Educational requirements to enter careers in the Kinesiology field vary widely – from high school graduation with on-the-job training – to doctorate degrees. Your counselor can help you determine the requirements for the careers that interest you.
Earning an associate degree can prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university. In particular, students who earn the associate in arts for transfer degree and meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed admission to a CSU, but not necessarily to a particular campus or major. The credits you earn at Palomar College are applied at the transfer institution, making your program there approximately two years shorter. While you are completing transfer program prerequisites, you also can earn certificates of achievement in the Coaching Program and Adult Fitness and Health Program.
Degree Programs:
Kinesiology – Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) Degree
The Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer Degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Kinesiology or similar major. A baccalaureate degree prepares students for entry into an extraordinary number of academic studies designed to prepare students to be leaders in the fields of physical activity, health, injury and disease prevention and treatment. Students who complete a Kinesiology baccalaureate degree will be prepared for a wide variety of career opportunities in such areas as education, fitness, health fitness medicine, health fitness rehabilitation, allied health and wellness, recreation and leisure, and sports related careers.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of physical activity and fitness and its role in personal, educational development and lifelong wellness.
- Recognize and utilize effective communication skills in a diverse group setting.
- Understand and apply proper strategies to prevent and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Associate of Arts for Transfer (AAT) in Kinesiology (catalog link)
Associate of Arts for Transfer (AAT) in Kinesiology (mapper link)
Kinesiology – Associate of Arts (AA) Degree
The Associate of Arts Degree in Kinesiology provides students with foundational education in the core aspects of exercise science, pedagogical, and health and human performance. Lecture and laboratory course content offers a comprehensive understanding of the human body and wellness. This degree will prepare students for opportunities to transfer to a 4-year institution, enter the workforce, and establish lifelong health and fitness lifestyle habits.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of physical activity and fitness and its role in personal, educational development and lifelong wellness.
- Recognize and utilize effective communication skills in a diverse group setting.
- Understand and apply proper strategies to prevent and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Associate of Arts (AA) in Kinesiology (catalog link)
Associate of Arts (AA) in Kinesiology (mapper link)
University Studies: Emphasis in Health and Fitness – Associate in Science (A.S. Degree)
The Associate in Science in University Studies Health and Fitness emphasizes the relationship of the human body and well-being supported by interdisciplinary subjects in the sciences, health and nutrition, social and behavioral sciences, and quantitative reasoning. This degree is designed to help facilitate transfer to the CSU, UC, and independent colleges and universities in majors such as Allied Health, Family and Consumer Sciences, Kinesiology, Nursing, Nutrition, Physical Education, Pre Physical Therapy, Public Health, Radiology, and Respiratory Therapy.
Program Outcomes
- Examine the relationship of health and fitness concepts within interdisciplinary studies
- Describe the role of multiple organ systems in performing body functions
Associate in Science (AS) University Studies – Fitness and Health (catalog link)
Associate in Science (AS) University Studies – Health & Fitness (mapper link)
Certificate Programs:
Adult Fitness and Health Certificate of Achievement
This program prepares students in designing, implementing and managing a variety of health/fitness programs to be effective in the health fitness industry (health clubs, corporate fitness, etc.). Students in this program will learn scientific principles of exercise and physical conditioning, techniques for the measurement of human performance, and methods for establishing healthy nutritional patterns.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of physical activity and fitness and its role in the student’s personal, educational development and life-long wellness.
- Students will identify and determine preventative strategies for chronic disease including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.
Adult Fitness and Health Certificate of Achievement (catalog link)
Adult Fitness and Health Certificate (mapper link)
Coaching Certificate of Achievement
The intent of this program is to prepare students in the field of physical activity so they may pursue a career in coaching: the courses offered will help students as they continue to pursue this career path, and prepare students for immediate entry-level employment in the field of individual, group, or team coaching. Students completing the certificate will be more qualified to coach inter-scholastically, within sport organizations, and in private business.
Program Outcomes
- Students will investigate and discuss the various demands required to be successful in the coaching field.
- Students will design a progressive practice plan for the diverse athletes in their respective sport.
- Interpret the rules and regulation of student’s sport of choice.