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Students

All Students

Welcome to SJSU and the Kinesiology Department. We're here to support you in your quest for knowledge, understanding, and practical skills. We encourage you to connect with both your peers and professors. The connections forged here will continue to serve you well beyond your years at SJSU.

This portion of the site is designed to acquaint you with the information and procedures pertinent to completing the Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology.

Undergraduate Students

Graduate Students

Degree Program Information

SJSU Scholarships


Tips for Success

  • Get an undergraduate Kinesiology program handbook from the KIN main office (or use the online version) and reference it frequently.
  • Make sure the department (provide to staff in main office) and the University (online through mysjsu) have your correct email address.
  • Check for messages at mysjsu regularly. Notices from the university are posted there pertaining to your enrollment and progress to your degree.
  • Check the KIN bulletin boards in Spartan Complex weekly for announcements and/or academic deadlines.
  • Each semester (before enrollment period opens) meet with your Kinesiology academic advisor to review progress and plan next steps.
  • Take the Writing Skills Test (WST) as soon as possible after finishing English 1B. See web site for information and test dates.
  • Get involved! Whether through Greek Life, an honor society, or a student club, you will find that having a network of friends in and outside the Kinesiology program is invaluable and that experiences outside of the classroom are as important as those in the classroom.

Prerequisites to the Kinesiology Major

  • KIN 70
  • BIO 65
  • BIO 66
  • Math (fullfilled in GE)

Required Core Curriculum in Kinesiology                                        

Course#TitlePrerequisites
KIN 70Intro to Kinesiology30 units complete
KIN 155Physiology of KinesiologyKIN 70, Bio 66, Chem 30A, GE Math
KIN 158Structural & Mechanical KinesiologyKIN 70, Bio 65, GE Math
KIN 160
or
KIN 161
or
KIN 164
History of Sport & Physical Education

Philosophical Perspectives of Sport

Sociocultural Perspectives
KIN 70
KIN 165
or
KIN 166
Motor Development

Motor Learning
KIN 70

KIN 70, Bio 66
KIN 185Senior SeminarKIN 70, complettion of 35 major units
KIN ___
KIN ___
KIN ___
KIN ___
KIN Activity Courses: Choose 4 courses from 4 of 6
different movements areas



Emphasis Areas

Students may choose from many areas of study. It is essential that students select a program early to facilitate efficient planning with the academic advisor. The ares of study include:

Adapted Physical ActivityPre-Professional 
Athletic TrainingSocietal Studies
Exercise and FitnessSport Management
Individualized StudiesTeaching Physical Education
Movement ScienceTeaching Adapted Physical Education
Sport Pychology


Description of Emphasis Areas:


ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The Adapted Physical Activity Emphasis is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to serve individuals with special needs in physical activity. Adapted Physical Activity deals with the treatment of congenital defects, diseases, injury, and chronic degenerative conditions through the application of knowledge, principles, and procedures of therapeutic exercises and adapted physical activity. The goal of Adapted Physical Activity is to improve the quality of life of individuals by increasing or maintaining muscular strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, functional independence, and interpersonal relationships. The Adapted Physical Activity specialist is responsible for assessing individual needs and developing, implementing, and evaluating their educational and treatment programs.

ATHLETIC TRAINING

The The purpose of the undergraduate Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is to provide a comprehensive, progressive educational and practical foundation within physiological, kinesiological, and applied medical contexts of health care services for a career as an athletic training professional who works effectively with diverse populations and in diverse settings. Athletic training students (ATSs) are exposed to current research and formal instruction in the prevention, recognition, evaluation, and rehabilitation of the physically active in various settings such as college/university, high school, clinical, professional, and community. Students develop analytical, critical thinking, and creative thinking skills they can apply to the daily operation of traditional and non-traditional athletic training settings. This program provides opportunities for students to prepare for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.

EXERCISE AND FITNESS SPECIALIST

The purpose of the Exercise and Fitness Specialist emphasis is to provide an in-depth understanding of the movement science area of Kinesiology through physiological, kinesiological, behavioral, and developmental contexts. Students will develop analytical, critical, and creative skills in movement science. These skills are designed to prepare the student for postbaccalaureate study and for many professional programs and occupations in the movement science-related areas of kinesiology. The Fitness emphasis is designed to provide theoretical and practical experience in exercise testing and prescription. Students gain knowledge in exercise testing from exercise physiology and movement science courses offered by the Department of Kinesiology. Practical application of this knowledge is attained through an internship.

INDIVIDUALIZED STUDIES

The purpose of Individualized Studies is to provide for the development of an individual emphasis not found in the existing Kinesiology Department curriculum. This course of study must be developed with, and approved by, the assigned department Advisor, the department Advising Manager, and the Undergraduate Coordinator at least 30 units before graduation.

MOVEMENT SCIENCE

Designed to provide theoretical and research experience in science-related areas within Kinesiology. This option is particularly recommended for those students planning postbaccalaureate study in the movement sciences.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL

The Pre-Professional emphasis is designed to meet the needs of students interested in sports medicine, and who intend to go on to professional schools in medicine, physical therapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, etc. In particular, many physical therapy schools have recently changed from baccalaureate and certificate programs to master's degree programs. In this emphasis, students combine course work in Kinesiology and sports medicine with an arranged clinical internship in a facet of sports medicine aligned with one's career interests.

SOCIETAL STUDIES

The purpose of the Societal Studies Emphasis is to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of human movement. Through philosophical, historical, sociological, and psychological contexts, students will develop analytical, critical, and creative skills. These skills will prepare students for postbaccalaureate work and for many professional programs and occupations.

SPORT MANAGEMENT

The purpose of the Sport Management Emphasis is to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of Sport Management. Through philosophical, historical, sociological, business, public relations, and economic concepts, students will develop analytical, critical, and creative skills. These skills will prepare students for postbaccalaureate work and for many programs and occupations.

TEACHING PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This emphasis is specifically designed for the student desiring to teach Physical Education in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12). The purpose is to provide an in-depth understanding of teaching in physical education. This includes such concerns as curriculum planning for grades K-12 as well as effective instructional techniques that may be employed in these grades. Completion of this emphasis precedes the Professional Education Sequence. Successful completion of the Professional Education Sequence leads to the application for a preliminary teaching credential. * See Handbook for Teacher Education.

TEACHING ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This emphasis is designed for the student desiring to work in the specialty area of Adapted Physical Education. Successful completion of the curriculum and, subsequently, the Professional Education Sequence in the School of Education, culminates in the application for a California State Single Subject Teaching Credential (K-12) with a second credential in Adapted Physical Education.

Movement Areas for Activity Courses

Area 1
Combatives
Area 2
Fitness
Area 3
Dance
Area 4
Individual/Dual
Area 5
Team
Area 6
Adventure
AikidoAerobicsBalletArcheryBasketballKayaking
JudoAquatic ExerciseLatinBadmintonIce HockeyMountaineering
KarateBody SculptingLineBowlingRugbySailing
Self DefenseCross TrainingSocialGolfSoccerScuba
Tae Kwon DoFitness WalkingTapGymnasticsVolleyball

Long Dist. Swimming
Handball


Step Training
Ice Skating


Tai Chi
Racquetball


Weight Training
Swimming


Yoga
Tennis


Career Opportunities

Careers in areas related to Kinesiology are many and varied. Listed below are some potential career areas related to Kinesiology.

Public Schools :

  • Athletic Administrator Teacher of Physical Education
  • Athletic Coach Teacher of Adapted Physical Education
  • Athletic Trainer

Colleges and Universities:

  • Same as Public Schools, plus:
    • Intramural Director
    • Sports Information Director o Teacher and/or researcher in:
    • Adapted Physical Education Kinesiology Philosophy
    • Anthropology Motor Control Physical Education
    • Athletic Administration Motor Development Psychology of Movement
    • Biomechanics Motor Learning Sociology
    • Exercise Physiology Pedagogy Sports Management
    • History

Professional Athletics:

  • Many of the above plus
    • Athlete Sports Broadcaster Sports Photographer o Facilities Manager Sports Journalist Sports Psychologist o Sports Artist

Other Public Enterprises:

  • Many of the above plus
    • Employee in Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs o Fitness, Health, Stress Management, Weight Control Counselor
    • Manager/Employee of Health/Athletic/Fitness Club, Resort, YMCA, or Sports Medicine Clinic
    • Biomechanical Analyst
    • Sports Psychologist
    • Early Education Movement Specialist (preschools, child development centers)
    • Adult Education Movement Specialist (retirement centers, outreach programs)
    • Recreation Director or Sports Leader for club, church, hospital, penitentiary, camp, or other private or public agency
    • Private Fitness or Sports Instructor/Coach
    • Sporting Goods Salesperson Medicine:
      • C-V Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Play or Movement Therapy
      • C-V Technology Physical Therapy Sports Medicine

Kinesiology Minor

This minor is comprised of 18 units of coursework: 9 units required; 9 units elective.

Once you've selected Kinesiology as your minor, contact our Advising Manager to find out who your academic advisor is.

Connect with your academic advisor to confer on course selection and progress throughout your studies.

You will need to complete all requirements listed on the Minor Form before filing for graduation.


Kinesiology Students Clubs

Students are encouraged to become actively involved in their profession through classroom and laboratory experiences, internships, and extracurricular activities. Many opportunities are available for students to become professionally involved including participation in student clubs and attendance at local, regional, and national conferences. These activities facilitate networking with other students, faculty, and professionals working in the field.


  • Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK): Physical Education Honor Fraternity open to Kinesiology majors who meet the scholastic requirements. A PEK mailbox is in SPX 56, and information is posted on the KIN bulletin boards.
  • Sports Medicine Club: Open to all Kinesiology majors and minors with interests in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training. Watch for information posted on the KIN bulletin boards.
  • Adapted Physical Activity Club: Open to anyone with an interest in supporting physical activity and/or sport opportunities at university and community events for individuals with disabilities.


Information about the student clubs and professional conferences are posted on the KIN bulletin boards, announced in classes (particularly KIN 70), and published in the Communicator, a newsletter written for KIN majors and minors by Dr. Shirley Reekie, Department Chair. International opportunities, including study abroad, are available through the Center for International Sport and Kinesiology. For information about these opportunities, contact Dr. Shirley Reekie or Dr. Gong Chen.


SJSU Student Resources


Kinesiology Scholarships


How to Apply for Graduation

Undergraduate Students

A year before you plan to graduate, the following are needed:

  • Have your General Education coursework evaluated to be certain all requirements met. Your Kinesiology Advisor can give you the phone number to call to schedule an appointment.
  • Fill out and turn in to the Kinesiology Advising Manager your Major form - signed by your advisor.
  • Check the online catalog information regarding Filing Your Application for Graduation •
  • Submit your completed Major/Minor forms and your receipted Application for Graduation to the Office of Admissions by the deadline set by SJSU.

Graduate Students

Once advancement to candidacy is approved and departmental/SJSU requirements near completion:

  • Submit an application for graduation. This application is different from the candidacy form. However, Advancement to Candidacy is required before you can apply to graduate.
  • When final culminating experience (e.g. thesis) complete, have the graduate advisor complete and submit the paperwork necessary to verify completion of culminating experience.
  • Follow closely the deadline dates and get all completed paperwork in on time.

Current Kinesiology Graduate Students Page

We welcome you back to college. Your decision to pursue studies beyond the baccalaureate degree is an important one. We're delighted to be working with you as you delve into an area of study of interest to you.

This portion of the site is designed to acquaint students with the information and procedures pertinent to completing the Bachelors or Master Degree in Kinesiology.

Degree Program Information

Tips for Success
  • Upon finalizing your decision to study at San Jose State University in the Department of Kinesiology, make an appointment to speak to the Graduate Program Coordinator for an orientation to the department.
  • Stay in Touch with your Academic Advisor
    Students should select a faculty member to serve as their academic advisor. While it is recommended that the academic advisor be the person who will eventually be the thesis-HuP 299 or Plan B-HuP 298 advisor, it is not required. The academic advisor is the faculty member you consult throughout your studies regarding selection of your coursework and progression towards the Master of Arts degree.
  • Obtain (from KIN main office) and use the Graduate Program Handbook (also available online) as a resource. Refer to it frequently.
  • Check for messages at mysjsu regularly. Notices from the university are posted there pertaining to your enrollment and progress to your degree.
  • Check the KIN bulletin boards in Spartan Complex weekly for announcements and/or academic deadlines.
  • Apply for Graduation when requirements near completion

Kinesiology Graduate Foundation Coursework

Academic advisors, with the Graduate Coordinator's approval, are encouraged to select KIN upper division coursework to meet the foundation needs of the individual student from all three areas listed below:

  • Area A: 160, 161, 164, 167, 168
  • Area B: 155, 158, 165, 166
  • Area C: All other KIN upper division academic coursework including 152, 153, 154a, 154b, 156, 159, 162, 163, 169, 172, 174, 175, 177, 179, 180, 184, 187, 188, 192, 193, 194, 195

Foundation coursework cannot be used on the graduate student's Candidacy form for graduation requirements. Prerequisites for any foundation course required of a student should be reviewed and could be waived, on an individual basis, by the specific instructor of the class. All foundation courses must be upper-division level.

The form entitled "KIN Graduate Foundation Coursework" is to be completed by the academic advisor and graduate student no later than the first semester of that student's enrollment in the program. The form is to be signed by the student, academic advisor, and Graduate Coordinator, then subsequently placed in that student's permanent department file. All appeals of assigned foundation coursework will be brought to the KIN Graduate Committee for its final decision.


Graduate Core Classes in Kinesiology

Course Requirements for all areas of study for Plan A include:

KIN 250

Research Methods

3 units

KIN 251

Analysis of Research & Issues in Kinesiology

3 units

KIN 299

Master Thesis/Project

6 units

Electives*

Selected in consultation with the academic advisor

18 units



*Electives are selected based on the student's area of study. Electives can include a maximum of 9 units that may be taken at the undergraduate upper division level. In addition, a maximum of 9 units may be taken outside of the Department of Kinesiology.

Course requirements for all areas of study for Plan B include:

KIN 250Research Methods3 units
KIN 251 Analysis of Research & Issues in Kinesiology3 units
KIN 298Special Studies3 units
Electives*Selected in consultation with the academic advisor21 units



*Electives are selected based on the student's area of study. Electives can include a maximum of 9 units that maybe taken ata athe undergraduate upper division level. In addition, a maximum of 9 units maybe taken outside of the Department of Kinesiology.


Areas of Study

Adapted Physical ActivityMotor Learning
Athletic TrainingPhilosophy of Sport
BiomechanicsSocietal Studies
Exercise PhysiologySport History
International Physical Education and SportSport Management
Mesurement and EvaluationSport Psychology
Motor DevelopmentSport Sociology


Adapted Physical Activity

Students gain competency in the areas of direct service delivery, administration, in-service training, professional leadership, and advocacy. Content tailored for those interested in infant/preschool programs, public school education, senior centers, health clubs, corporate fitness centers, recreation programs, disability sport organizations, and community college employment.

Athletic Training

The Athletic Training program combines academic coursework and experiences to prepare students to assume major responsibilities and leadership roles within the athletic training profession. It is currently one of thirteen NATA accredited programs in the United States.

Biomechanics

This specialization provides students with knowledge and training in the sub-discipline of biomechanics. Students are prepared for further graduate work as well as positions that are typically found in research facilities, fitness/ sport clubs, medical settings, and training centers.

Exercise Physiology

This specialization provides students with the opportunity to design a program of study in the area of exercise physiology. Through coursework, internship experience and research opportunities, students obtain advanced professional preparation for careers in exercise physiology such as fitness, health, training and conditioning, rehabilitation, teaching, and coaching.

International Physical Education and Sport

This emphasis provides students with a multi-cultural and international view of the profession which would be of use either in employment abroad or, increasingly, within the United States.

Measurement and Evaluation

Provides coursework and experiences to enhance assessment, research design and analytical skills. This program of study is designed to compliment professional preparation in another area as well as prepare students for positions with research/assessment agencies.

Motor Development

Motor Development is the study of human movement across the lifespan. It includes examination of such topics as the effects of programs of early motor stimulations on child development, exercise and pregnancy, children's fitness, childrenâs sports, physical activity, and aging.

Motor Learning

This specialization is designed to study topics such as acquisition and retention of motor skills; scheduling of practice; control of human movement; and, information processing of motor skills. Applications are made to teaching, coaching, research, and workplace design. The motor learning specialization is closely allied with the interdisciplinary graduate program in human factors and ergonomics, preparing students for work in business and industry.

Philosophy of Sport

The study of philosophical issues in applied settings such as: an Eastern approach to sport, fitness, and human ergonomics; protocols for metaphysical fitness (physical/mental/spiritual); mind-body issues for optimal performance and rehabilitation; ethical and diversity issues in clinical and professional settings; technology's impact on sport, wellness, and cyborg citizens.

Societal Studies

The purpose of this emphasis is to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of human movement. Through philosophical, historical, sociological, and psychological contexts, students will develop analytical, critical, and creative skills. These skills will prepare students for many professional programs and occupations. If you have specific questions related to coursework, internships, or any other part of our program, feel free to contact :Dr. Shirley Reekie (408 924 3020).

Sport History

The history of sport and physical education emphasis focuses on an understanding of how and why change has taken place in sport or physical education. A knowledge of where we have come from gives greater awareness of where we are now, and may be of use in predicting future trends.

Sport Management

This specialization enhances the student's understanding of legal, marketing, finance, management, and ethical issues specific to the sport environment. This program is designed to provide educational and practical experiences for students in interscholastic or intercollegiate athletics, as well as public or private sport organizations.

Sport Psychology

Sport psychology focuses on both the psychological factors that affect performance as well as how participation affects the person. The program is individually tailored to meet the career goals of the student with interdisciplinary study encouraged. Graduates have gone on to the Ph.D. level or pursued careers in coaching and teaching.

Sport Sociology

Sport Sociology critically examines the complex interactions between sport, culture, and society. Central to this specialization is the understanding of how power is negotiated in sport and how lines of social identity, including race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, and age, relate to power within and outside of sport. Other emphases in sport sociology include sporting narratives, alternative sports, and the role of technology in 21st century sport. Graduates have gone on to the Ph.D. level, or have found work in the fitness industry and educational settings.


 


Did you know

Kinesiology Department

One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0054
408-924-3010
Fax: 408.924.3053
Located in SPX 56

Donate to the Department of Kinesiology (PDF form)

 

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