Programs
Undergraduate
- B.S., Kinesiology with Options in:
- Option I Physical Education
- Option II Exercise Science
- Option III Dance
- Option IV General Studies
- B.S., Athletic Training
- Minor in Dance
Graduate
The Major:
The word kinesiology comes from the Greek, kinesis, which means “to move”. Kinesiology is the study of the art and science of human movement. At California State University, Northridge, the discipline of Kinesiology is dedicated to the study of human movement and physical activity as it relates to sport, dance, and exercise.
Careers
Kinesiology has many practical applications and leads to a variety of rewarding careers such as teaching physical education or dance, coaching, serving as a consultant in the commercial health and fitness industry, working in a clinical health setting, athletic training, or working independently as a personal trainer. Many kinesiology majors become involved in scientific research or go on to advanced study in medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, nursing, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and behavior, motor programs for special populations, sport psychology or pedagogy. Some graduates become coaches for professional teams or work in business environments dealing with sport management and marketing. Others pursue careers in dance therapy or professional dance, or physical activities for individuals with disabilities.
The current societal interest in wellness and fitness programs has led both individuals and corporations to stress preventive as well as interventive care. Because kinesiology students understand the role of movement in wellness, they have become important to innovations toward better health. Graduates of kinesiology programs work with people in all stages of life - with children and with seniors, with the able bodied and those with disabilities, with elite performers and those of ordinary capability.
Academic Advisement
Undergraduate Coordinator: Shane Frehlich. Students are required to obtain advisement each semester in order to be cleared to register for the following semester. Additional advisement is available by appointment throughout the semester. Individual advisors are assigned to all majors; it is recommended that during the first semester as a major, each student request assignment to an advisor. This request should be initiated in the department office. Contact Victoria Jaque for graduate advisement and Belinda Stillwell for questions about Credential Programs.
Student Learning Outcomes of the Undergraduate Program
The Department of Kinesiology is a learning centered community that educates and inspires its students to understand and appreciate human movement for personal expression and wellness throughout the lifespan. In doing so, students and faculty work together to improve quality of life for themselves and their community; the department values and respects the spectrum of human diversity. An integrated approach to the teaching, learning, and application of human movement provides opportunities and experiences to achieve the following department student learning outcomes (SLOs).
- Apply an integrated kinesiological approach to encourage the adoption of healthy and physically active lifestyles, across diverse populations.
- Apply evidence-based practices to enhance the study of human movement.
- Demonstrate competent problem solving strategies through intentional practices.
- Demonstrate knowledge of kinesthetic forms, processes and structures as they apply to the personal expression and culture of human movement.
International Experience
The Department of Kinesiology supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Department of Kinesiology and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the Department and/or certain general education requirements. Students should consult the International Programs Bulletin available in the Office of International and Exchange Programs, a departmental advisor, or the campus International Programs Advisor for more information.
Requirements for Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology
Lower Division Prerequisite Courses (20 Units)
1. Lower Division Science and Math Requirements (14)
( Note: 8 of The 14 Units double count in General Education and the major:
- BIOL 101/L General Biology and Lab (4)
- MATH 140 Introductory Statistics (4)
- BIOL 211/212 Human Anatomy Laboratory Studies in Human Anatomy (2/1)
- BIOL 281 Human Physiology (3)
Note: Completion of BIOL 211, BIOL 212 is prerequisite to enrollment in KIN 300. Completion of BIOL 281 is prerequisite to enrollment in KIN 346/L.
Lower Division Core (6 Units)
- KIN 200 Foundations of Kinesiology (3)
- KIN 201/L Movement Forms – Sport, Dance and Exercise and Lab (2/1)
Upper Division Core (22 Units)
- KIN 300 Foundations and Analysis of Human Movement (3)
- KIN 305 Historical and Philosophical Bases of Kinesiology (4)
- KIN 306 Socio-Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity (3)
- KIN 329/L Motor Learning and Control and Lab (3/1)
- KIN 345/L Biomechanics and Lab (3/1)
- KIN 346/L Physiology of Exercise and Lab (3/1)
Options
Students should confer with an advisor and must follow the prescribed program for one of the options outlined below:
Option I: Physical Education (34 Units)
This option provides the subject matter preparation required to earn a credential for teaching Physical Education in California public schools. Students seeking the teaching credential are advised to apply to the credential program as first-semester seniors. This is done through the Credential Office on campus. Completion of the Kinesiology major with Physical Education option, plus 31 units of professional education (including student teaching), are required for the Preliminary Credential. For details on the Single Subject Credential program, see the Credentials and Department of Secondary Education sections in this catalog.
1. Lower Division Required Courses (12 Units)
- KIN 130A-133A, 151A Martial Arts Course (1)
- KIN 242 Movement Forms: Basic Dance (1)
- KIN 250SW Professional Activites: Swiming (1)
- KIN 271/L Fundamental Movement, Gymnastics and Rhythms and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 272/L Non-Traditional Games and Activities and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 273/L Analysis and Application of Games and Sport and Lab (2/1)
2. Upper Division Required Courses (22 Units)
- KIN 315/L Analysis and Application of Multi-Cultural Dance Forms for Children and Adolescents and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 325/L Motor Development and Lab (3/1)
- KIN 335/L Health and Related Fitness in K-12 Physical Education and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 347 Introduction to Adatpive Physical Education (3)
- KIN 371/L Physical Education Content Development for Children and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 462/L Physical Education Content Development for Adolescents and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 472/L Learner Assessment and Technology in K-12 Physical Education and Lab (2/1)
**Note: In the proposed program, students who wish to complete the CA APE Specialist Credential must complete an additional 23 units. Most students will complete the majority of the remaining courses post-baccalaureate.
Option II: Exercise Science (36-39 Units)
This option is designed to prepare the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to analyze movement and to conduct and administer physical fitness programs. The option is particularly valuable for the student interested in employment in fitness assessment labs or fitness centers as well as those intending to pursue graduate study. In addition, this option prepares students to pursue further study in allied health programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, and chiropractic.
1. Lower Division Required Courses* (8-9 Units)
- PHYS 100A/L General Physics and Lab (3/1)
(Satisfies G.E., Natural Sciences)
Select one of the following:
- CHEM 101/L General Chemistry and Lab (4/1)
(Satisfies G.E., Natural Sciences)
- or CHEM 103 Introductory Chemistry I (4)
(Satisfies G.E., Natural Sciences)
(CHEM 101/L recommended for students planning a career in Physical Therapy)
* Students may take these courses to satisfy up to 8 units of G.E: Natural Sciences.
2. Upper Division Required Courses (10 Units)
- KIN 325/L Motor Development and Lab (3/1)
- KIN 445** Quantitative Biomechanics (3)
- KIN 446/L Research in Exercise Physiology and Lab (2/1)
** Completion of either MATH 104 or 105 (GE Basic Skills, Mathematics) or equivalent is a prerequisite to KIN 445.
3. Electives (15 Units)
Select 15 units with approval of advisor:
- KIN 311/L Adapted Therapeutic Exercise Principles and Applications and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 313/L Adapted and Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 337/L Introduction to Athletic Training and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 402/L Computer Applications in Kinesiology and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 415 Medical Aspects of Sport and Related Injuries (3)
- KIN 436 Applied Exercise and Sports Physiology (3)
- KIN 456 Adult Exercise Program Design (3)
- KIN 476 Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and Injury (3)
- KIN 479 Perception and Movement (3)
- KIN 494 Academic Internship (1-3)
- KIN 499 Independent Study (1-3)
- KIN 560 Clinical EKG and Exercise Stress Testing (3)
- KIN 575/L Biomechanical Analysis Techniques and Lab (2/1)
Elective: Upper Division KIN elective with prior approval of advisor (1-3)
Option III: Dance (25 Units)
This option is designed to provide a basis for dance experience and potential employment opportunities in the field of performance, choreography and teaching.
Select 25 units with advisor’s approval. It is recommended that students take dance technique courses along with theoretical courses.
Theory Courses:
- KIN 314/L Creative Dance for Children and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 315/L Advanced Dance Analysis of Dance Forms- Social (3)
- KIN 316/L Choreographic Form and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 317 Advance Analysis of Dance Forms: Ballet, Jazz, Modern (3)
- KIN 380/L Perspectives of Dance (2/1)
- KIN 325/ L Motor Development and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 426 Choreography (3)
- KIN 427 Dance Production (3)
- KIN 428 Aesthetics and Human Movement (3)
- KIN 494A-C Supervised Individual Projects (1-3)
- KIN 498W A-C Dance Concert Modes (1-3)
- KIN 499 A-C Independent Study (1-3)
Technique Courses:
- KIN 318BAL Intermediate Classical and Contemporary Ballet (3-3)
- KIN 418BAL Advanced Classical and Contemporary Ballet (3-3)
- KIN 319 Intermediate Modern Dance (3-3)
- KIN 419 Advanced Modern Dance (3-3)
Option IV: General Studies (25 Units)
This option is designed to meet the needs of students who seek a general program in Kinesiology or who have special interests in areas not represented in the preceding options. Students completing this option have the opportunity to explore both the subdisciplinary and the applied areas of the field of study.
1. Select at least 3 units from each of the following areas:
Biological/Mechanical
- KIN 325/L Motor Development and Lab (3/1)
- KIN 445 Quantitative Biomechanics (3)
- KIN 446/L Research in Exercise Physiology and Lab (2/1)
Arts/Humanities/History
- KIN 380/L Perspectives of Dance and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 426 Choreography (2)
- KIN 427 Dance Production (3)
- KIN 428 Aesthetics of Human Movement (3)
Social/Cultural
- KIN 385 Women in Sport (3)
- KIN 407 Sport, Culture, and Society (3)
- KIN 408 The Olympic Games (3)
Clinical
- KIN 311/L Adapted Therapeutic Exercise Principles and Applications and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 313/L Adapted and Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 337/L Introduction to Athletic Training and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 347 Introduction to Adaptive Physical Education (3)
- KIN 429 Perceptual Motor Problems of the Atypical Student (3)
- KIN 436 Applied Exercise and Sports Physiology (3)
- KIN 456 Adult Exercise Program Design (3)
Teaching/Coaching
- KIN 310 Visualization and Sport (3)
- KIN 315/L Analysis and Application of Multi-Cultural Dance Forms for Children and Adolescents and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 317 Advanced Analysis of Dance Forms: Ballet, Jazz,Modern (3)
- KIN 320/L Advanced Techniques of Team Sports and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 330/L Advanced Techniques of Individual Sports and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 350-359 Coaching Courses (2)
- KIN 370/L P.E. in Early Childhood Education and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 404 Problems of School Athletics (2)
- KIN 420 Coaching Competitive Sports (3)
- KIN 471/L Developmental Movement Programs for Children and Lab (2/1)
2. Select a minimum of 10 additional upper division units in Kinesiology courses with approval of an advisor.
General Education (48 Units)
Undergraduate students must complete 48 units of General Education as described in this catalog.
When students select BIOL 101/L (3/1) that is required in the major to satisfy 4 units of GE: Natural Sciences, and MATH 140 (4) that is required to satisfy 4 units of GE: Basic Skills, Mathematics, the GE total is reduced to 40 units. In selected options, there are additional “overlap” units for courses that count in meeting both major requirements and General Education requirements. Students should meet with a department advisor before selecting General Education courses. Failure to select overlapping courses may result in additional units in the major for selected options.
Total Units Required for the Degree: 120-124
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training
Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) has a separate application from the CSUN admissions process. Admission criteria include GPA, observation hours, letters of recommendation and a personal interview with the selection committee. For further information, please go to the ATEP website; it is located on the Kinesiology Department website (www.csun.edu/hhd/kin) ATEP is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The 2.5 year ATEP provides students with academic and clinical experiences designed to prepare them for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and a successful career in the field.
1. Lower Division Kinesiology Prerequisites Courses (10 Units)
- BIOL 101/L General Biology and Lab (Satisfies GE, Natural Sciences) (3/1)
- BIOL 211 Human Anatomy (2)
- BIOL 212L Laboratory Studies in Human Anatomy (1)
- BIOL 281 Human Physiology (3)
- MATH 140 Introductory Statistics (4)
2. Lower Division Kinesiology Core (6 Units)
- KIN 200 Foundations of Kinesiology (3)
- KIN 201/L Movement Forms- Sport, Dance and Exercise (2/1)
3. Upper Division Kinesiology Core Courses (22 Units)
- KIN 300 Fundamentals and Analysis of Human Movement (3)
- KIN 305 Historical and Philosophical Bases of Kinesiology (4)
- KIN 306 Socio-Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity (3)
- KIN 329/L Motor Learning and Control and Lab (3/1)
- KIN 345/L Biomechanics and Lab (3/1)
- KIN 346/L Physiology of Exercise and Lab (3/1)
4. Lower Division Athletic Training Required Courses (9 Units)
- FCS 207 Nutrition for Life (GE, Lifelong Learning) (3)
- PSY 150 Principles of Human Behavior (GE, Social Sciences) (3)
- PHYS 161 Physics and Experience (GE, Natural Sciences) (2)
5. Upper Division Athletic Training Required Courses (47 units)
- HSCI 336 Health Aspects of Drug Use (3)
- HSCI 345 Public Health Issues- (GE, Social Sciences) (3)
- KIN 333 Injury Prevention Clinical Reasoning (2)
- KIN 334 Evaluation and Rehabilitation Clinical Reasoning (2)
- KIN 337/L Introduction to Athletic Training and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 338/L Lower Extremity Injury Evaluation Techniques/Lab (2/1)
- KIN 339/L Upper Extremity Injury Evaluation and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 340 Medical Documentation (1)
- KIN 341 Prevention and Evaluation Clinical Experience (1)
- KIN 342 Rehabilitation and Evaluation Clinical Experience (1)
- KIN 349 General Medical Conditions (3)
- KIN 437 Athletic Training Administration (3)
- KIN 441 Administration and Treatment Clinical Experience (1)
- KIN 442 Advanced Clinical Experience Techniques (1)
- KIN 443 Advanced Activities Clinical Reasoning (2)
- KIN 444 Professional Preparation (2)
- KIN 457/L Therapeutic Modalities in Sports Medicine Lab (2/1)
- KIN 467/L Therapeutic Exercise Techniques and Lab (2/1)
- Open Elective (3)
- Open Elective (3)
Total Units Required for the B.S. Degree: 125
Minor in Dance
The Minor in Dance is designed to provide a basis for dance experience and potential employment opportunities in the field of performance, choreography and teaching. Two minor options are available. The Dance Pedagogy option focuses on acquiring the necessary skills needed to teach dance within school and community settings. The Dance Performance options focuses on acquiring the necessary skills to enhance technical facility as a dancer and to choreograph and mount new works for stage, film and/or television.
Courses relevant to dance taken in Department of Theater or Music may also count towards a Minor in Dance. Advisors in the Department of Kinesiology are available for student consultation.
A. Option I. Dance Pedagogy (21 Units):
Select 6 units from the following courses dance technique courses:
- KIN 137 Dance,Ballroom I (1)
- KIN 139A Ballet I (1)
- KIN 139B Ballet II (1)
- KIN 140A Dance, Folk I (1)
- KIN 140B Dance, Folk II (1)
- KIN 141A Jazz Dance (1)
- KIN 142A Dance, Latin America (1)
- KIN 144A Modern Dance (1)
- KIN 145A Dance, Square and Round (1)
- KIN 318 Intermediate Classical and Contemporary Ballet Technique (3)
Select 15 units from the following courses dance theory/laboratory.
Note that all of the following courses include enrollment by instructor consent as a prerequisite.
- KIN 314/L Creative Dance for Children and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 315/L Analysis and Application of Multi-Cultural Dance Forms for Children and Adolescents and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 317 Advanced Analysis of Dance Forms: Ballet, Jazz, Modern (3)
- KIN 325/L Motor Development and Lab (3/1)
- KIN 380/L Perspectives of Dance and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 428 Aesthetics of Human Movement (3)
- KIN 471/L Developmental Movement Programs for Children and Lab (2/1)
B. Option II. Dance Performance (21 Units):
Select 12 units from the following dance technique courses:
- KIN 137 Dance,Ballroom I (1)
- KIN 139A Ballet I (1)
- KIN 139B Ballet II (1)
- KIN 140A Dance, Folk I (1)
- KIN 140B Dance, Folk II (1)
- KIN 141A Jazz Dance (1)
- KIN 142A Dance, Latin America (1)
- KIN 144A Modern Dance (1)
- KIN 145A Dance, Square and Round (1)
- KIN 318 Intermediate Classical and Contemporary Ballet Technique (3)
- KIN 418 Advanced Classical and Contemporary Ballet Technique (3)
Select 9 units from the following courses dance theory/laboratory courses.
Note that all of the following courses include enrollment by instructor consent as a prerequisite.
- KIN 236/L Introduction to Choreography and Lab (2/1)
- KIN 316/L Choreographic Forms and Lab (3)
- KIN 426 Choreography (2)
- KIN 427 Dance Production (3)
- KIN 380/L Perspectives of Dance and Lab (2/1)
- TH 342 Intermediate Stage Movement (2)
- TH 442 Advanced Stage Movement (2)
Total Units Required for the Minor: 21
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree:
The graduate program provides for advanced professional preparation and for introduction to research in an area of specialization.
A. Department Requirements
In addition to University requirements, the Department of Kinesiology requires:
- Grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in the last 60 units of undergraduate work (with a 3.0 GPA preferred).
- Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with scores submitted as part of the application (i.e.. prior to admission).
- Submission of the following, addressed to the department’s Graduate Coordinator:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Intent discussing the applicant’s interests and goals as they relate to a graduate degree in kinesiology.
B. Admission to Classified Status
Students must be admitted to classified status prior to completion of more than 12 units of graduate coursework. Admission to classified graduate status in the program requires:
- Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology or a related field, or completion of department course prerequisite requirements. In satisfying the course prerequisite requirements, each course must be completed with a grade of “B” or higher.
- Passing score (8 or above) on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam.
- For students with overall undergraduate GPA below 3.0, a score at or above the 50th percentile on at least one of the three sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Submission of Request for Classification form approved by the Department Graduate Coordinator.
In addition to maintaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all courses taken towards the Master’s degree. students must complete KIN 605 (Research Methods and Design) and either KIN 610 (Quantitative Analysis of Research in Kinesiology) or KIN 695QRE (Qualitative Research Design) with a grade of “B” or higher in each.
1. Required Courses (12 Units)
- KIN 605 Research Methods and Design (3)
Select one of the following:
- KIN 610 Quantitative Analysis of Research in Kinesiology (3)
- KIN 695QRE Qualitative Research Design (3)
Select two courses from the following with approval of advisor:
- KIN 603 Seminar in Pedagogy of Kinesiology (3)
- KIN 606 Seminar in Social Psychology of Sport (3)
- KIN 607 Seminar in Sport History (3)
- KIN 645 Seminar in Biomechanics (3)
- KIN 646 Seminar in Exercise Physiology (3)
- KIN 647 Seminar in Adapted Physical Activity (3)
- KIN 679 Seminar in Motor Behavior (3)
2. Electives (18 Units)
Select from the following with approval of an advisor or thesis chair:
- 400-level: KIN 407, 408, 426, 427, 428, 429, 436, 437, 445, 446/L, 447/L, 448/L, 449, 451/L, 456, 476, 479, 496SP, 498
- 500-level: KIN 503, 520, 526/L, 547, 560, 566, 575/L, 579
- 600-level: KIN 600, 602, 603, 606, 607, 618, 626, 642, 645, 646, 647, 652, 654, 656, 679, 695A-Z, 696 A-C, 698A-C, 699A-C
Note that of the total 30 units required for the degree, at least 21 must be in 500 or 600-level courses.
Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 30