Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The program requires core kinesiology coursework plus an emphasis of at least 19 units. Core courses (22 units) include:

• KIN 251 - Foundations of Kinesiology
• KIN 270 - Nutrition
• KIN 331 - Motor Learning and Development
• KIN 385 - Kinesiology Practicum (1–3 units, minimum 2 units)
• KIN 401 - Biomechanics and KIN 401L - Biomechanics Lab
• KIN 406 - Physiology of Exercise I and KIN 406L - Physiology of Exercise I Lab
• KIN 485 - Senior Seminar
• KIN 490 - Capstone

Emphasis courses (select a minimum of 19 credits) include options such as:

• KIN 275 / 275L - Sport First Aid and Lab
• KIN 316 - Coaching Methods
• KIN 320 - Theory of Elementary Physical Education
• KIN 323 - Theory of Secondary Physical Education
• KIN 340 - Measurement Evaluation
• KIN 346 - Analysis of Interscholastic Sports
• KIN 347 - Analysis of Elementary Games and Fundamental Movement Skills
• KIN 348 - Analysis of Recreational & Non-Traditional Sports
• KIN 375 - Analysis of Rhythm and Dance
• KIN 395 - Sport and Exercise Psychology
• KIN 407 - Physiology of Exercise II
• KIN 441 / 441L and KIN 442 / 442L - Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription I & II (with labs)
• KIN 451 / 451L - Performance Assessment and Exercise Prescription (with lab)
• KIN 470 - Organization and Administration of Exercise Programs
• PE 123 - Self Defense

The program offers two formal emphases: a General Emphasis targeted at fitness industry and strength & conditioning pathways, and a Physical Education Teaching Emphasis structured around California state guidelines for those preparing to enter single-subject teacher education programs. Typical lower-division major prerequisites include:

• BIOL 231 and BIOL 231L - Anatomy and Physiology I (3 + 1 credits)
• KIN 120 - Concepts of Wellness (3 credits)
• PE 120 - Dance Movement (1 credit)
• PSY 120 - General Psychology (3 credits)
• For the Physical Education Teaching emphasis: MATH 120 - Principles of Mathematics (4 credits)

Entry requirements

The programme lists lower-division major prerequisites students must complete or place into, including BIOL 231/231L, KIN 120, PE 120 and PSY 120; the Physical Education Teaching emphasis additionally notes MATH 120 as a lower-division prerequisite. For full admission steps and application procedures consult the university catalog and admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level and supervisory positions in the fitness industry (personal training, corporate fitness, strength and conditioning), potential small-business ownership in fitness, or to pursue teaching physical education in K–12 schools after completing required teacher education steps. The curriculum also supports continued study at the master’s or doctoral level.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program description references preparation for professional certifications (for example from the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association), which can enhance employability; students should review Fresno Pacific University’s financial aid and scholarship pages for institution-specific funding and eligibility details.