College of Education and Human Development
Kinesiology Program Earns National CAAHEP Accreditation
October 20, 2014
The School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism’s Kinesiology program recently earned the high honor of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The CAAHEP accreditation puts the Kinesiology program in elite company, as the George Mason University program is one of only three state universities in Virginia to earn this national mark of approval.
Associate Professor Margaret T. Jones, academic program coordinator for the Kinesiology program, explained the lengthy process of applying for and receiving CAAHEP accreditation. “We had to complete a self-study and prepare a report that included the program's mission, goals, objectives, and course syllabi as well as surveys of students, faculty, and alumni. A site visit team was then sent to campus to substantiate what was reported.”
Student Nicole Clark met actor Joe Mantegna at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center during an intensive kinesiology internship that provided her with real-world experience.
Graduating from an accredited program is important for students seeking employment in health-related fields such as kinesiology. Accreditation is a measure of academic quality and is used as a tool that serves the public interest by helping ensure that the workforce providing health care services is well prepared and qualified.
Students can either major or minor in Kinesiology at George Mason. The major leads to a bachelor of science in Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources with a kinesiology concentration. The kinesiology minor is another option, one that can boost students' resumes and also help them stand out from the crowd when applying for graduate school.
Majoring in Kinesiology is not for the faint of heart, however. The anatomy and physiology courses are rigorous. In addition to the 75 credits required for the program's professional sequence, students must also complete 700 hours in three supervised internships in various professional settings.
“Students who enjoy science and math and have an interest in helping others generally do the best in this type of scientific, content-driven program,” advises Jones. Of course, it’s a good idea to have a personal enjoyment of physical activity as well.
The CAAHEP accreditation comes in addition to the program's recognition by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Both recognitions allow program graduates to enter the job market confident that they are well prepared for their chosen professions. Careers in the field are currently experiencing growth, making kinesiology a smart choice for students who wish to work as exercise professionals, enter nursing or other schools for health professions, or pursue graduate study.
About CEHD
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education. George Mason University, located just outside of Washington, DC, is Virginia's largest public research university.
For additional information:
- CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
- Kinesiology program: rht.gmu.edu/kine
Follow CEHD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD or Twitter at @MasonCEHD.