Breadcrumb
Kinesiology Careers & Alumni
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
Erin Guidarelli
Kinesiology, 2014
Erin was proud to be a part of the Sports Medicine staff for the Portland Cascade during their inaugural season in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). It was an exciting opportunity to support and maintain the health of the team and be part of the beginning of a new chapter in professional women’s softball. She was so happy to be able to contribute to growing the sport as she played softball at Central Catholic High School in the Portland, OR area and went on to play intercollegiate softball at Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt); an NCAA Division II institution. When Erin was in college, the only step further for playing softball "professionally" was on the Olympic team so to be able to contribute to the growth of Professional Women's Softball was an absolute dream and such a rewarding experience.
After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Humboldt, she went on to obtain her Master of Science in Athletic Training at Pacific University in 2019. Erin has worked as an AT at Boeing, Genie Manufacturing, Dave's Killer Bread, Precision Cast Parts, Intel, Church & Dwight, Pierce College, Multnomah Orthopedic Clinic as well as various activities beyond traditional sports such as Rugby, Cheerleading, Dance, Fencing, Jiu Jitsu and MMA. She previously held the position of the Director of Sports Medicine for the Portland Pickles for the past 6 years. During the rest of the year, she works full time as the Head Athletic Trainer for Clark College in Vancouver, WA. She has been at Clark College in this capacity since 2022.
Rohit Kundu
Kinesiology, 2023
Rohit Kundu earned his Master of Science in Kinesiology from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in December 2023. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Health and Kinesiology, specializing in Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience, at the University of Utah. His research focuses on foot and ankle biomechanics, gait energetics, assistive devices and footwear interventions, aging and mobility, and the neuromechanics of human locomotion.
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!