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The Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences at William & Mary has undergone multiple name changes. The department is currently located in Adair Hall in the newer side of campus.

Department of Physical Education

Shortly after women entered the College in 1918, the Department of Physical Education separated into two departments for men and women. The departments were responsible for classes, as well as the athletic and recreational programs according to their respective sex. There was little separation between athletics and academics, and faculty both taught classes as well as coach the athletic teams. The Men's and Women's Physical Education Departments were merged into one department in 1983. The merger of the two departments completed the separation between physical education, athletics, and recreational sports. The department was changed to the Department of Kinesiology in 1992.

Department of Kinesiology

The Department of Kinesiology was created in 1992 out of the previous Department of Physical Education. Kinesiology, the study of human movement, prepares students for a wide variety of academic and professional pursuits. Students may choose to receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree when completing the kinesiology major at William & Mary.

Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences

On April 9, 2009 the Arts and Sciences EPC voted in favor of the Kinesiology Department changing it's name to The Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Faculty of Arts & Sciences approval of the EPC action will take place at the May 5, 2009, Faculty of Arts and Sciences meeting.

"Kinesiology, the study of human movement, prepares students for a wide variety of academic and professional pursuits. An emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion in society is opening opportunities in a variety of health related areas including physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, traditional and complementary medicine and nutrition. With the significant expansion of the fitness industry, there are many opportunities in Exercise Physiology, Sport Psychology, Geriatric Physical Education, Sports Communication, Sports Administration, Sports Marketing, Sports Management, and Wellness."

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A note about the contents of this site

This website contains the best available information from known sources at the time it was written. Unfortunately, many of the early original records of William & Mary were destroyed by fires, military occupation, and the normal effects of time. The information in this website is not complete, and it changes as we continue to research and uncover new sources.