Nov 13, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Kinesiology Video

Kinesiology, BS



Satisfactory completion of the requirements of the four-year major program in Kinesiology, offered by the Department of Kinesiology , leads to a BS degree. The program is based upon the discipline of kinesiology and stresses both theoretical and practical objectives. Five areas of specialization.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 41
Major Preparation 18
Core Courses 23
Area Specialization 38
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

Major-Specific Graduation Requirements

Students in this major must complete all Requirements for the Major (All courses in Preparation, Core, Concentration/Specialization) with a “C- or better” to graduate. The following courses in Preparation of major must be passed with a “C or better”: KIN 100W .

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (24 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 15 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or specific questions.

Upper Division General Education (9 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 0 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)


Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies sequence (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) or Humanities Honors course (HUM 2B ; 6 units) satisfies the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


At SJSU, students must pass a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a  grade of C or better (C- not accepted) to meet graduation requirements. For this major, the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  is satisfied by a course in the major.

Major Preparation (18 units)


Major Requirements (61 units)


Complete One Course From:


All specializations, except Sports Management and Culture, require both KIN 165  and KIN 166 .

Physical Activity Courses:


Area of Specialization (38 units)


Specializations are a cluster of courses used by departments for advising purposes. Specializations will not appear on transcripts or diplomas. Specialization coursework, along with the Kinesiology Core Courses, is typically undertaken during the junior and senior years following completion of General Education Requirements . Specialization coursework can be taken simultaneously with the Core Courses.

Choose one area of study:

Transfer Curriculum Studies is designed for students with an AA-T in Kinesiology. View the roadmap for Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways) for more information. 

Exercise and Fitness Specialist


The Exercise and Fitness Specialist specialization includes coursework to develop knowledge and skills to work in corporate fitness, as a personal trainer, in clinical exercise programs, and a variety of other fitness and exercise related professions.

To fulfill GE areas B4 and D, STAT 95  and PSYC 1  are recommended.

Complete one course not taken in core (3 units):

Complete one course (3 units):

Guided Electives (12 units)

Complete 12 units of guided electives in consultation with Department advisor. Maximum of 2 nutrition, 1 sport management, and 1 psychology course may be used as guided electives. Subcore and guided electives cannot be double counted. Other guided electives may be approved by Department advisor.

Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities (IPAC)


The Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities (IPAC) specialization prepares students to work and teach in the community, with an emphasis on working with special populations, particularly individuals with disabilities and older adults. This specialization can also serve as undergraduate-level preparation for a Master’s in Occupational Therapy (please see note after the listed required coursework). The IPAC curriculum provides students with the specialized skills and knowledge to provide effective service delivery to individuals with disabilities, older adults, and other diverse populations in a physical activity setting. Students in the IPAC specialization develop competencies in planning, assessing, coordinating, implementing, evaluating and advocating appropriate inclusive physical activity across the lifespan. Coursework in the IPAC specialization prepares students for careers in a variety of fields including: infant/toddler programs, physical activity for older adults in recreation or residential facilities, spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers, aquatic facilities, residential/seasonal camps, health/fitness clubs, disability sport programs, and after school/community transition sites.

Complete one course (3 units):

Complete one course not taken in core (3 units):

Guided Electives (12 units)

Complete 12 units of guided electives in consultation with Department advisor.

Rehabilitation Science


The Rehabilitation Science specialization is designed for students interested in allied health professions, such as physical therapy, chiropractic, and physician’s assistant. Coursework is designed to develop knowledge and skills to pursue a future in physical therapy, chiropractic, medical school, or other health or rehabilitation careers.

To fulfill GE areas B4 and D, STAT 95  and PSYC 1  are recommended.

Complete one course not taken in core (3 units):

Complete one course (3 units):

Guided Electives (6 units)

Complete 6 units of guided electives in consultation with Department advisor.

Sport Management and Culture


The purpose of the Sport Management and Culture (SMC) specialization is to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of sport management with a particular focus on social and cultural issues. Social justice and diversity issues are highlighted from a critical cultural studies perspective. Additionally, students interested in sports studies gain a background in sport management, strengthening their professional preparation.

To fulfill GE areas B4 and D, STAT 95  and PSYC 1  are recommended.

Sub-Core Courses (22-24 units)

Complete one course (3 units):

Internship #2: Complete 1-3 units of

Guided Electives (14-16 units)

Complete 14-16 units of guided electives in consultation with Department advisor. A maximum of 6 units may be taken at the lower division level ORBusiness Minor , Sociology Minor , Psychology Minor , Journalism Minor , or other minor selected in consultation with Departmental Advisor.

Individualized Studies


This area of specialization is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop an individualized program of study. This pathway to the baccalaureate degree may be of particular interest to students needing considerable flexibility in designing a program of study to facilitate pursuit of an advanced degree or a specific career (e.g., sport broadcasting). The Individualized Studies specialization requires advising manager and undergraduate coordinator approval. All coursework beyond the core must be selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and is expected to form a coherent program of study that meets the student’s personal and professional goals.

Criteria for Individualized Studies Specialization

  1. The curriculum should evidence breadth and depth of understanding in a specific area of interest within the field of Kinesiology. 
  2. The program should exhibit a specific area of interest within Kinesiology as a focal point.
  3. The program should include 18 upper division Kinesiology coursework units (in addition to the core requirements), which includes 1-3 units of internship/fieldwork. The program should include 17-19 upper or lower division electives in kinesiology or a related field selected in consultation with departmental advisor.
  4. The program should conform to the career objectives submitted as a part of the formal Individualized Studies Proposal (refer to the Kinesiology Undergraduate Handbook ).
  5. All courses should be adequately justified as a logical inclusion in this program.
  6. The program must be submitted at least 30 units prior to the student’s anticipated graduation date.
Sub-Core Courses (38 units)

  • 1-6 unit(s) (complete 1-3 units)
  • Upper Division Kinesiology Coursework selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor 18 unit(s)
  • Upper or Lower Division Electives in Kinesiology or a related field selected in consultation with Departmental Advisor 17-19 unit(s)

Total Units Required (120 units)