Kinesiology

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Kinesiology professors stand on playmats and pose with equipment in the Autism Clinic.

Insight

Kinesiology is an integrative discipline that promotes lifelong learning and participation in human movement to enhance quality for all through sport, exercise, and physical activity. The Department of Kinesiology offers innovative and engaging instruction, scholarship, and professional service through its three degree programs: a BS in exercise physiology, a BA in kinesiology, and an MA in kinesiology.

These programs are especially fulfilling for students who have a passion for helping others and who are interested in promoting physical activity and its impact on health, wellness, society, and quality of life. Students study human movement and how the body can function efficiently in a wide variety of settings—everywhere from athletic fields, school, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or research labs.

Coursework focus on several areas of emphasis such as exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology, physical education teacher education, adapted physical education, coaching, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, and pre-professional training for allied health (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, nursing, and medicine).

Experience

Aside from access to the Northern California outdoors, dedicated on-campus space inside Yolo Hall includes laboratories for adapted physical education, athletic training, biomechanics, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, motor behavior, and pedagogy. Other instructional facilities include dance studios, a climbing wall, a ropes course, two gymnasiums, tennis courts, outdoor track, weight training/fitness rooms, golf, soccer, and multipurpose fields.

Students participate in service learning and internship experiences to prepare them for future work in a variety of movement related professions. Many of our students engage with the Adapted Physical Education Program which serves over 150 community members through two service learning programs, BE:WEL and the Autism Clinic. These programs, particularly the Autism Clinic, continue to broaden students’ community and campus impact through neurodiversity initiatives, expanding existing student support services, and grant and research work.

Connections with peers and professionals happen through a variety of student clubs including: Exercise Physiology Club, Physical Education/Adapted Physical Education Teacher Education Club, and Strength and Conditioning Club. These clubs assist students in building connections, honing leadership skills, engaging with health care and fitness professionals, and acquiring the expertise needed to excel in future careers or graduate school.

Outlook

The BA in kinesiology prepares students to become professionals in the fields of physical education, sports coaching, personal training, fitness and wellness, and adapted physical activity. California State University, Chico physical education and adapted physical education teachers are in high demand and get jobs!

One of the primary goals of the BS in exercise physiology program is to prepare students for graduate education in a variety of allied health professions (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, respiratory therapist, corporate fitness nursing, etc.).

Graduates of the master’s program fill the need for teachers, coaches, health professionals, and community recreation leaders. Recent graduates have gone on to medical schools, physician assistant programs, physical therapy programs, occupational health programs, and prestigious PhD granting universities.

Programs

Undergraduate

Bachelor's

Minors

Certificates

Credentials

Graduate

Master's