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Kinesiology

Bailey College of Science and Mathematics


Kinesiology combines scientific knowledge of how the body works with clinical knowledge of how to help people use their bodies better. If you’re fascinated by physical activity and want to use exercise to make an impact on health, society and quality of life, a degree in kinesiology may be for you.

San Luis Obispo, California

The coursework in kinesiology covers the areas of biomechanics, exercise physiology, health, motor behavior, and sport and exercise psychology and sociology. The program provides opportunities for independent research under faculty guidance, including a requirement for a senior project.

Kinesiology Curriculum

In our labs, you will have hands-on opportunities with state-of-the-art equipment. Examples include:

  • Biomechanics
  • Body Composition
  • Electrocardiography
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Human Performance
  • Motor Behavior

In addition, a wide variety of undergraduate research opportunities with faculty are available outside of course work or for credit.

Exercise Science

Exercise science professionals lead and demonstrate safe and effective methods of exercise to clients in a variety of settings. This concentration will prepare you to work in a wide range of enterprises that include clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and commercial fitness facilities or pursue graduate education in kinesiology or exercise science. If you are considering a graduate program in an allied health profession (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, etc.), additional coursework is required.

More about Exercise Science

Health Promotion

Health promotion professionals engage in efforts to improve health outcomes. This concentration will prepare you for careers in various public/private settings, college/university settings, non-profit health promotion agencies or to pursue graduate study in health promotion, health education or public health. If you are considering a graduate program in an allied health profession (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, etc.), additional coursework is required.

More about Health Promotion

Sport Science

Courses in the sport science concentration are focused on the fundamentals of athletics and sport performance, the psychological and social benefits of participating in sports and athletics, and leadership and mentoring. It is a great foundation if you are pursuing a career as a coach or personal trainer.

More about Sport Science

About the Program

Kinesiology majors work in the exercise physiology lab.

By studying kinesiology, you will learn how the body moves and how it can better function.

Through labs and faculty-led research projects, you will have opportunities to apply that knowledge in health clinics, fitness classes, public health resources and educational settings. From assessing the cardiovascular abilities of an athlete to analyzing fitness data, you will develop the ability to impact areas such as exercise science and physical activity, public health, and disease prevention and treatment.

Learn by Doing

Kinesiology gives you ample opportunities to get involved in research on how the body works. You may test the accuracy of fitness tracking devices or develop methods to improve the performance of competitive cyclists. These real-world opportunities allow you to gain the knowledge, research and practical experience that will be valuable when you graduate.

Kinesiology students work in the surf lab to help improve the methods of competitive surfers.

Improve Competitive Surfing

Test out new training methods that may help competitive surfers perform better.

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Our Graduates

A degree in kinesiology provides a foundation for careers in clinical exercise physiology, health & fitness, personal training, sport performance, and strength and conditioning. Our graduates are well prepared to pursue a professional certificate in their chosen concentrations — exercise science, health promotion or sports science — or enter a variety of positions in these fields.