Introducing Alma’s new KHS program

ADITYA HIREMATH
STAFF WRITER

1/26/2026

Alma College’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences is entering a new chapter, building on years of academic excellence while expanding opportunities for students interested in human movement, clinical practice and health sciences.

Previously known as Integrative Physiology and Health Sciences, the department’s development reflects changes in curriculum, faculty expertise and student career preparation.

The transition from IPHS to Kinesiology and Health Sciences was guided by both external analysis and internal growth. Faculty shared that the change was driven by a desire to better align the department’s identity with student understanding and professional relevance.

“External audiences including prospective students and parents did not clearly understand the term ‘integrative physiology’. The term ‘kinesiology’ however was shown to be widely recognized,” said Dr. Karen Ball, Charles A. Dana Professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences: Chair of the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Department.

Recent changes in faculty composition also played a significant role in the department’s evolution.

“Having added a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and an occupational therapist to our faculty in the past two years the term ‘kinesiology’ will be a better reflection of faculty expertise,” said Ball.

Another faculty member emphasized that the shift was rooted in supporting student success through curriculum development.

“As a result of program evaluations and shifts in faculty the department is making curricular changes that take advantage of faculty expertise and best support student success,” said Dr. Brianna Harfmann, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

A major part of the updated curriculum is the proposed addition of a new foundational course titled Introduction to Kinesiology, expected to begin in Fall 2026. The course is designed to help students understand the scope of the major early in their academic journey.

The course will integrate concepts from physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior and psychosocial perspectives while emphasizing applied learning.

“Our hope is that this will establish a baseline of knowledge for the major while piquing interest in kinesiology and health sciences,” said Harfmann.

The Kinesiology and Health Sciences major will continue to prepare students for both immediate employment and graduate or professional programs. Students complete coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology while developing applied and clinical skills.

“Historically our major has provided a solid curriculum for students pursuing a wide range of health professional programs and biomedical science graduate programs,” said Ball.

Faculty also noted that the department is placing increased emphasis on preparing students for direct entry into the workforce.

“With this transition a priority in the coming years will be the development of a quality program for those seeking immediate employment in human performance or clinical settings such as cardiac rehabilitation,” said Ball.

Students pursuing careers in health professions also benefit from Alma College’s Pre-Health Professions Committee, a campus-wide resource that provides advising mentorship and application support.

“Students will learn to conduct clinical exercise testing communicate results and formulate plans to address goals and the skills they build will be directly transferable to clinical and rehabilitative settings,” said Harfmann.