Explore the science of human movement with our Kinesiology major. We offer options in applied fitness, active lifestyle, strength, and conditioning; dance; exercise science; physical education; and sport studies.
Why Study Kinesiology?
The word kinesiology comes from the Greek word "kinesis," which means “to move.” Kinesiology is the study of the art and science of human movement.
Kinesiologists work closely with the human body and are dedicated to analyzing, understanding and attempting to heal or strengthen it.
The Kinesiology major is a great choice for anyone who wants to maintain an active lifestyle, help others do the same and stay connected to sports and fitness.
Why Study Kinesiology at CSUN?
Specialized Education
The department offers five options in kinesiology: applied fitness, active lifestyle, strength, and conditioning; dance; exercise science; physical education; and sport studies.
Superior Facilities
The Student Recreation Center (SRC) is a 138,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. Since its opening in 2012, the SRC has been garnering awards for everything from its design to its energy efficiency. The Center of Achievement offers exercise programs to help individuals with physical disabilities.
A Learning Community
The department values and respects diversity, and its mission is to promote physical activity for personal expression and wellness throughout the lifespan. Students and faculty work together to study human movement and devise ways to improve the quality of life.
Hands-on Learning
Community programs play a large part in kinesiology’s curricula. Designed to balance academic study with real-world interactions, these programs put you in touch with those seeking healthier and more active lifestyles.
What You'll Learn
All Kinesiology majors share a core curriculum that includes concepts common to all specializations, as well as courses in their options. These include general biology, human anatomy, human physiology, the historical bases of kinesiology, biomechanics and motor learning.
Additional coursework will depend on the option you choose:
The applied fitness, active lifestyle, strength, and conditioning option gives you the necessary knowledge and skills to analyze movement and to conduct and administer physical fitness programs. The option is particularly valuable for those who are interested in employment in fitness assessment labs or fitness centers..
The dance option provides a basis for dance experience and potential employment opportunities in the field of performance, choreography and teaching. Courses explore dance technique and theory.
This option is particularly valuable if you're interested in employment in fitness assessment labs or fitness centers, as well as those intending to pursue graduate study. It also prepares you to pursue further study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant and chiropractic programs.
This option provides the subject matter preparation required to earn a credential for teaching physical education in California public schools. Completion of the Kinesiology major with the physical education option, plus additional units of professional education (including student teaching) are required for the Preliminary Credential.
The sport studies option focuses on the examination of sport in the context of historical and contemporary society. It emphasizes skills in cultural analysis and critical thinking pertaining to the administration, leadership, and psychological, historical, philosophical and sociological aspects of sport.
Careers & Outcomes
There are a wide variety of job opportunities for Kinesiology majors. Below are sample job titles and some of the places our graduates work.
Job Titles
- Exercise Physiologist
- Kinesiologist
- Fitness Instructor
- Personal Trainer
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Sport Coach
- Sport Scout
Commit to be Fit
Commit to be Fit is a community exercise program led entirely by kinesiology students. In the program, CSUN’s students, faculty, staff and community members engage in fun fitness and nutrition activities.