Kinesiology: Biobehavioral Health Science, BS

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Biobehavioral Health Science concentration


The concentration in Biobehavioral Health Science (BHS) offers a sequenced course of study focused on exercise psychology, health psychology, and health behavior that will prepare students for careers as behavioral interventionists or licensed therapists. 

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Biobehavioral Health Science concentration


Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

University Requirements

Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.

The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.

Composition I4-6
Advanced Composition3
fulfilled by HK 340
Humanities & the Arts (6 hours)6
Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours)6
fulfilled by HK 150 and any other course approved as Natural Sciences & Technology
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)6
fulfilled by HK 140 and HK 250
Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: US Minority Culture (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course)3
Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one must be Quantitative Reasoning I)6-10
fulfilled by HK 201 and any other course approved as Quantitative Reasoning I
Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required)0-15

Major Requirements

HK 125Orientation to Health & Kinesiology1
HK 140Social Sci of Human Movement3
HK 150Bioscience of Human Movement3
HK 154Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Health3
HK 160Foundations and Careers in Kinesiology3
HK 201Health Sciences Research Methods3
HK 250Motor Development and Control3
MCB 244
MCB 245
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
and Human Anat & Physiol Lab I
5
MCB 246
MCB 247
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
and Human Anat & Physiol Lab II
5
Concentration Requirements12
HK 340Social & Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity3
HK 342Health Behaviors and Cognition3
HK 440Exercise & Health Psychology3
HK 442Body, Culture & Society3
Concentration Electives. Choose three of the following:9
HK 242Intro to Sport Psychology3
HK 300Health Behavior Theories and Applications4
HK 341Health Behaviors and Obesity3
HK 402Tech-Driven Health Intervention3
HK 441Physical Activity and Chronic Diseases3
HK 443Psychophysiology in Ex & Sport3
HK 445Sedentary Behavior and Health3
HK 446Physical Activity & Diverse Populations3
HK 449Health Assessment3
Experiential Learning Course (HK 351, HK 360, HK 390, HK 391, HK 472, HK 495)Maximum of 6
Total Hours120

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Biobehavioral Health Science concentration


This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Semester

RequirementsHours
Composition I or General Education course4
HK 125 - Orientation to Health & Kinesiology1
HK 140 - Social Sci of Human Movement3
HK 154 - Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Health3
Free Elective course4
Semester Hours15

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
General Education course or Composition I3
HK 150 - Bioscience of Human Movement3
HK 160 - Foundations and Careers in Kinesiology3
General Education course3
Free Elective course4
Semester Hours16

First Semester

RequirementsHours
MCB 244 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I3
MCB 245 - Human Anat & Physiol Lab I2
HK 201 - Health Sciences Research Methods3
HK 250 - Motor Development and Control3
Language Other Than English (3rd level)4
Semester Hours15

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
MCB 246 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II3
MCB 247 - Human Anat & Physiol Lab II2
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours14

First Semester

RequirementsHours
HK 340 - Social & Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity3
HK 342 - Health Behaviors and Cognition3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours15

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
HK 440 - Exercise & Health Psychology3
HK 442 - Body, Culture & Society3
Free Elective course3
General Education course3
General Education course3
Semester Hours15

First Semester

RequirementsHours
Concentration Elective3
Concentration Elective3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours15

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
Concentration Elective3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours15

Total Hours: 120

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Biobehavioral Health Science concentration


  1. Content Knowledge: Students will learn and engage with significant theories, models, themes, and ideas within the health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
  2. Critical Thinking and Discovery: Students will explore and analyze scientific findings to promote inquiry, generate evidence-based solutions, and create new ideas within health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
  3. Awareness and Understanding: Students will be exposed to and engage with a holistic perspective related to the diverse socioeconomic, behavioral, sociocultural, biological, environmental, philosophical, ethical and historical factors that influence health and/or kinesiology.
  4. Programming and Assessment: Students will apply evidence-based practices in developing, implementing, and assessing programs and interventions related to health promotion, physical activity adoption and adherence, and the prevention and management of diseases.
  5. Leadership and Engagement: Through a variety of applied learning opportunities, students will demonstrate leadership and effective communication skills, showcase an appreciation of and commitment to health and well-being as they develop and sustain productive relationships and work for the common good at local, national, and global levels.

for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Biobehavioral Health Science concentration


Department of Health and Kinesiology

Health and Kinesiology website
115 Freer
906 S. Goodwin
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2461
Email: hk-business-office@illinois.edu

College of Applied Health Sciences

Applied Health Sciences Website
110 Huff Hall
1206 South 4th Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-2131
Email: ahs@illinois.edu

Advising

Advising website

Admissions

Admissions website
(217) 333-2130
Email: ahs-admissions@illinois.edu