Kinesiology

Department Office
PE 14
(707) 664-2357
web.sonoma.edu/kinesiology

Department Chair
Steven V. Winter

For faculty information, please see Faculty or the Kinesiology faculty web page.

Kinesiology, as the study of human movement, utilizes a comprehensive and integrative approach to examine phenomena related to all aspects of physical activity. The curriculum offered by the Department of Kinesiology prepares graduates who can apply kinesiological principles to the acquisition, performance, and refinement of motor skills and the the use of physical activity as an educative tool and a medium for health promotion, personal well-being, and participation in an active lifestyle. The curriculum addresses human movement across the life span from biological/physical, behavioral, sociocultural, and humanistic perspectives, with attention given to the unique and common needs of all people in a wide variety of contexts and conditions.

In conjunction with the broader educational mission of the University, the kinesiology major program prepares students to lead and participate in a modern complex society and the assume multiple roles throughout their lifetimes. Graduates have acquired knowledge and experiences that prepare them to pursue lifelong learning, advanced study, and/or careers in such areas as, coaching, allied health fields, health and fitness industries, sport industries, or exercise and movement science. To achieve this mission the kinesiology major provides students with a well-structured set of curricular and co-curricular experiences and the mentorship to derive a sound education from the University experience.

The Department of Kinesiology concentrations lead to the B.S. degree. In all concentrations, a core of courses are required. Beyond this core, the kinesiology student chooses a concentration of courses with a specific focus. The undergraduate may select, exercise science, lifetime physical activity, or interdisciplinary studies in kinesiology. Theoretical and practical learning experiences are an important part of all concentrations. Students are required to participate in a variety of field experiences.

Prior to beginning upper-division studies in kinesiology, students should have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for success. Courses with specific application to the kinesiology degree are included as support courses for the major. All students entering the upper-division kinesiology degree should:

Be able to utilize computing technology in support of inquiry;
Demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of concepts, issues, facts, and theories derived from the biological, physical, behavioral, social sciences, and from the humanities;
Demonstrate critical thinking, writing, reading, oral communication, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and information management skill; and
Document experience in a variety of movement forms and fitness activities.

At the completion of the undergraduate degree all graduates should:

Have knowledge of the history and broad content within the disciplines of kinesiology and can demonstrate the ability to synthesize concepts across disciplines.
Demonstrate proficiency in the Core Competencies across the subareas of kinesiology through their academic work and practical application. (WSCUC Core Competencies: written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and information literacy)
Apply concepts, theories, and methods in kinesiology in professional and scholarly activities.
Apply evidence-based practices to the practice of kinesiology.
Demonstrate professional responsibility and ethical decision-making when applying knowledge of kinesiology.

Careers

Lifetime Physical Activity

Careers or certifications that require a baccalaureate degree:

Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer
Health Fitness Instructor
Exercise Specialist
Coach

Adapted Physical Education – Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities

Work in public schools, community recreation centers, hospitals and other clinical settings, community colleges (M.A. required), colleges, and universities;

Exercise Science

Physical Therapy
Allied Health Careers

Interdisciplinary

Occupational Therapy

Students Planning to Apply to a Graduate Program in Physical Therapy

Completing the Kinesiology degree with the Exercise Science concentration will satisfy many of the course requirements (or recommendations) which are prerequisites for admission to a physical therapy program. While there are similarities across physical therapy programs, there are also differences from one graduate program to another. Students are urged to contact personally any graduate school they may wish to consider and request admission requirements. Information can be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Associate website.

No single list of prerequisite can be totally complete and accurate. The list summarizes current requirements for some programs in California, and the requirements are similar to other programs. It is suggested that you use the attached list as general guidelines until a specific school or schools are selected.

Plan on a minimum of three years beyond the bachelor’s degree to complete a physical therapy program. Actual time varies by program.
Find out if the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required and what minimum score is accepted.
Strengthen your oral and written communication skills.
Apply to several programs.
Usually a 3.0 GPA is required; however, many schools actually use a 3.3 or higher GPA.
Get extensive field experience, have excellent letters of recommendation, prepare a strong portfolio, and be prepared for a good interview.
Some programs may not take less than a “B” in a prerequisite course; some will not accept a repeat grade if the original grade was a “C” or better.
Many programs require that prerequisites be taken in the last 5-10 years; this varies from school to school.
DO NOT take prerequisite courses for Cr/NC.
Take elective courses in related fields, especially the biological sciences.
Talk to physical therapists and other pre-physical therapy students, and be active in the pre-health professions clubs on campus.