Undergraduate Degrees

Welcome to the Department of Kinesiology Undergraduate Program!

We offer two B.S. degrees, which consists of approximately 60 units, depending on the specific concentration. Our robust undergraduate program currently has over 1000 students with varied interests, backgrounds, and goals. Our alumni have successfully obtained jobs across the Bay Area, the state of California, the US, and abroad.

There are two (2) degree programs for students to choose from at the undergraduate level: Baccalaureate Degree in Kinesiology; Baccalaureate Degree in Kinesiology, Preparation for Teacher Education.

Kinesiology, B.S. Degree - Specializations

• Exercise & Fitness Specialist
  • This area of specialization is designed for students who are interested in future careers in the areas of exercise and fitness. Course work is designed to develop knowledge and skills to work in cardiac rehabilitation or a variety of fitness and exercise related professions. Exercise and Fitness Specialist emphasis is to provide an in-depth understanding of the movement science area of Kinesiology through physiological, kinesiological, behavioral, and developmental contexts. Students will develop analytical, critical, and creative skills in movement science. These skills are designed to prepare the student for post baccalaureate study and for many professional programs and occupations in the movement science-related areas of kinesiology. The Fitness emphasis is designed to provide theoretical and practical experience in exercise testing and prescription. Students gain knowledge in exercise testing from exercise physiology and movement science courses offered by the Department of Kinesiology. Practical application of this knowledge is attained through an internship.
• Rehabilitation Science 
  • This area of specialization is designed for students who are interested in allied health professions, such as physical therapy, chiropractic. Course work is designed to develop knowledge and skills in order to pursue a future in physical therapy, chiropractic, medical school, or other health or rehabilitation careers.
    Statistics is recommended for Math Area B4 (or to be taken prior to applying to graduate schools). 
• Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities (IPAC)
  • The Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities (IPAC) area of specialization would prepare students to work and teach in the community, with an emphasis on working with special populations, particularly individuals with disabilities and older adults. This emphasis area can also serve as undergraduate-level preparation for a Masters in Occupational Therapy (please see note after the listed required coursework). This curriculum provides students with the specialized skills and knowledge to provide effective service delivery to individuals with disabilities, older adults, and other diverse populations in a physical activity setting. Students in this area of specialization will develop competencies in planning, assessing, coordinating, implementing, evaluating and advocating appropriate inclusive physical activity across the lifespan. This area would prepare students for careers in a variety of fields including: infant/toddler programs, physical activity for older adults in recreation or residential facilities, spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers, aquatic facilities, residential/seasonal camps, health/fitness clubs, disability sport programs, after school/community transition sites, etc.
    Statistics is recommended for Math Area B4 (or to be taken prior to applying to graduate schools). 
• Sport Management & Culture
  • The purpose of the Sport Management and Culture specialization is to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of sport management with a particular focus on social and cultural issues. Social justice and diversity issues will be highlighted from a critical cultural studies perspective. Additionally, students interested in sports studies will also gain a background in sport management, strengthening their professional preparation.
• Transfer Curriculum Studies
  • This pathway to the baccalaureate degree in Kinesiology is specifically designed to meet California Law (STAR Act: SB1440) regarding unit requirements following transfer into San José State University from a community college in California. This option enables transfer students who enter with the 60-unit Kinesiology transfer curriculum completed to develop, in collaboration with their Kinesiology academic advisor, a program of study that meets their personal and professional goals.
    
• Individualized Studies
  • This area of specialization is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop an individualized program of study. This pathway to the baccalaureate degree may be of particular interest to students needing considerable flexibility in designing a program of study to facilitate pursuit of an advanced degree or a specific career (e.g. sport broadcasting). All coursework beyond the core must be selected in consultation with the student’s academic adviser and is expected to form a coherent program of study that meets the student’s personal and professional goals.

Kinesiology, B.S. Degree - Preparation for Teaching

Have questions about the B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching program? Fill out our request for information form, and someone will assist you.

• General Information
  • Physical activity professionals, which includes physical educators, make an impact on the health and wellness of current and future generations. The B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching program at SJSU prepares students to be well-rounded physical activity professionals to teach, coach, motivate, and shape the lives of people of all ages and abilities. We accomplish this by teaching movement and wellness concepts in the gym, field, classroom, and sporting environments.
    
    This major is primarily designed for those who are interested in becoming physical education and/or adapted physical education (APE) teachers in PK-12 schools, however, the concepts and skills learned can translate to other careers (see Career Areas - Next Steps below). The B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching major is a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved subject matter preparation program (SMPP) in physical education. Upon graduation, students in this major attain Subject Matter Competency (SMC) in physical education which allows them to apply to any teaching credential program in California without having to take the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). Minimum grade point average (GPA) criteria and grades above a C- may be required for verification of subject matter competency. Additionally, once they receive their teaching credential in physical education, graduates of our program meet most requirements for the Adapted Physical Education add-on.
    
    Students in the B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching program learn and practice a wide range of skills including how to integrate technology, assess learning, design lessons, and modify instruction to meet the needs of all students including students with disabilities. We focus on developing our majors job applicable skills by learning basic instructional techniques and practicing advanced teaching strategies through hands-on teaching experiences. Graduates from the B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching program will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become influential physical activity professionals and impact the lives of those around them.
• Program Fast Facts
  • Since 2020 over 60% of graduates from our Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching major and SAGE students stay at SJSU for their credential program. Those who do not continue at SJSU choose to complete their teaching credential at other universities or enter the workforce in a variety of professions. 
    • Gain hands-on experience by teaching students from the children’s center and working with people with disabilities at the Timpany Center[BROKEN LINK].
    • Participate in and learn to teach a wide range of individual to team physical activities (e.g. yoga, swimming, archery, badminton, disc sports, soccer, baseball/softball).
    • There is a shortage of teachers in California and many teaching jobs go unfilled each year, thus, graduates from our program will likely attain a job immediately graduating from the credential program.
    • Gain hands-on experience by teaching students from the children’s center and working with people with disabilities at the Timpany Center.
    • Participate in and learn to teach a wide range of individual, dual, combative, aquatic, dance, non-traditional, and team physical activities (e.g. yoga, swimming, archery, badminton, disc sports, soccer, gymnastics, and dance).
• Career Facts
  • • There is a shortage of teachers in California and many teaching jobs go unfilled each year, thus, graduates from our program will likely attain a job immediately graduating from the credential program.
    • Teacher salaries have been increasing to be more competitive. In the Bay Area starting salaries for teachers with a Bachelors, Credential, and Masters degree in the Bay Area range from $70,000 to more than $95,000 per year (based on AY 24/25 salaryschedules).
    • Teachers tend to have good medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
    • Teachers work approximately 182 days per year, have summers off and other breaks (e.g. Fall, Winter, and Spring breaks).
    • Careers include, but are not limited to: Physical Education Teacher (Teaching CredentialRequired) at public or private schools, Adapted Physical Education Teacher (TeachingCredential Required) at public or private schools, Interscholastic and/or recreationalsport coach/athletic director, Physical activity directors at sport and recreation centers,School-based physical activity specialist (ex. Playworks, YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs),Outdoor education schools/programs, Physical activity specialist within community,corporate, and commercial settings, Graduate School (Masters and Doctorate).
• Program Requirements
  • The SJSU catalog has the most up-to-date information about program requirements for the B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation degree. 
• Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education Program (SAGE)
  • This Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Scholars Program prepares students to become physical education and/or adapted physical education teachers in K-12 schools. The program allows qualified students to simultaneously complete the requirements for the Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching, BS, Single Subject Credential - Physical Education and Teaching, and MAT (with optional Spanish bilingual and Adapted Physical Education Authorizations). The BS Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching, offered by the Department of Kinesiology, is a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved subject matter preparation program (SMPP) to attain subject matter competency (SMC). SMC is needed for entry into a physical education single subject credential program. Students can progress from undergraduate to graduate status seamlessly, with a simplified application process and no application fee. Students complete all degrees in less time as compared to completing them separately. This link provides an overview of the SAGE pathway including admission and program requirements.
• Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
  • The Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APEAA) allows an educator to provide students with disabilities a specially designed physical education program as determined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
     
    Students in the Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching major take 5 of the 6 required APEAA courses; completing these courses will help students to efficiently obtain the APEAA upon completion of their single subject PE credential. If interested in obtaining the APEAA, students should contact the program co-coordinators Dr. Jihyun Lee and Dr. Erin Siebert.
• Helpful Links
  • This link has information about and how to apply to the SJSU Single Subject Teaching Credential Program
     
    Professional organizations that our faculty are active participants:
     
    California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance - CAHPERD
    Society of Health and Physical Educators - SHAPE America
    California State Council on Adapted Physical Education - SCAPE
    National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities - NCPEID

Undergraduate Admissions

The CSU and SJSU can only admit a certain number of students into the major. The application process is outlined on this webpage, and on the linked SJSU Undergraduate Studies page as well. Please direct all inquiries to the Advising Manager, Mr. Daniel Bohigian. 

On this webpage, you will find a wealth of department information and links to useful resources on other sites within the university. In addition, please download and consult the Department of Kinesiology Undergraduate Handbook, which contains information related to the department and program. It should be your first stop when seeking an answer to any program question you may have.

Apply to SJSU & Department of Kinesiology

1. You simply go through Cal State Apply (calstate.edu/apply), and follow the step-by-step instructions. Please be sure to completely fill out your application, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
2. When filling out the application, be sure to indicate Kinesiology as the department, as well as your intended concentration (see descriptions above). In addition, be sure to indicate your relevant scores.

Required Core Classes in Kinesiology

Movement Areas for Activity Courses