"Kinesiology, derived from the Greek words kinesis (movement) and kinein (to move), also known as human kinetics, is the science of human movement. It is a discipline that focuses on Physical Activity" (News-Medical.Net).
Kinesiology as an academic science emphasizes knowledge of the body through the study of movement and exercise physiology. Kinesiology also contributes to the intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical growth and development of each student. Other areas of study in Kinesiology include public health (HLTH 101 Introduction to Public Health), nutrition (HLTH 202 Nutrition for Fitness), healthy lifestyles, stress management, as well as psychological aspects of physical activity, and injury care and prevention (KIN 141 Athletic Training I, KIN 142 Athletic Training II and ALDH 141 Athletic Training I, ALDH 142 Athletic Training II and certificates for Athletic Training Aide I and Athletic Training Aide II). Additional specialties within the discipline of Kinesiology which are more fully addressed in the curriculum at Victor Valley College are Dance and Adapted Physical Education. A variety of activities are offered, encouraging students to develop lifelong fitness activities and patterns for recreation.
With the exception of the Adapted Physical Education courses, all Kinesiology and Physical Education activity classes are intended for normal, healthy, individuals. It is highly recommended that anyone 35 years or older have a physical checkup before enrolling. Kinesiology is required for the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees and all Kinesiology, Kinesiology Dance, Health and Adapted Physical Education courses fulfill this requirement.
UC maximum credit allowed for KIN courses combined: 4 units.
See our Kinesiology, Associate in Arts for Transfer degree.
As a part of the Kinesiology Department, you may also be interested in Health which offers Nutrition and Dietetics, AS-T degree, and the Public Health Science, AS-T degree or Dance which offers a Dance Teacher I Certificate of Achievement and Dance, AA degree. The Kinesiology Department also offers a Coaching Certificate of Achievement and a Fitness Specialist - Personal Trainer Certificate of Achievement.
Career Opportunities
Adapted Physical Activity Instructor, Aquatics Director, Athletic Administration in School or College, Athletic Trainer, Biomechanist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist, Coaching at School or College, Dance Choreographer, Dance Instructor, Director of Youth Camps/Sports Programs, Epidemiologist – Physical Activity, Exercise Physiologist, Fitness Instructor or Program Director at Commercial, Fitness Center - Program Director of Corporate Fitness Center -Sports Director at Resort, Massage Therapist, Medical Doctor, Occupational Therapist, Personal Trainer, Physical Education Teacher at School or College, Physical Therapist, Physician’s Assistant, Professor of Kinesiology, Physical Education, Recreational Therapist, Registered Nurse, Respiration Therapist, Sport Management, Sport Psychologist for Performance Enhancement, Sports Information Director, Sports Journalist, Sports Marketing, Sports Officiating, Strength and Conditioning Coach
Faculty
Blanchard, Debra
Salgado, Erin
Transfer
- California State University, San Bernardino: Kinesiology major with concentrations in Exercise Science, Pedagogy, and Pre-Physical Therapy.
Specialties in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Fitness Training, and Sports Medicine are usually under the departments of Physical Education or Kinesiology at the four-year colleges. A major in Kinesiology may also lead to graduate programs in Physical Therapy at other institutions. See the Athletic Training / Exercise Science listing under the Medical and Health Professions page for further information on these specific fields.
For the most up-to-date information on these programs and others, visit assist.org. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Recognize fundamental concepts of physical activity, nutrition, and health, and apply critical thinking to solve problems from the student’s personal perspective and a public perspective.
- Critically evaluate forms of information related to Kinesiology and physical education, the student’s personal health and public health, including nutrition.
- Demonstrate social responsibility to improve quality of life for others and ensure equitable access for diverse groups by creating appropriate environments to initiate and maintain a physically active and a healthy lifestyle.