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Updated February 23, 2015

Kinesiology

 

College of Health and Social Sciences

Interim Dean: Alvin Alvarez

 

Department of Kinesiology

GYM 101
Phone: 415-338-2244
Fax: 415-338-7566
Chair: Mi-Sook Kim
Associate Chair: Matt Lee
Graduate Program Coordinator: Kate Hamel

 

Faculty

Professors: Anderson, Kern, Kim, Lee, Mitchell, Schleihauf, Walsh, Zieff

Associate Professors: Guedes, Hamel, Veri

 

Programs

B.S. in Kinesiology

Minor/Certificate in Athletic Coaching

M.S. in Kinesiology

Graduate Certificates

• Certificate in Exercise Physiology
• Certificate in Movement Science
• Certificate in Physical Activity: Social Scientific Perspectives

Accreditation and Credentals

• Subject Matter Preparation in Physical Education Accredited/Approved by CTC(California Commission on Teacher Credentialing)
• Added Authorization Credential Program in Adapted Physical Education

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Program Scope

The programs in Kinesiology at SF State are carefully designed so that students experience the multidisciplinary foundations of human movement and physical activity. Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge related to the biological, physical, behavioral, sociocultural, philosophical, and psychological factors underlying human movement and physical activity. The field of kinesiology studies underlying factors in the context of skill in a variety of contexts, including those related to activities of daily living, work settings, recreation, sport, and the performing arts. Factors and parameters associated with conditioning, learning, and rehabilitation are studied across the lifespan and within a diversity of populations. In addition, sport is studied as a personal endeavor and social institution. Thematic emphases allow students to select patterns of courses tailored to meet individual interests and/or career goals.

 

The department offers a wide array of physical activity classes that provide instruction in movement and sport skills from beginning to advanced levels; an array of general education courses examining aspects of physical activity and mental-physical performance from various perspectives; prerequisites for advanced graduate study and certificates in therapeutic and allied health fields and adapted physical education; and minors leading to certification in coaching and adapted physical education.

 

Bachelor of Science Each concentration within the B.S. commences with a foundation in science, mathematics, and kinesiology, and a sequence of required core courses designed to progressively develop the students’ knowledge of movement, skill, and physical activity.

 

The graduating student will have the skills and knowledge to engage in the observation, analysis, and measurement of movement, fitness, learning, skill, and physical activity; will have the tools and knowledge to engage in synthesis and systematic inquiry; and will be capable of using necessary computerized programs and supporting technologies for systematic inquiry and/or professional practice.

 

The Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences serves students interested in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, motor learning and development, sport and exercise psychology, sport history, sport sociology, socio-cultural studies of physical activity, urban 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 fitness settings, physical activity programming, the sports media, sports industries, and as consultants for agencies developing sports policy.

 

The program examines those factors that influence the form, function, and effectiveness of movement and physical activity 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) Social Science: the socio-cultural and psychological factors that serve to constrain and/or define human movement, fitness, and physical activity; 2) Movement Science: the factors that influence the neuromotor control, learning, relearning, and development of motor skills and analysis; and 3) Exercise Science: the variables involved in physiology of fitness and health, exercise prescription, and fitness programming in youth and elderly populations.

 

Toward the end of the 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 problems 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 and physical activity on factors influencing work performance, training programs, and adaptations that include 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. The student will also study factors and frameworks for an effective programming for fitness and physical activity behaviors in youth and elderly populations.

 

Students who complete the Exercise and Movement Sciences concentration should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and skill in a broad variety of motor skill and fitness activities.
2. Understand the biological, physical, behavioral, and psychological bases of movement.
3. Discuss sociocultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives on kinesiology.
4. Understand how motor skills are acquired and refined and how fitness is achieved and maintained in relation to various contextual, morphological, and developmental factors.
5. Understand the limits of human performance and demonstrate knowledge of ways to enhance performance
6. Assess, analyze, and evaluate movement, fitness, and skill.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the conditions of safe practice in physical activity contexts
8. Find, organize, critically analyze, and effectively communicate information relevant to kinesiology
9. Integrate knowledge and skills from the sub-disciplines within kinesiology to address contemporary problems in the field.
10. Understand and apply the standards, ethics, and expectations of kinesiology professionals

 

The Concentration in Physical Education prepares students for entry to a teacher credentialing program and graduate related studies. The courses of study satisfy California State requirements for the Subject Matter Program in Physical Education and the departmental standards for competence in the subject matter of Physical Education. This degree emphasis will prepare students for advanced studies in physical education for elementary, middle and high schools. In addition, students who wish to pursue graduate studies will be well prepared to do so.

 

Students who complete the concentration in Physical Education should have:

1. Knowledge about the philosophical, historical and ethnical/legal foundations of Physical Education as professional and educational standards
2. An understanding of human growth and development processes, as well as how these processes interact with and influence motor learning, in order to teach based on the physical education model Content standards for California Public Schools
3. A broad and deep knowledge of the sciences related to human movement, analyzing motion and applying this knowledge considering individual differences, including individuals with disabilities
4. A broad and deep understanding of the sociology and psychology of human movement behavior.
5. Expertise in concepts and forms of movements and relate the human motor development curriculum to physical education design
6. Knowledge of assessment principles and procedures in order to evaluate the effectiveness of physical education strategies and activities
7. Understanding of the integration of themes and concepts in physical education and the interrelationships between physical education and other subject areas

 

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 concentration in physical education program. However, to be eligible for admission to the credential program at SF State, students must attain a GPA of 2.75 in the Subject Matter Program curriculum. Students must work closely with an advisor to fulfill the requirements of the Subject Matter Program, and should also. Contact the Credential and Graduate Services Center for teaching credential information. The Center is located in Burk Hall 244, (415) 405-3594; credinfo@sfsu.edu; http://coe.sfsu.edu/cstpc.

 

Adapted Physical Education (Added Authorization)

The Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APE AA) allows an individual to teach special needs students who are precluded from participating in a general education physical education program or a specially designed physical education program as determined by the local level special education assessment. The APE Added Authorization is an add-on authorization for the holder of a valid prerequisite credential.

 

Candidates for the Add Authorization in Adapted Physical Education must hold a teaching credential in one of the following: Physical Education Single Subject, Multiple Subject or Special Education – with 12 units of prerequisites that include the following coursework or equivalent:

• KIN 487 -Motor Development (3 Units)
• KIN 485 Biomechanics (3 Units)
• KIN 580 Instructional Strategies for Middle and High School PE, Grades 6-12 (3 units)
• KIN 581 Practicum in Middle and High School Physical Education (1 units)
• A instructional analysis upon the advisor’s approval (2 unit)

 

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.

 

Therapeutic and Allied Health Profession Preparation
The B.S. in Kinesiology supports preparation for advanced study in graduate or certificate programs in therapeutic or rehabilitation areas including physical or occupational therapy, chiropractic, and allied health professions. 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 most of the prerequisites necessary for entry into a program of their choice.

 

Kinesiology programs include a number of courses typically required for the admission to physical or occupational therapy programs, and may provide the graduate with more than one career/graduate path. Students are strongly advised to identify the specific requirements of each program to which they plan to apply. Some additional courses may be substituted for parallel courses in the major, upon approval of the student’s major advisor. Others courses 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 advisor, and should become involved in the Kinesiology Student Association.

 

Advising Students in all the programs must work closely with an advisor to select the proper degree program, concentration, and configuration of courses to support career and scholarly interest related to the study of human movement and physical activity. Students seeking to major in or change their major to kinesiology must consult with the undergraduate advisor in GYM 137 to be officially accepted into the major.

 

Undergraduate students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology should speak to their academic advisor after completing core requirements in the program (KIN 384, KIN 457, KIN 480, KIN 486, and KIN 504).

 

Many of the courses listed in the major patterns have prerequisites or co-requisites and must be taken in a particular sequence. (Consult the on-line course descriptions.) See "Duplicate Use of Credit Between the Major and GE" at http://bulletin.sfsu.edu/undergraduate_education/uged/Undergraduate_Degree_Overview. Prior approval by the student's major advisor is required for all individually tailored groups of courses and for course substitutions.

 

The course of study in the major requires that the student complete all basic subjects requirements (GE Areas A and B4) and pre-major prerequisites, all with a grade of C or better, prior to enrolling in the major upper division courses. The major upper division 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 B.S. in Kinesiology 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 SF State, 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 major advisor, a peer counselor (http://kin.sfsu.edu/content/advising), and/or the Student Resources Center (https://chss.sfsu.edu/advising/)in the College of Health and Social Sciences.

 

Master of Science in Kinesiology Students in the M.S. Kinesiology program apply multiple perspectives to problems related to exercise, fitness, motor skill and/or development in the contexts of activities of daily living, play, games, sport, and other forms of human physical activity. Graduates exit the program with strong theoretical and problem solving skills, experience in the evaluation of current research in the field, and knowledge in the field of kinesiology. They are able to apply these skills in a wide variety of careers as well as further graduate study. The curriculum allows for an emphasis in exercise physiology, movement science, or physical activity with social scientific perspectives.

 

Exercise Physiology An emphasis in exercise physiology 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. This emphasis 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. Furthermore, an objective of the exercise physiology emphasis is to assist in preparation for certification as Health Fitness Specialist^SM or Clinical 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. Kinesiology graduate students may earn a Certificate in Exercise Physiology by completing all requirements including three courses (9 units) in the emphasis that are marked with an asterisk (*). This certificate is only for graduate students in the Kinesiology program.

 

Movement Science An emphasis in movement science provides an advanced degree that prepares students to work in a variety of movement and health care settings, teach in community colleges or high schools, or continue postgraduate studies leading to a doctoral degree. 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 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. Kinesiology graduate students may earn a Certificate in Movement Science by completing all requirements including three courses (9 units) in the emphasis that are marked with an asterisk (*). This certificate is only for graduate students in the Kinesiology program.

 

Physical Activity: Social Scientific Perspectives The emphasis in physical activity: social scientific perspectives is intended for students interested in advanced study of physical activity from within the sociocultural, psychological, pedagogical or at-risk youth development areas. Students who have been active in the fields of education and physical education and who are interested in or are currently pursuing a teaching credential will also find the program relevant to their career goals. The curriculum is designed so that students who are currently enrolled in the credential program can apply 12 units towards the master's program. In addition, students who previously received their teaching credential and are returning to school for the M.S. 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. Kinesiology graduate students may earn a Certificate in Physical Activity: Social Scientific Perspectives by completing three courses (9 units) in the emphasis that are marked with an asterisk (*). This certificate is only for graduate students in the Kinesiology program.

 

Successful completion of the master degree requires that students demonstrate knowledge and skill in the following areas:

1. Able to apply multiple perspectives to the study of various forms of physical activity (e.g., exercise., fitness, movement, and skill) across the lifespan and in a variety of contexts
2. Gain an in-depth understanding of the body of knowledge related to one or more of the sub-disciplines in the field of kinesiology
3. Able to identify and search for information associated with problems or topics in Kinesiology.
4. Able to sue appropriate methodologies and technologies to address specific problems or topics in Kinesiology
5. Exit the program with an understanding of dominant theories, models, and systems in the study of Kinesiology
6. Become critical consumers of the literature in Kinesiology and will have the skills and knowledge to make contributions to that literature

 

Career Outlook

Graduates from our program can gain immediate entry into a number of physical activity, exercise, and human 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, sports media, consulting, community-based program development, cardiac rehabilitation, biomechanical analysis of movement, ergonomics, sports-related endeavors, research in movement and skill development and learning, research in exercise physiology, research in sociocultural and psychological factors associated with sports, physical activity, and/or urban youth development, or careers in technical writing or computer technology.

 

Notes for Prospective Applicants for Undergraduate
Interested freshmen desiring a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology should apply to the program as Undeclared with an Interest in Kinesiology. Upper division applicants will be considered for admission to the major. To be admitted to the major, students must have upper division status (earned at least 60 units by the preceding semester) and are recommended to complete prerequisite courses (Human Biology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Elementary Statistics and Introduction to Kinesiology), all with grades of C or better. The applicants should choose their concentration (either Exercise and Human Movement or Physical Education) at the time of their application. Further instructions to apply the programs can be found at http://kin.sfsu.edu/impaction.

 

Impaction Information
Effective fall 2014, both concentrations in the B.S. program are impacted. This means that there are more students interested in studying kinesiology than the program can accommodate. Therefore, entrance into the program is a selective and competitive process. Prospective students will need to apply to the program and students will only be accepted for the fall semester of each academic year. Transfer applicants not admitted to major, but who meet GE and University admissions requirements, will be admitted to their alternate non-impacted majors. Continuing SF State students not admitted to the program will remain in their current majors or will be admitted to their alternate non-impacted majors.

 

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with concentrations in Exercise and Movement Sciences, and in Physical Education. Both concentrations require a set of pre-major prerequisites and core requirements, some of which may be utilized to fulfill general education requirements, and which establish the framework for the study of movement, skills, and physical activity from a variety of perspectives. In addition a set of concentration-specific courses serves the purpose of preparing the student for specific careers and/or graduate study within the field or related disciplines. Students must select one of the two concentrations..

 

• All courses including physical activity 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.
• Students majoring in Physical Education and taking courses in Exercise Science Emphasis areas (i.e., Physiology of Fitness and Health; Fitness Programming in Youth and Elderly Populations) are required to show proof of current First Aid/CPR certification upon application for graduation. This can be obtained via receiving off-campus certification by an agency such as the American Red Cross.
• Students majoring in Physical Education must earn a grade of C or higher in all required Kinesiology theory courses and grade of B or higher in all movement-based courses.
• It is recommended that students 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 advisor for suggestions and/or additional possibilities.

 

General Education requirements met in the Kinesiology major or Undeclared with Interest in Kinesiology:
The requirements below are deemed “met in the major” upon completion of the courses listed (even though the courses and their prerequisites are not approved for GE). This is true whether or not the student completes the major. All other requirements must be completed as outlined in the General Education section of the Bulletin.

• Area B2 (Life Science) is satisfied upon completion of either BIOL 212 and BIOL 220, or BIOL 328.

 

Kinesiology (B.S.): Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences — 66 - 70 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

Kinesiology (B.S.): Concentration in Physical Education — 63 - 68 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

Additional Subject Matter Requirements for the Single Subject Matter Preparation in Physical Education and Dance Program

Students seeking the Physical Education and Dance Single Subject Credential or the Physical Education Subject Matter Preparation Program (approved 2009 by the CTC) are also required to complete the following courses:

Students in the Physical Education Subject Matter Preparation Program must also complete an activity course in Individual Sports / Activities such as track, tennis, or gymnastics.

 

Additional Required Experiences

The following 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, 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.

 

Physical Education Teaching Credential Pathway

Each student in the Subject Matter Preparation Program meets the CSU Early Field Experience requirement for the SF State Single Subject Credential Program of 45 hours and develops curriculum and instruction skills. Students enrolling in KIN 402 and KIN 581 are assessed through a version of the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) required for a credential that has been adapted for the development of beginning teaching skills, planning, assessment analysis, class video recording and co-teaching. For curriculum and instruction, the courses KIN 401 and KIN 580 require that students present a curriculum, a unit plan and a lesson plan for one grade level. The instructional analysis courses (KIN 305, 306, 307, 308 and 309) refine teaching skills using specific pedagogical strategies for physical education content. In KIN  384 students learn about assessment, data analysis and different methods of providing feedback to K - 12 students. For adapted physical education requirements, the same procedures are followed by KIN 536, 538, 537, 539 and 630.

 

Expectations for Student Performance

• Earn at least a C in each and all required KIN theory courses, and for credentialing purposes, at least a B in each and all movement experiences courses and all instructional analysis 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 255, 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.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

Minor/Certificate in Athletic Coaching

This sequence of courses is for students who 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.

 

Athletic Coaching, Minor/Certificate — 24 - 25 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Admission Requirements

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 units will be required for admission to the M.S. program.

 

A minimum score of 4.0 on the GRE analytical writing component is required for admission to the program. International students must achieve a minimum score of 550 on paper based TOEFL test, or 80 on online iBT TOEFL, or 7.0 on IELTS, or academic overall score of 65 on PTE (Pearson Test of English). The English standard must be completed prior to admission to the graduate program.

 

All students are conditionally admitted pending:

• Completion of the required entry courses and/or the minimum 24 unit undergraduate equivalency.
• Completion of all requirements of the Graduate Program.

 

No more than 6 units of graduate work may be completed prior to fulfillment of all prerequisites for admission to the program.

 

Upon admission, the department sends a letter to the candidate containing the name of the assigned advisor and classification conditions.

 

Written English Proficiency Requirement

The University has a requirement for written English proficiency that is to be assessed at two different points in a student's program.

Level One: Minimum 4.0 on the analytical writing component of the GRE exam.

Level Two: Completion of the written thesis or master’s project for the culminating experience requirement.

 

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Kinesiology is 30 units and includes a core, an emphasis, electives, and a culminating experience. Students studying a specific emphasis, in consultation with their advisor, will 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. Students are expected to complete this degree in a maximum of 5 years.

 

Kinesiology (M.S.) — Minimum 30 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Repeat of Courses: Graduate students who receive a grade lower than B, including AU, IC, RD. RP, W, and WU, may repeat the course only once more.

 

Continuous Enrollment: Students are expected to continuously enroll in the University while working on the degree through the College of Extended Learning (CEL) until the degree is earned; CEL 499 Culminating Experience Continuous Enrollment.

 

‘*’ To apply for award of certificate, you must submit the Certificate Approved Program form to your advisor and Graduate Program Coordinator. You will need to pay a processing fee at the Cashier's Office before submitting the form and your unofficial transcripts to the GradStop Counter. For further information and to access the online forms go to: www.sfsu.edu/~gradstdy/forms/cap.pdf

 

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 teach the physical activity courses, lower division lectures, and laboratory sections. Students may also apply for financial aid through the University.

 

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Footnotes

1. Community college courses in coaching are accepted as substitutes.