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California State University, Chico
College of Communication and Education

Kinesiology BA

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  • Program Type

    Undergraduate Major

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

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Empower people to live their healthiest lives. From helping injured clients rehabilitate to teaching children the importance of staying active, explore the world of health, wellness, and sports.

Dive into the science of how our bodies move in the Biomechanics Laboratory. Work with young adults and teens with disabilities in our Beyond Exercise: Wellness Enhancement for Life program. Inspire others to lead active lifestyles through student-led community runs, clinics, and school programs. When you graduate, you'll be ready for a social and active career as an athletic director, personal trainer, entrepreneur, physical education (P.E.) teacher, and more.

Staff member checking a students knee mobility with a machine.

Move Forward with Your Dreams

Step into the world of human anatomy and strength training to gain a solid grasp on how the body moves and functions. Tailor your coursework to match your interests, whether it's biomechanics, youth fitness, scuba diving, or the principles of sports injury management.

Major Options

Choose a path that will take you where you want to go. Whether that's coaching, teaching, or sports performance, your potential is limitless.

  • A staff member outside a school with lots of children playing with pool noodles.

    Physical Education Teacher Education

    Inspire kids to be active. Learn to teach engaging and inclusive activities for students of all abilities. You’ll master the requirements for the P.E. teaching certification and can also pursue an adapted physical education credential, which you can complete at Chico State.

  • Student examining another students mobility in a gym.

    Movement Studies

    Whether you prefer swimming, rock climbing, or ballroom dancing, you'll explore how physical activity and exercise are related to health and fitness. Learn about topics like psychology, sports performance, and exercise testing to prepare you for your career or graduate program.

A Strong Future Ahead

Help guide people through a journey to healthier, happier lives. Use science-backed training methods to plan a P.E. curriculum for first graders or help an athlete reach their full potential. Our alumni are teachers, occupational therapists, researchers, coaches, and more. Employment in the field is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032.

Staff member helping a child play in the autism clinic.
“
I loved all the service-learning programs we got to work with. … I learned different teaching techniques, but [professors] also gave me the space to figure it out for myself.
Taylor Guy (Kinesiology, ’18; MA, Kinesiology, ’20; Credential, ’21)
Read more about Taylor’s experience

Build Your Foundation for a Career

You'll get hands-on experience in the field with guidance from faculty who are award-winning experts in their field. You'll engage in real-world learning through service programs like BE:WEL, KIDS:PLAY, or the Autism Clinic.

  • Staff member is helping a child play in the autism clinic.

    Autism Clinic

    It is estimated that 1 in 68 children in the US has autism. You can make an impact by leading fitness and nutrition activities, social programs, and assessments for program participants.

  • Teacher teaching elementary students in a gymnasium

    PARADISE U

    Plan activities like riding scooters through cones or organize a game of dance tag to help local elementary students use physical activity to manage anxiety and improve their health.

  • Teacher preparing to punch a dodgeball that is flying in the air

    Study Abroad

    Have you considered studying overseas? Travel to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to explore local sights while growing your skills and knowledge of adapted physical education.

Staff member pushing a kid in a wheel chair while they run under a big rainbow parashot.

Included, Engaged, and Involved

Join clubs such as the Physical Education Teacher Education Club to build a community and develop professional relationships. Engage in faculty-mentored research, like studying the effects of nightshift work on health, and present your findings at conferences.

Hear why students choose our Kinesiology program

Where Innovation Meets Education

Along with spaces like our Autism Clinic, you will have access to state-of-the-art equipment.

  • Exercise Physiology Lab

    Metabolic cart, portable metabolic system, treadmills, hypobaric chamber, cholesterol and lactate analyzers, and more.

  • Biomechanics Lab

    A 3-dimensional motion analysis system, force plates, and electromyography system.

  • Strength and Conditioning Lab

    Rogue barbells and bumper plates, Tendo Velocity System, agility and plyometric equipment, and more.

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