The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology is one of the few and the oldest in the state of California. Our curriculum explores the influence of exercise on basic human physiology, from the whole-body down to the gene. State-of-the-art facilities and technology support a wide breadth and depth of curricular options and novel research activities. The program prepares students for careers in human performance and general health-related fields. Examples of potential employment opportunities for graduates include corporate fitness, physical therapy aide, personal training, and strength and conditioning.
In addition, students are well-prepared for entry into graduate or professional degree programs, including MS/PhD programs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and physician assistant.
Our mission is to lead in discovery, dissemination, and application of physiological principles and techniques through the lens of exercise in a diverse and constantly evolving society.
It is our vision to:
Instruct on evidence-based, contemporary curricula emphasizing experiential learning on responses and adaptations to exercise in humans.
Conduct innovative, student-led scholarly projects that advance knowledge related to human performance and health.
Promote and provide opportunities for community engagement and outreach, valuing diversity and inclusivity.
Advocate and serve as a model of good exercise and dietary hygiene.
Uphold integrity and high ethical standards consistent with the Department of Kinesiology, College of Communication and Education, California State University, Chico, and the California State University System.
Serve as leaders by being in service of others in professional and interpersonal capacities.
Advising Requirement
Advising is mandatory for this program. Consult your department advisor or program coordinator for information.
E-advising Tools
Use the interactive e-advising tools designed to help students graduate within four years. These tools can be accessed through the Student Center in the Portal.
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
Some courses require a minimum grade to progress in the program. Minimum grade requirements, including those listed on course requisites, are considered graduation requirements.
Course Requirements for the Major: 65-68 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. Consult with an advisor to help select courses that provide breadth to your University experience and possibly help satisfy credential, professional, or graduate school prerequisites or support completion of a minor.
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
General Education Requirements: 43 units
See General Education and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.
American Institutions Course Requirements: 6 units
The American Institutions graduation requirement, as mandated in Title 5, Section 40404, requires that students satisfactorily complete courses in United States history, the US Constitution, and government and American ideals (including California state and local government). At Chico State, HIST 130 meets the US history requirement (US-1), and POLS 155 meets the US Constitution and government requirement (US-2) and the California state and local government requirement (US-3). POLS 155 also fulfills three units of GE Area 4, Social and Behavioral Sciences. See Bachelor’s Degree Requirements for more information.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in US Diversity (USD) and at least one in Global Cultures (GC). See Diversity Requirements for a full list of courses. Many courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009) requires you to take four Writing (W) courses, two of which are upper-division courses designated for your major. Specifically, you must:
Take one Writing (W) course.
Take one Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) course.
Complete a GE English Composition (1A) course before taking the GW course.
Earn a grade of C- or higher to receive GW credit.
See Writing and Math Requirements for details on additional writing requirements you need to complete for graduation.
Major-Designated Courses
Writing (W) Course
Any upper-division Writing (W) course
GWAR (GW) Course
KINE 320W Foundations of Exercise and Sport Psychology (W)
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are clear, measurable statements that describe how students demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and values of the discipline as appropriate to the degree. Graduates of this program are expected to achieve the following PLOs:
Content Knowledge: Apply core concepts in kinesiology to describe and explain human movement.
Demonstrate knowledge of acute physiological responses and adaptations to exercise through oral and written communication.
Communication: Use effective verbal and nonverbal strategies to communicate knowledge of kinesiology within and beyond the classroom.
Reflection and Critical Thinking: Demonstrate reflection and critical thinking when evaluating, interpreting, and synthesizing information.
Identify and synthesize peer-reviewed literature findings to guide evidence-based practices in health and exercise.
Programming and Assessment: Design, implement, and evaluate programming, using evidence-based practices.
Develop individualized exercise programs based on health screening and fitness assessments.
Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques through the collection, analysis, and interpretation of physiological data.
Professionalism and Ethics: Demonstrate professional and ethical practices, within and beyond the classroom, through inclusive, collaborative, and service-oriented behaviors.
Value of Physical Activity: Articulate the importance of physical activity for health, well-being, and lifelong development in personal and professional settings.
