B.S. Degree in Kinesiology

The kinesiology major with emphases in fitness specialist or prephysical therapy presents to students the study of the processes through which individuals obtain optimal health, physical skill, and fitness. The professional, whether in a laboratory, school, medical or business setting, is ultimately concerned with improving the health and well-being of people. The uniqueness of the academic area known as kinesiology is the study of human movement. The academic foundation for the study of human movement is covered by courses that explore movement as it affects and is affected by physiological, psychological, developmental, sociocultural, and mechanical parameters. Application of movement concepts evolves from an academic foundation and is covered by courses that study how movement is quantified, how learning experiences are sequenced to modify movement behaviors, and how movement is modified for special needs. Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy: This emphasis prepares students to meet academic requirements necessary for entry to postgraduate education for physical therapy, chiropractic, and podiatry schools. Students find employment in a broad range of medical, commercial, and educational environments. Emphasis in Fitness Specialist: Students majoring in the Fitness Specialist emphasis often find employment in the private and public sectors concerned with the fitness and health of employees. This specialization prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary to: Evaluate and program exercises for apparently healthy persons in diverse fitness and health settings; Pursue certifications that reflect knowledge of the scientific principles that govern leadership in exercise and health enhancement programs. Emphasis in Exercise Generalist: This emphasis option is available for students completing the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) with an Associate’s Degree in Kinesiology, allowing transfers into SDSU to receive credit for courses already taken as part of the Associates Degree to satisfy most or all of the ‘Preparation for the Major’ requirements of the BS in Kinesiology. The curriculum is otherwise the same as the Fitness Specialist emphasis. Students majoring in the Exercise Generalist emphasis often find employment in the private and public sectors concerned with the fitness and health of employees. This specialization prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary to: Evaluate and program exercises for apparently healthy persons in diverse fitness and health settings; Pursue certifications that reflect knowledge of the scientific principles that govern leadership in exercise and health enhancement programs.