Kinesiology

College of Health and Human Services
Dean: Don Taylor

Department of Kinesiology
GYM 101
415-338-2244
Fax: 415-338-7566
Chair: David Anderson

Undergraduate Adviser: Allen Abraham
Graduate Coordinator: Susan Zieff

Faculty

Professors—Abraham, Anderson, Kern, Schleihauf, Summerford, Verducci, Wallace

Associate Professors—Kim, Lock, Zieff

Assistant Professors—Guedes, Hamel, Lee, Walsh

Programs

B.S. in Kinesiology: Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences
B.S. in Kinesiology: Concentration in Physical Education
Pre-physical Therapy Curriculum
Adapted Physical Education Curriculum
Minor in Athletic Coaching
Certificate in Athletic Coaching
M.S. in Kinesiology: Concentration in Exercise Physiology
M.S. in Kinesiology: Concentration in Movement Science
M.S. in Kinesiology: Concentration in Physical Activity: Social Scientific Perspectives

Program Scope

All major programs are carefully designed so that students experience the multidisciplinary foundations of human movement. Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge related to the biological, socio-cultural, philosophical, and psychological factors underlying movement across the lifespan. Movement and exercise are studied in the context of skill in activities of daily living and/or sport with application to conditioning, learning, and rehabilitation; and sport is studied as a personal endeavor and social institution. Concentrations or thematic emphases allow students to select patterns of courses tailored to meet individual interests or career goals.

The department offers a wide array of activity classes providing instruction in motor skills from the beginning to the advanced level; an array of general education courses examining aspects of physical activity and performance from the psychological, biological, and sociological perspectives; and courses leading to certification in CPR, first aid, and coaching.

Bachelor of Science All of the undergraduate program concentrations in the B.S. degree have as their basis a foundation in science, mathematics, psychology, and a sequence of courses designed to progressively develop the students' knowledge of movement, exercise, and skill. This focus will serve as a basis for application to one of two selected concentrations.

The graduating student will have the skills and knowledge to engage in the observation, analysis, and measurement of movement, fitness, performance, and/or learning; will have the tools and knowledge to engage in synthesis and systematic inquiry; and will be capable of using the computer and supporting technologies as a tool for systematic inquiry and/or professional practice.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science, students will be prepared for immediate careers in exercise leadership, for advanced study in a number of movement and exercise related fields, or for entry into a teacher credential program.

The Exercise and Movement Sciences Concentration serves students interested in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning and development, sport and exercise psychology, sport history, sport sociology, at-risk youth development, and physical or occupational therapy. Qualified students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for advanced study in any of the above-mentioned domains or for employment in physical activity programming, the sports media, sports industries, and as consultants for agencies developing sports policy.

The programmatic approach is multidisciplinary and invites study in the physical, biological, social, and behavioral sciences. The program examines those factors that influence the form, function, and effectiveness of exercise and movement across the lifespan and for special populations, such as the disabled and individuals with chronic diseases. The framework for the degree program encompasses three major subject areas: 1) the socio-cultural and psychological factors that serve to constrain and/or define human movement; 2) the factors that influence the control, learning, relearning, and development of motor skills; and 3) the variables involved in the regulation of physiological systems in response to acute and chronic exercise.

Towards the end of the degree program, students will select an emphasis area of study that will introduce them to specialized work within the Concentration. In the movement science subject area, students become adept in observation and analysis of movement and in use of video and computer technology to study movement related questions. Throughout their studies, students apply the knowledge and skills they gain to analysis of movement problem(s) which are of personal interest and significance.

In the social science subject area, students will gain an understanding of the psychological, social, and cultural contexts in which physical activity occurs. Students will undertake study of the origins of modern sport and physical activity, as well as explore such factors as the social, psychological, cultural, economic, and political influences on physical activity participation at all levels.

In the exercise science subject area, students will study the effects of exercise on factors influencing work performance, training programs, and adaptations including the reduction of risk factors for medical conditions such as coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular disease, adult-onset diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis, as well as special conditions such as pregnancy, and other hypokinetic illnesses, or adaptations that are effective for the aged and disabled populations.

Successful completion of the Exercise and Movement Sciences Concentration requires that students demonstrate knowledge and skill in the following areas: 1) assessment of physical fitness and wellness including body composition, aerobic power, flexibility, muscular power, strength, and endurance; 2) exercise prescription across the lifespan and varying environmental conditions; 3) evaluation of the effectiveness of various types of health and fitness centers; 4) identification and interpretation of factors that influence the learning, control, and development of movement and skill; 5) qualitative and quantitative analyses of movement in a variety of contexts; 6) selection of an appropriate level of analysis and analysis tools for specific movement problems; 7) articulation of the roles of social class, race, culture, and gender in the decision to engage in physical activity and identification of the meanings associated with this behavior; 8) identification of the various psycho-social factors that limit engagement in sport, exercise, recreation, and other physical activity settings; and 9) the historical roots of salient contemporary issues within the profession and its academic study.

The Physical Education Concentration prepares students for entry to a teacher credentialing program. The course of study satisfies state requirements for the Subject Matter Program in Physical Education.

Successful completion of the Concentration in Physical Education requires that the student demonstrate knowledge about human movement, learning, and development; competence in analyzing and applying movement concepts to facilitate motor skill acquisition; broad-based personal movement literacy, skillfulness, and fitness; knowledge about a variety of movement and sport forms; knowledge about health-related fitness and wellness in the school age population; knowledge about working with individuals who are challenged physically, cognitively, or emotionally, and with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds; familiarity with a variety of pedagogical techniques appropriate to a variety of ages, contexts, and conditions; familiarity with assessment techniques appropriate to the teaching environment; familiarity with the problems and issues facing physical educators within the school system; and knowledge of the historical and philosophical bases of practices in physical education.

Minor/Certificate in Athletic Coaching This area of study provides students in academic areas other than kinesiology with the knowledge and skills required for coaching interscholastic or community athletic teams.

Athletic Training Curriculum Students seeking certification in Athletic Training are advised to see the athletic trainer to plan a course of study. Students can opt for a B.S. in Kinesiology in Exercise and Movement Sciences and see their adviser regarding the additional courses necessary to seek certification.

Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education Teaching Students who wish to become credentialed as public school teachers in physical education or as adapted physical education specialists should select the Bachelor of Science with Concentration in Physical Education program. However, to be eligible for admission to the credential program at San Francisco State University, students must attain a GPA of 2.75 in the Subject Matter Program curriculum. Students must work closely with an adviser to fulfill the requirements of the Subject Matter Program. They should also contact the College of Education Student Services Office at 338-7038 regarding teaching credential information.

Pre-physical Therapy The Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences supports preparation for advanced study in physical or occupational therapy and other therapeutic or rehabilitative fields. With the addition of specific courses required for admission to various graduate programs, the student will graduate with a strong foundation in the movement sciences as well as with the prerequisites necessary for entry to programs of their choice. Admission to graduate programs in physical therapy is extremely competitive. The Kinesiology Department faculty and the Kinesiology Student Association have a strong commitment to providing excellent advising and assistance to students who wish to become therapists.

Advising Students in all the programs must work closely with an adviser to select the proper degree program, concentration, and configuration of courses to support career and scholarly interest related to the study of human movement. Students seeking to major in kinesiology must meet with the undergraduate advising coordinator in GYM 137 to be officially accepted into the major.

Many of the courses listed in the major patterns which follow have prerequisites or co-requisites. Thus, they must be taken in a particular sequence. (Consult the on-line course descriptions.) Further, up to twelve units may overlap between the major and General Education where a specific course is also approved for a segment of General Education. Prior approval by the student's major adviser is required for all individually tailored groups of courses and for course substitutions.

The course of study in the kinesiology major requires that the student has completed all Segment I requirements, including ENG 214 or equivalent, with a grade of C or better, prior to enrolling in the major courses. The major courses, projects, internships, and culminating experiences require competence in written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, logical and critical thinking, computer facility, and a thorough grounding in biological and physical science. The Bachelor of Science is science intensive. Successful and timely progress through this program requires careful planning and organization. Students must show proof of completion of prerequisites to the instructor at the start of all applicable courses.

Transfer students are encouraged to visit the department prior to enrollment at SFSU, or as soon as possible thereafter, in order to learn about the major and the expectations for student performance. Students having academic difficulty for any reason are encouraged to seek assistance immediately by speaking to their adviser, a peer counselor in the Kinesiology Student Association, and/or the Student Resources Center in the College of Health and Human Services.

All courses used to satisfy completion of major requirements must be taken for a letter grade. No CR/NC grades may be used on the major petition for graduation.

Master of Science The M.S. in Kinesiology focuses on the comprehensive examination of human movement and exercise from cross-discipline perspectives. The curriculum will enable students to specialize in exercise physiology, movement science, or the social scientific perspective of physical activity.

Exercise Physiology The exercise physiology concentration is intended for students who are interested in furthering their understanding of how the physiological systems of the human body respond to exercise. Exercise physiology is a multi-disciplinary field with strong ties to basic research, life sciences, and medicine, with application to both clinical and healthy populations. The exercise physiology concentration offers comprehensive study of the acute and chronic cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic responses to exercise; and the application of these concepts to exercise testing, prescription and supervision in both healthy and diseased populations is emphasized. Students will expand their critical thinking skills and gain experience evaluating current literature in the field of exercise physiology, facilitating the transition into their chosen career path. Furthermore, an objective of the exercise physiology concentration is to assist in preparation for certification as Health/Fitness Instructor ^SM or Exercise Specialist® through the American College of Sports Medicine. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to further their education in a doctoral program, or seek employment in a rehabilitation clinic, health club, wellness center or other fitness setting.

Movement Science The Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Movement Science provides an advanced degree that prepares students to work in a variety of movement and health care related settings, teach in community colleges or high schools, or continue postgraduate studies leading to a doctoral degree at another university. Students explore the multitude of factors that influence the control of human movement and the way in which that control changes over time. In addition, students develop skill critiquing research and in observing and analyzing movement using techniques from the neurosciences and biomechanics. Students ultimately apply their knowledge and skill in areas such as sports, dance, recreation, rehabilitation, teaching, coaching, and ergonomics.

Physical Activity: Social Scientific Perspectives This concentration is intended for students who have been active in the fields of education and physical education, for those who are interested in studying pedagogical issues in the context to physical education, or adapted physical education. The program emphasizes a rich blend of curriculum theory, instructional theory and practice and prepares students for a variety of careers. In addition, this concentration is for students interested in focused study of physical activity from the perspective of the social and behavioral sciences. Students can design a program of studies, with their advisor, that emphasizes either socio/cultural aspects or psychological aspects of physical activity. Graduate students are mentored to think broadly and creatively about the learning process and can conduct research using a variety of methods. Research in this area focuses on the study of teaching and learning processes and the impact of such experiences on its participants in various physical activity settings and on teacher education. The curriculum is designed so that students who are currently enrolled in the Credential and Master of Science programs at SFSU can apply 12 units (see below) towards an M.S. degree. In addition, those students who previously received their teaching credential and are returning to school for the Master of Science degree can design, with advisement, a program of studies from the courses listed below and other electives. Lastly, students can plan, with advisement, a program of studies within adapted physical education.

Career Outlook

Graduates from our programs can gain immediate entry into a number of exercise and movement related jobs or can seek advanced study leading to careers in: teaching, adapted physical education, coaching, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise leadership, fitness program management, cardiac rehabilitation, biomechanical analysis of movement, ergonomics, sports-related endeavors, research in movement and skill development and learning, and research in exercise physiology, or careers in technical writing or computer technology.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN KINESIOLOGY

The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Concentrations in Exercise and Movement Sciences, and Physical Education. Each concentration's course of study includes: (1) a set of core requirements, some of which may be utilized to fulfill general education requirements, and which establish the framework for the study of movement, exercise, and skill from a variety of perspectives; and (2) a set of concentration-specific courses which serve the purpose of preparing the student for specific careers and/or graduate study within the field or other related disciplines. Students must select one of the two concentrations.

On-line course descriptions are available.

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences

All majors are expected to show proof of current First Aid/CPR certification upon application for graduation. This can be obtained via KIN 295, or by receiving off-campus certification by an agency such as the American Red Cross.

It is recommended that all majors graduate with some form of certification to enhance employment opportunities, such as those provided by the American Red Cross, the American College of Sports Medicine, ACE, Senior Fitness Certificate, AFAA, or the National Coaching Association. See an adviser for suggestions and/or additional possibilities.

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Concentration in Physical Education

Additional Required Experiences

These experiences are required for satisfactory completion of the Physical Education Subject Matter Preparation Program. Students may complete these experiences in courses available at a college or university or off-campus. However, these experiences do not bear credit toward completion of the major.

• Life Guard Training and Water Safety Instruction.
• First Aid-CPR Certification.
• Active participation in student CAHPERD, AAHPERD, and/or the Kinesiology Student Association, or other related professional organization.
• Gain experience in coaching, teaching physical education, recreation, or intramurals through working as a volunteer or paid assistant.

Portfolio Preparation

Each student in the Subject Matter Preparation Program develops and maintains a professional portfolio. Students' professional growth and development, through completion of courses and required/recommended non-credit bearing experiences, should be subject to the student's own on-going critical reflection and should be thoughtfully documented. This process should in itself serve as a mechanism for professional growth. The resulting professional portfolio is an evolving document; a means for personal goal-setting and assessment; and a means for formative and summative evaluation.

Expectations for Student Performance

• Earn at least a C in all required KIN theory courses and at least a B in all movement-based courses. Courses may be repeated until the appropriate grade is achieved. However, units will count only once toward fulfilling major requirements and only once toward fulfilling graduation requirements. Maintain a B average in all instructional analysis and practica courses.
• Demonstrate understanding of and possess demonstration level skill competence in twelve activity areas. Students must pre-plan their routes to meet this requirement upon consultation with faculty and in conjunction with KIN 340, Orientation to Teaching Physical Education.
• Successful completion of a fitness assessment test in conjunction with KIN 300, Health-related Fitness and Wellness.
• Demonstrate a high level of personal skill and coaching expertise in at least one sport.

ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM

By completing the following courses, along with the Subject Matter Credential in Physical Education, a Specialist Credential in Adapted Physical Education can be achieved.

At the present time, job opportunities within the area of adapted physical education are abundant within the public school setting. The demand for adapted physical education teachers far exceeds the number of existing credentialed teachers. It is estimated that there will be numerous job opportunities in the future for individuals with a Specialist Credential in Adapted Physical Education.

PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY CURRICULUM

Students who wish to enter graduate or certificate programs in physical or occupational therapy may elect the Bachelor of Science program with a concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences. These programs include a number of courses typically required for admission to physical or occupational therapy programs. By choosing either concentration, the student will have more than one career/graduate study option upon completion of the major. It should be noted that this is not a separate degree program.

Physical and occupational therapy programs vary in their admissions requirements. The courses listed below, represent potential required courses and when added to the major, provide a strong profile for application to many programs. However, students are strongly advised to check the specific requirements of each program to which they plan to apply. Some of the courses listed below may be substituted for parallel courses in the major, upon approval of the student's adviser in the Department of Kinesiology. Others may be taken as free electives or, in some cases, to fulfill General Education requirements. To stay informed and to optimize planning, students must work closely with a departmental adviser, and should become involved in the Physical Therapy Student Association.

MINOR/CERTIFICATE IN ATHLETIC COACHING

This sequence of courses is for students that are interested in coaching and/or pursuing a career in coaching. It provides the knowledge and skill base required for coaching club, school, and community athletic teams.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN KINESIOLOGY

Admission to Program

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 units will be required for admission to the M.S. program. In addition, the following specific criteria must be met depending on the concentration to which the student applies.

Exercise Physiology Concentration Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the following courses: human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, and statistics.

Movement Science Concentration Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the following courses: human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics and motor learning, and statistics.

Physical Activity: Social Scientific Perspectives Concentration Minimum GPA of 3.0 in three of the following or equivalent courses: youth development, sport/exercise psychology, cultural/sociological perspectives of physical activity, motor learning, or motor development. Consult with a graduate advisor to determine if additional courses are needed. Students who have completed or are currently enrolled in a credential program are also eligible and encouraged to apply for admission.

A minimum score of 4.0 on the GRE writing component is required for admission to all concentrations. International students must achieve a minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL (or 250 on the computerized TOEFL). The TOEFL standard must be completed prior to admission to the graduate program.

The student may be conditionally admitted pending:

• Completion of the required entry courses and/or the minimum 24-unit undergraduate equivalency.
• Other circumstances.

Students conditionally admitted may not count more than six units of work taken prior to achieving classified status as part of their Graduate Approved Program for the degree.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

There are two levels of literacy examinations required by the university.

Level One: the Kinesiology Department will require a minimum of 4.0 on the writing portion of the GRE exam Level Two: the second level assessment of literacy proficiency occurs by virtue of the written thesis or master's project. For students who choose one of the non-thesis options, the second level will be satisfied by completion of a course upon academic advisement.

Culminating Experience Requirement

The culminating experience will consist of three options: 1) thesis; 2) project, i.e., field study and 3) comprehensive written examination. The three options are unit weighted equally and are comparable in academic rigor. KIN 890 is preparation for a comprehensive written exam. Students will identify a total of three areas of inquiry under the direction of their advisor. Two areas will be from their concentration curriculum and one from the core curriculum to reflect knowledge of research methodology, statistical analysis and assessment. Students will develop and write five thoughtful questions, under the supervision of their faculty advisor, for each of the three areas. One question from each area will be chosen by the faculty advisor totaling three two-hour exams. Appropriate review of the literature in each area with a bibliography list must be submitted to the faculty. The exams will be read by two faculty members. In the event of a split between the faculty, a third faculty member will participate in the grading of the exam. Rubrics will be developed for the grading of each question. Already the department has agreed that a failed question must be rewritten and will be followed-up by an oral examination. Students are allowed two opportunities to pass the comprehensive exam. The third option is registering for KIN 895, Masters Project in Kinesiology, in which students will develop a research question on a topic approved by the student’s faculty advisor with literature review, methodology and statistical analysis. The students will be required to deliver oral presentations of their proposals and the results of pilot data on one research participant to test the research methodology to the entire faculty in order to successfully complete this option.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Kinesiology is 30 units and includes a core, concentration, culminating experience, and electives. Students are to select an emphasis relating to exercise, movement, or sport science and, in consultation with their adviser, select electives and a culminating experience that best meets their professional/personal needs. Final approval of the student's program rests with the graduate faculty.

On-line course descriptions are available.

Continuous Enrollment: Students are expected to continuously enroll in the university while working on the degree.

Assistantships: Opportunities may be available to work in the Kinesiology Department as a graduate student at San Francisco State University. Qualified students may apply, when available, to work in the activity program, as laboratory assistants, or as supervisors in the Intramural and Recreation Program. Students may also apply for financial aid through the university.

Footnotes

1. Community college courses in coaching are accepted as substitutes.
2. Limited to Wrestling under the supervision of the head coach of that sport.