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 studies human movement from multiple perspectives – biological, behavioral, and socio-cultural – to prepare students to lead and participate in a modern, complex society. Our graduates acquire the knowledge and experiences

to prepare for pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, and other allied health fields
to pursue graduate study in exercise science, physical education, adapted physical education, sport management, and public health
to work in fitness and sport industries, teaching and coaching, and various allied-health settings

The Kinesiology Department at Sonoma State provides students with a well-structured set of curricular and co-curricular experiences, academic advising, and mentorship. Our current and past students credit our small classes, teaching-focused faculty, proactive advising, opportunities to engage in research, and meaningful field experiences for their positive experience in Kinesiology.

The Kinesiology Major leads to the B.S. degree. Each student must select a Concentration in the major: Exercise Science, Interdisciplinary Studies or Lifetime Physical Activity. In all concentrations, support courses from other disciplines and a core of Kinesiology courses are required. Beyond the core, the chosen concentration has courses with specific focus on different healthcare careers. Theoretical and practical learning experiences are an important part of all courses and 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

Exercise Science
Physical Therapy
Allied Health Careers
Interdisciplinary Studies
Occupational Therapy
Lifetime Physical Activity
Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer
Health Fitness Instructor
Exercise Specialist
Coach

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 Association website.

No single list of prerequisites 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 courses; 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.

Programs

Major

Kinesiology, B.S.

Concentration