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The Major

The Major Kinesiology is 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. The degree name was changed to kinesiology to better reflect the diversity of subject matter and breadth of career opportunities available to today's students. Some of the typical fields open to kinesiology majors include: Athletic Training. The purpose of this specialization is to prepare students to meet the academic requirements necessary for a career in athletic training and completion of the degree requirements for national certification in athletic training. Athletic training specialists work in such diverse areas as injury prevention and rehabilitation, fitness testing, and as athletic trainers for sports teams. Students wishing to meet all requirements for national certification by the National Athletic Trainers Association must also complete a minimum two years clinical internship under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Students interested in completing an internship should meet with the undergraduate adviser in the department. Selection is competitive and limited in number. Applications are accepted in spring for fall selections. Prephysical Therapy. This specialization prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary for entry to postgraduate education for physical therapy, chiropractic, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and podiatry. Students find employment in a broad range of medical, commercial, and educational environments. Students wishing to meet all requirements for postgraduate education for a professional degree should meet with the undergraduate adviser as well as contact potential postgraduate education sites to obtain specific entry requirements. Fitness, Nutrition, and Health. Persons majoring in kinesiology 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: (1) evaluate and program exercises for apparently healthy persons in diverse fitness and health settings, and (2) pursue certifications that reflect knowledge of the scientific principles that govern leadership in exercise and health enhancement programs. Kinesiology graduates work as fitness experts and managers in adult and corporate fitness programs of business, industry, public agencies, and schools. There are also career opportunities for employment in the business sector to include fitness clubs, cardiac rehabilitation, and human efficiency research. Movement Studies. This program may be used by students as an undergraduate major for the B.S. degree in kinesiology when their degree objective is best served by an individualized program composed of courses from more than one specialization. The breadth of courses available to students in this program requires that each student meet with the Undergraduate Adviser to identify specific courses that best meet the program objectives. Physical Education. The graduate in kinesiology may find employment in public and private schools, specializing at either the elementary or secondary level. Kinesiology majors teach activities and sports skills, health and fitness classes, and act as physical education resource specialists. Students may also prepare for careers in athletic coaching. The athletic coach works to improve individual and team sports skills, enhance opportunities for social and personal development of team members, develop the health and fitness of participants, and promote public awareness concerning the benefits of sports participation. Opportunities for both men and women exist at the interscholastic level as well as with community and commercial sports clubs. Top of Page webmaster@libweb.sdsu.edu Copyright © 1997, San Diego State University. All rights reserved.