Research & Experiential Learning Opportunities

With a focus on enriching the educational experience, the Department of Kinesiology incorporates a variety of High Impact Educational Practices (HIPs) across the curriculum. This evidence-based equitable approach to teaching and learning aligns well with our Lasallian heritage and has been show to benefit a wide-range of students including those historically underserved. The most relevant and frequently incorporated HIPs in the department include: first year experiences, common intellectual experiences, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research, diversity/global learning, service- and community-based learning, internships and capstone courses and projects. The integration of these HIPs, combined with the university’s liberal arts person-centered approach, all challenge and educate students both in breadth and depth across their program of study. 

Within the Department of Kinesiology, we are making a positive impact on student success, demonstrating faculty excellence and supporting a distinctive learning environment in which students are provided ample opportunities for success on campus and in the community.  Students participate in a variety of research projects, community-based activities, and internships related to themes of physical activity, exercise, sport, health, wellness, education, human rights, social justice, and sustainability.  

Research

In fulfilling our university and program missions, Kinesiology faculty look to serve a supportive role in the development of caring and competent professionals that use scientific evidence, available resources, and best practices (in a variety of professional applications) to help reduce health disparities, especially those linked to physical inactivity. With this, our undergraduate students participate in formal research with faculty members for credit and within the Jaspers Summer Scholars program. In addition, students have other ample opportunities to develop their research literacy via a variety of class research-based projects. 

Recent Jaspers Summer Research Scholars projects include: the prevalence of injuries in Irish Dance, risk factors for vertical jumping, the impact of face coverings on athletic performance, the influence of strength and conditioning training on mental toughness, balance and fall prevention for older adults, and physical activity and memory. 

Students, on a regular basis, attend local, state, and national conferences/workshops/professional development events including those sponsored by the American University of Sports Medicine, the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. 

Experiential Learning Opportunities 

Studying within the Department of Kinesiology is about more than just student success, it is also about joining a campus community that is focused on improving the lives of others. Connected to these co-curricular activities, and making the most of our distinctive learning environment, Exercise Science graduates have utilized Manhattan University’s location in New York City for a variety of educational, employment, internship, recreational, and/or cultural experiences.   In addition to opportunities to collaborate with the University’s Health Services, Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning, and Fitness Center staff, students within the Department of Kinesiology also participate in a variety of other experiential learning opportunities on and off campus.  With this, Kinesiology faculty strategically plan for and implement community engaged learning methodology into curriculum and co-curricular planning by designing courses to include service-learning theory and pedagogy as well as principles of ethical and effective community engagement.

Whether it is providing campus-wide wellness programming as part of our Exercise is Medicine on Campus and JasperFit Mentoring initiatives, teaching physical literacy in local schools, implementing health and fitness programming in local community-centers, collaborating with neighborhood groups to build new active-living greenways and community gardens, analyzing the walkability of local neighborhoods, hosting the Manhattan University Games for neighborhood adults and children with disabilities, or leading local, national, and international social justice immersion trips (e.g., L.O.V.E. trips), our faculty and students are genuinely involved in a variety of activities embodying our University’s commitment to civic engagement by and for all members of the community. 

Practicum/Internships and Student-Teaching

All Exercise Science and Public Health majors are guaranteed to participate in at least one practicum/internship experience during their program of study for a minimum of 120 hours. In addition, the majority of our students participate in 2 or more internships prior to graduation. Professional practicum experiences include opportunities for shadowing, observations, and hands-on learning in a variety of professional environments. 

All Physical Education majors are guaranteed to participate in two distinct student-teaching experiences during their program of study. In addition, all physical education majors exceed the needed requirement for fieldwork hours prior to student-teaching across a variety of K-12 school environments.