The department offers an undergraduate curriculum divided into two subplans/options: physical education teacher education and general. The general option has exercise science, public health, and sport and social justice emphasis areas. These two subplans are designed to meet a variety of student needs and interests.

Most students who elect the physical education teacher education subplan will obtain a California teaching credential which will qualify them to teach physical education in the state’s public and private schools at the K-12 level. Those who take the additional adapted physical education courses will become eligible to obtain the Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential/Added Authorization. The department also provides selected coursework that qualifies students with a major other than kinesiology to earn a physical education teaching credential (a supplementary authorization).

The exercise science emphasis prepares students to work as a personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, or fitness consultant in a variety of settings or prepares students for advanced degree programs in kinesiology or for entrance to professional schools in such areas as physical therapy, occupational therapy physician assistant, chiropractic, or medicine.

The public health emphasis prepares students to work at a university or college wellness center, in corporate settings as a wellness professional and to work as a health educator in a wide variety of settings.

The sport and social justice emphasis prepares students for work in social justice, work with international sport organizations, research and consulting on diversity and sport issues, and for advanced graduate work in the field of kinesiology.