ULM’s Kinesiology department recently introduced a new concentration in sports, fitness and recreation with emphasis on management.

This concentration takes a special focus on the business aspect of sports and fitness, in combination with the science of sport, fitness and recreation.

“Sports, fitness, and recreation have always been ‘big business’ in America, but today, the growth of this industry is phenomenal,” said Dr. Ken Alford, head of kinesiology.

The new concentration is geared toward those who want to work in managing at fitness centers, working in professional sports, country clubs and other businesses that deal with sports and management.

The new concentration offers a wide range of careers from athletic directors and business managers to corporate sales and sports and recreation management.

“I think that it’s the best of both worlds, in that not only will we be able to work in a clinic as licensed therapist or rehabilitators, but we can own our own facility,” said Candice Johnson, a senior kinesiology major.

Students graduating with this degree can work in fields such as managing sales for a popular sports and fitness company or can be a director at a health club.

“As undergraduate students, we learn about the physical and mechanical side of kinesiology, and this gives us the option to continue our studies and gain a further knowledge of what it takes to run a business,” said Johnson.

Alford also said he is confident that within this new degree, the many internships available for students will help them gain the knowledge and experience in this field, while developing “successful networks.”

“People don’t normally link exercise science, recreations or physical therapy with management, but this builds a bridge between the two areas of study,” said Johnson.

For more information about the kinesiology department, students can contact Dr. Alford at [email protected].