About the Department

The Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion offers a bachelor of science and a master of science degree in kinesiology. The undergraduate curriculum is divided into two subplans: PETE (Physical Education Teacher Education) and General, with the General subplan divided further into: Exercise Science, Health Promotion, and Socio-Cultural studies. These subplans are designed to meet a variety of student needs and interests.

Most students who elect the PETE subplan will obtain a California teaching credential which will qualify them to teach physical education in the state's public and private schools at either the elementary or secondary level. Those who elect the adapted physical education emphasis will become qualified to obtain the Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential. The department also provides selected coursework that qualifies students with a major other than kinesiology to earn a physical education teaching credential (a supplementary authorization). Students may prepare themselves to coach athletic teams by selecting appropriate courses.

The Exercise Science area prepares students to work as a fitness consultant in a variety of settings or prepares students for advanced degree programs in exercise science or for entrance to professional schools in such areas as physical therapy, physician's assistant, chiropractic, or medicine.

The Health Promotion area prepares students to work as a wellness professional in corporate settings and to work as a health educator in community or government agencies.

The Socio-Cultural area prepares students to work in a variety of diverse settings including but not limited to, public health, sports development, sports media, coaching, corporate consultancy, and education/government policy development. This subplan also prepares students for advanced degree programs in sociology, philosophy, or psychology.

In addition to serving it's own majors, the KHP Department provides required and elective courses in kinesiology and health to meet the educational needs throughout the University. The Activity Program provides courses such as basketball, aerobics, karate, gymnastics, and weight lifting.