapid growth—expanding at a rate of 4.2% in 2022 and projected to grow annually by 9.2% through 2030—this certificate fills a critical knowledge gap by equipping coaches and supervisors with the skills necessary to ensure participant safety, health, and development.
The Kinesiology Club at Arkansas Tech University is a student-driven organization dedicated to fostering professional growth, community engagement, and academic excellence. Members have the opportunity to attend SHAPE conferences, gaining valuable insights into the latest research and practices in health and human movement. Beyond academics, the club actively participates in service initiatives, including assisting with dorm move-in days and engaging in community outreach programs to promote wellness and physical activity. Stay connected and learn more about upcoming events by following the Kinesiology Club on Instagram.
For more information, contact Mr. Pete Kelly at pkelly@atu.edu
The Lifting Club at Arkansas Tech University offers students the opportunity to train under the guidance of a national-level coach while devoloping strenth, athleticism, and lifelong healthy habits. Whether your're looking to compete in weightlifing or powerlifting, or if you simply wish to improve your fitness, our club provides personalized training plans tailored to your goals. Join a supportive community dedicated to growth, discipline, and performance. Regardless of experience level, all students who wish to push their limits are welcome.
For more information, contact Dr. Michael Waller at mwaller3@atu.edu
Visit TheLink to learn more about Arkanasas Tech's student organizations.
In the department of Kinesiology and Rehabilition Science, you'll find passionate educators who ensure that our programs thrive. Our faculty bring expertise and energy into their work to shape our students' future.
In 1991, Arkansas received a call to action stressing the need for system-wide reform in its child welfare services. This call came in the form of a class action lawsuit, Angela R. v. Clinton[1]. The lawsuit was settled with the caveat that substantive changes needed to be made to the Arkansas Public Child Welfare System. A Partnership was formed between the Arkansas DCFS, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff to address child welfare reform. Arkansas Tech University joined the Partnership in 1996.
[1] ANGELA R. BY HESSELBEIN v. Clinton, 999 F. 2d 320 - Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit 1993
The Child Welfare Office has three staff members who cover 14 counties throughout the state. They meet with Family Service Workers in the DCFS offices in these counties and guide them through their first year of employment. This includes assisting the workers with home visits, case management, trauma-informed care, poverty versus neglect assessments, risk versus safety assessments, court appearances, etc. The Child Welfare Office has two staff members who have offices on campus. They coordinate field placement / internships for Rehabilitation Science majors to work in DCFS offices around the state of Arkansas, teach Child Welfare classes to ATU students, train Family Service Workers in area wide training events various topics (e.g. Ethics, Social Media, Trauma Informed Care), and assist DCFS offices.
Our office maintains a library containing educational materials on various topics relating to Child Welfare.
Through the internship placement program, we offer a $5,000 stipend if you meet certain requirements.
Phone: (479) 968-0344
Email: hes@atu.edu
Hull Building 100
1306 N El Paso Ave
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: (479) 968-0344
Email: hes@atu.edu
Hull Building 100
1306 N El Paso Ave
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: (479) 968-0283
Email: rehabilitationscience@atu.edu
Browning Hall 300
1505 N. Boulder Ave.
Russellville, AR 72801
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Mission
The programs in the Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science are designed to empower students to become exemplary, continuously developing professionals who positively impact lives regionally and globally through Health, Fitness, and Education.
Vision
The goals and objectives are met by incorporating the purposeful use of technology and research-based teaching in applied settings to develop the premier health, fitness, and education practitioner.
