CSUSM Kinesiology

B.S. in Kinesiology

Kinesiology - the study of movement - comes from the Greek “kinesis” (to move). The current societal concern for the physical well-being of the American population, rekindled by the 2001 Surgeon General’s “Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity,” has sparked renewed interest in the study of physical education and kinesiology. As such, the B.S. in Kinesiology at Cal State San Marcos prepares students for a wide variety of careers in the areas of rehabilitation, wellness, fitness, and education.

We are one of the fastest growing majors on campus and as of Spring 2008, have 328 KINE majors across our four options. We are proud of the individualized attention that our students receive, and our students will tell you that this makes our program unique compared to other CSUs. Our state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory has doubled in size this year to over 1,400 square feet. Our lab houses almost $300,000 in brand new equipment that is used by our students for hypothesis-driven research projects in several upper-division classes. It's a good time to be a Kinesiology major!

Kinesiology is not an "impacted" major at this time.

Click here for a presentation on the broad field of Kinesiology and some of the career options available through this major. (Some of the careers presented here require additional and/or specialized study).

There are four OPTIONS in the Kinesiology degree:

Option in Applied Exercise Science

Designed to serve as the foundation for Kinesiology students wanting to pursue a wide range of related career fields and post-baccalaureate study in the fields of exercise science, biomechanics, dietetics/sport nutrition, and exercise physiology.

Option in Pre-Physical Therapy

Designed for students interested in pursuing post-baccalaureate study in Physical Therapy, Medicine, Chiropractics, or other programs requiring more rigorous preparation in physics and chemistry. Students interested in these fields should consult the prerequisite list for the graduate schools they intend to apply to.

The University of St. Augustine opened San Diego's first Physical Therapy program this past Fall 2007, and is now located in San Marcos! Students with a B.S. in Kinesiology can earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from their program in 2 1/3 years.

Option in Physical Education

Designed for students interested in a career as a physical education teacher and/or coach in the K-12 setting. Students who wish to become credentialed to teach PE K-12 will need to take both the CSET and CBEST examinations and apply for a teaching credential program upon graduation.

The CSUSM College of Education, admitted its first class of Physical Education teaching credential students this past Fall 2007!

Option in Health Science **NEW**

Designed for students interested in professional service in health/fitness education and promotion, wellness coaching, health research, and community health advocacy and programming. Graduates will be skilled in promoting positive, personal behavior changes that have an impact on the health of individuals and their communities. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue graduate programs in public health, kinesiology, and health science.

last updated 8/6/08 KAW