BS – Kinesiology

Overview

Emphases in Exercise Science Generalist, Fitness Specialist, and Pre-Physical Therapy are offered.

The Kinesiology major with emphases in Exercise Science Generalist, Fitness Specialist, and Pre-Physical 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.

Students majoring in Kinesiology must complete one of three Kinesiology emphases offered by the school:

Emphasis in Exercise Science Generalist

Students in the Exercise Science Generalist emphasis often find employment in the private and public sectors concerned with the fitness and health of employees. This emphasis prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary to (1) evaluate and develop exercise programming for apparently healthy persons in diverse fitness and health settings, and (2) attain certifications that reflect knowledge of the scientific principles that govern leadership in exercise and health enhancement programs. Graduates work as fitness professionals in corporate, community, clinical, and commercial fitness programs. There are also career opportunities for employment in the business sector to include fitness and wellness, and community programs. Graduates in the Exercise Science Generalist emphasis are not as well prepared as those coming from the Fitness Specialist and may not be as competitive for employment or admission to graduate Kinesiology programs.

Emphasis in Fitness Specialist

Students in the Fitness Specialist emphasis often find employment in the private and public sectors concerned with the fitness and health of employees. This emphasis prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary to (1) evaluate and develop exercise programming for apparently healthy persons in diverse fitness and health settings, and (2) attain certifications that reflect knowledge of the scientific principles that govern leadership in exercise and health enhancement programs. Graduates work as fitness professionals in corporate, community, clinical, and commercial fitness programs. There are also career opportunities for employment in the business sector to include fitness and wellness, community programs, cardiac rehabilitation, and human efficiency research.

Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy

The Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis prepares students to meet the academic requirements necessary for entry to postgraduate education for rehabilitative professions such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and podiatry. Graduates find employment in a broad range of medical environments. Students wishing to meet all requirements for postgraduate education for a professional degree should meet with the undergraduate advisor as well as contact potential postgraduate education sites to obtain specific entry requirements.

Helpful Links for Students

As you are preparing to apply to doctorate of physical therapy programs, please find the following links to aid you in the application process.

PTCAS Program Requirements & Prerequisites (includes course requirements, deadlines, observation hours, references, and supplemental requirements by program – updated regularly)
SDSU DPT Admission Requirements
Information on School of ENS Research Laboratories
Application for Doctor of Physical Therapy Faculty Research Assistant positions
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities with SDSU Adapted Athletics
Observation Hours in PT Clinics (docx)
PT Resume Building
General Resume Building
APTA Careers in Physical Therapy
US News Report on Physical Therapy

This page will continue to be updated with links that provide information designed to help you progress toward a career in Physical Therapy or another related health profession.

If you have more information about ways to get involved or about pursuing a career in physical therapy, please reach out to Kelly Lane , who serves a coordinator for the Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy program.