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Careers & Alumni - Kinesiology
Kinesiology students graduate with the ability to solve problems and communicate effectively, while learning to use the latest technology to enhance their skills.
They’re encouraged to participate in a variety of recreation, education, and/or athletic programs to gain a well-rounded background in knowledge and skill.
Graduate students are prepared for a wide range of careers that include worksite health promotion, commercial fitness, public/private or non-profit health agencies, obesity/diabetes and heart disease prevention, sports performance, teaching/coaching, independent research in a field of specialization, or continued graduate study at doctoral-granting institutions.
Check out some careers in Kinesiology on The National Academy of Kinesiology's website!
Check out the professional certifications that this program will help prepare you for: ACSM Website, NCSA Website.
Career Options
The following list is not meant to be all inclusive; many other job alternatives and titles may exist. Many of the job titles listed require further education.
- Fitness Consultant
- Athletic Trainer
- Sports Photographer/Writer
- Stadium Manager/ Assistant
- Exercise Physiologist
- Movement Science Researcher
- Resort Manager
- Playground Director
- Corrective Therapist
- Boat/Ski Lift Operator
- Recreation Leader
- Health Club Worker/Manager
- Professional Stunt Person
- Recreation Planner
- Occupational Therapist
- Dance Studio Teacher/Manager
- Gerontology Fitness Specialist
- T.V./Radio Sports Announcer
- Athletic Director
- Sports Editor
- Camp Counselor/Director
- Movement Specialist
- Exercise Stress Test Technologist
- Corporate Fitness Director
- Safety Coordinator
- Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
- League Manager
- Lifeguard
- Swimming Instructor
- Adapt. Physical Education Teacher
- Physical Therapist
- Sports Equipment Salesperson
- Physical Education Teacher
- (K-12/College)
- Programs Director-Youth Services
- Event Promoter
- Aquatic Administrator
- Coach/ Assistant Coach
- Professional Athlete
- Referee/Umpire
- Club Instructor/Pro
- Stadium Manager
- Cruise Fitness Director
- Sports Information Specialist
Marketable Skills
Leadership Management Skills
- Develops, delivers, and administers health care services
- Educates and counsels athletes and their families on issues pertaining to injury prevention and treatments
- Possesses ability to motivate and educate
- Recognizes, evaluates, assesses injuries by athletes and the physically active
- Works well under stressful situations
Research/ Analytical Skills
- Employs good observation skills
- Identifies the physiological factors involved in physical movement and sports participation
- Implements, administers, and evaluates physical education and athletic programs physiological responses
- Possesses knowledge of personal fitness
- Ability to think critically and analytically to solve problems
- Understands the biomechanical principles related to movement
Communication/Writing Skills
- Communicates with various members of the sports medicine team
- Possesses ability to motivate and educate
- Communicates effectively
- Understands medical terminology and treatment orders
Other Skills
- Ability to deal with injuries
- Emphasizes lifelong fitness and physical activity
- Plans lessons and activities for various ages and ability levels
Alumni Updates
Dave Albert
Kinesiology, 1994
Dave recently retired after working over 20 years as a police officer in Santa Cruz. He is currently working part-time in law enforcement training in the Bay Area and otherwise spends time with his wife, three adult kids, and one (so far) grandkid. He frequents Tahoe in the summer at the lake and in the winter on the slopes, he enjoys traveling to as many different Major League Baseball stadiums as possible, and he is still best friends with his old HSU roommate!
Dave Albert
Kinesiology, 1994
Dave Albert ('94, Physical Education) recently retired from the City of Santa Cruz after 20+ years as a police officer. He currently works part-time in various law enforcement training capacities and lives in San Jose. He and his wife of 30 years are anxiously awaiting their first grandchild in December, and are enjoying the perks of retirement: traveling, Tahoe excursions, and lots of exercise.
Mark A Rayner
Kinesiology, 1999
After spending 15 years as a Park Ranger, Mark A Rayner moved on to his final career as Parks and Recreation Exhibit Designer/Builder in a city of one million people six years ago. Rayner's responsibilities include designing creative park features; from graphic design and engineering to signage to restoring historical features to theming entire amusement park rides, this career continues to challenge both his creative and administrative education and backgrounds all while affording his family a life living in the beautiful Redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains.