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Kinesiology Overview
Do you enjoy sport, or dance, or exercise?
Would you like to improve your own performance in these areas or assist others to improve their performance?
The study of Kinesiology provides a detailed understanding of the movement of the human body in relation to sports, dance, and exercise. Kinesiology encompasses the entire person, including the impact of the mind on the body. Most kinesiologists believe that the mind and the body are integrated. For example, mental visualization can enhance physical performance and exercise can reduce mental stress.
Because students of Kinesiology develop an understanding of the role of movement in wellness, they are influential in wellness and fitness programs ranging through the corporate world to public programs. Our graduates bring innovation to preventive and interventionist care.
Graduates of our programs are working today with people at every stage of life - from children to aging populations; with the able-bodied and the disabled at varying levels; with elite athletes and performers as well as those who just want to stay in shape.
Why Study Kinesiology?
Traditional methods of scientific research, as well the experience of human movement in expressive, aesthetic, and verbal and non-verbal modes, bring the student to a broader understanding of humanity. Styles and meanings of movement vary across cultures and environments - awareness of these differences is critical to the study of Kinesiology.
Kinesiology has many practical applications leading to a variety of rewarding careers, such as:
- teaching physical education and/or coaching in the schools
- teaching physical education to individuals with disabilities
- serving as a consultant in the commercial health and fitness industry
- working in a clinical health setting
- athletic training (the prevention and care of athletic injuries)
- personal training (helping others to improve their fitness on a one to one basis)
ther careers involve scientific research in
- Biomechanics
- Exercise physiology
- Motor behavior
- Sports psychology
Many Kinesiology majors go on to graduate programs in
- Advanced exercise science
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Physicial Therapy
Still other careers can be discovered in fields such as
- Professional Coaching
- Sports management and marketing
- Professional Dance
- Dance Therapy
Why major in Kinesiology at Cal State Northridge?
Excellent Facilities:
Our programs lead the way in the study of Kinesiology because of a broad approach that encompasses great detail. Our facilities are outstanding, including a new $13,000,000 building which is the most comprehensive facility of its kind in the CSU system. All new laboratories for research and teaching in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, and athletic training, as well as a new dance studio, a modern computer laboratory, and extensive activity spaces enhance the learning experience.
Professional Contacts:
Our faculty are nationally recognized and hold roles of leadership in a variety of professional organizations including
- The American Alliance for Health (our faculty have served on the Board of Governors for the organization)
- Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (including a president of the SWD AAHPERD)
- The Southwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (a presidency)
Current Publications:
Members of CSUN's Kinesiology faculty regularly publish the results of their research in national or international journals, and others are authors of leading textbooks in their fields of study.
The Center of Achievement & Abbott and Linda Brown Western Center for Adaptive Aquatic Therapy
Our renowned Center of Achievement offers an internationally respected program in adapted and therapeutic exercise and modified sports. Our programs have enabled hundreds of students and community members with severe physical disabilities to find their way into the mainstream of society. Students specializing in adapted physical education, pre physical therapy, athletic training, and recreation therapy do laboratory work at the center.
Community Outreach Programs:
- Wheelchair Sports Camp. Los Angeles area children from 8 to 18 years of age who are disabled become part of a two-week long celebration of fun every summer. The day-camp features fitness and recreation with assistance from our faculty, students and community members who are also working with disabilities.
- Youth Fitness, Sports, and Dance. Local children participate in this summer-time fun program.
- Modern Dance in Concert - this annual dance performance is choreographed and performed by our dance students and attracts capacity crowds every year.
Student Involvement:
- The Kinesiology Majors' Club sponsors social activities, fundraisers, and provides student interaction across the disciplines.
- Athletic Training Club offers students in the Athletic Training program a chance to network, share information and enjoy social events together.
Department of Kinesiology, Redwood Hall, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge CA 91330-8287 / Phone: 818-677-3205 / Fax: 818-677-3207
© 2006 CSU Northridge