Kinesiology, B.S. Program (120 units)
Program Description
Kinesiology is the disciplinary study of physical activity and how it impacts individual and societal health and well-being. The discipline explores physical activity from a wide range of cognate disciplines, including, but not limited to, biomechanics, physiology, history, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and pedagogy. It involves areas of study that include sports performance, fitness leadership, sports medicine and related allied health professions, socio-cultural analysis of sport, sport and exercise psychology, physical education, and coaching.
The BS in Kinesiology degree prepares students for careers in the fitness and exercise and allied health professions. Our mission is to prepare graduates who are knowledgeable, professional, and take a multidisciplinary approach to promoting physical activity. The degree not only examines the theoretical underpinning of sport, exercise, fitness and health, but is committed to addressing the practical issues concerning coaching and instructing, exercise, fitness and sport. It also addresses prescription; programming and safety in promoting health and performance-related physical activity; and issues of social justice in and through sport. The diverse curriculum strives to be innovative and encourage creative thinking and practice.
Values
The Department is dedicated to providing a quality engaged educational experience that will prepare students for their chosen profession and beyond. Six key principles guide the department:
- Student-centered.
- Evidence-based practice.
- Comprehensive discipline-based and transferable skills and knowledge.
- Dedicated and committed faculty and staff.
- Relevant, interesting, and contemporary program of study.
- Commitment to professional service.
Objectives
- to provide a high quality learning experience which is relevant to personal and career aspirations and which will prepare students in the best way possible to gain employment or to continue with further study.
- to provide a scientific and multi-disciplinary approach to the study of sport, exercise, fitness, and health.
- to develop a framework of intellectual and conceptual skills aimed at broadening knowledge, understanding and critical appraisal of the scientific processes of the subject area.
- to encourage independent thinking, research awareness, investigation and analytical techniques to the study of kinesiology.
Career Opportunities
Activities Director • Allied Heath Fields (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic) • Coach • Community College Teacher • Community Fitness • Agency Director • Exercise/Nutrition Counselor • Physical Education Teacher • University Instructor • Wellness Specialist
Features
The department has an array of facilities that support the kinesiology program, including laboratory space, extensive assessment equipment, and accessing a diverse range of physical activity spaces, including swimming pools, tennis courts, handball courts, a fitness center, a gymnasium (basketball, volleyball, badminton), and outdoor fields.
The department has a number of programs that support the student experience, such as the Kinesiology Research Group that provides opportunities for students to get hands-on research experience, the Center for Sport and Social Justice that offers workshops and community engagement around issues of social justice, and the Get Fit, Stay Fit program that is an in-house fitness program that provides students with hands-on experience working with clients on their fitness goals.
One scholarship is housed within the Department of Kinesiology. Recipients of the Joe Morgan Scholarship, named for the Hall of Fame baseball player who is a Cal State East Bay graduate, are identified each Spring with the award(s) applying to the subsequent year. The amount of the Joe Morgan award varies and multiple awards may be given.
Program Learning Outcomes
The program outcomes are aligned with the University’s Institutional Learning Outcomes, the College of Education and Allied Studies Conceptual Framework, and the American Kinesiology Association’s Learning Outcomes. At the completion of the program graduates will be able to do the following:
- Acquire a multi-disciplinary perspective in kinesiology
- Explain the importance of life-long physical activity
- Explain the importance of professionalism and socially just practice in kinesiology
- Communicate using relevant and contextually compelling
- Use evidence-based practices in kinesiology
- Critically evaluate situations, questions, and issues in kinesiology
Degree Requirements Unit-Outline
- A baccalaureate of science degree requires a total of 120 units:
- The major requirements consist of 65 units;
- General Education (GE) & Graduation Requirements (GR) consists of 57 units;
- Free Electives may consist of 0 units (actual number of free elective units may depend on GE/GR units).
Note: It may be possible to double-count units within the graduation requirements or that a course may satisfy both a graduation requirement and a major requirement. Students should contact their program and AACE advisors for information.
Note: Students thinking of being a kinesiology major should contact the kinesiology department advising office (PE130) to schedule a meeting with an advisor to discuss the GE courses they should take based on their career aspirations.
Pre-degree Preparation Recommendations
The Kinesiology degree has a strong science base. Students interested in pursuing a degree in Kinesiology should have a strong High School background in the Sciences as reflected in grades in Science classes (C or better) and having taken more than the minimal high school science requirements to graduate.
Kinesiology Major Requirements (65 units)
Lower Division Core
The following 14 units are required:
- BIOL 270 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I Units: 4 ; G.E./G.R. Area: B2, B3
- BIOL 271 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II Units: 4
- KIN 160 - Introduction to Kinesiology Units: 3 ; G.E./G.R. Area: D1-3
- KIN 162 - Nutrition and Performance Units: 3 ; G.E./G.R. Area: B2
OR
- KIN 270 - Women and Sport Units: 3 ; G.E./G.R. Area: D1-3; Diversity
Notes:
- KIN 162 is recommended for students with an interest in Exercise and Nutrition. KIN 270 is recommended for students with an interest in Sport and Social Justice.
- Completion of BIOL 270 and BIOL 271 with a grade of C- or better, junior standing, and declared as a Kinesiology major is required to be able to enroll in the Upper Division Core Classes. Transfer students ideally should complete these classes before transferring and have done so with a C- or better.
- For Freshman students, KIN 160 must be completed before attaining junior standing. For transfer students who have not taken KIN 160 before transferring it should be completed in the first semester on transferring.
Upper Division Core
The following 36 units are required:
Elective Courses
Students must select a minimum of 15 units of electives. At least one elective must be selected from two of the three groups below. Students who are planning to pursue specific educational or career objectives in Kinesiology should consult an advisor to select appropriate electives, and may wish to take additional electives to meet graduate school requirements.
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