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Department of Kinesiology

Exercise science student in lab

Exercise Science Graduate Program

Students interested in applied research, fitness, wellness and the sport or clinical application of exercise science should select this option. The department houses a 3,000 square feet Human Performance Lab that has state-of-the art research-grade equipment. Employment as a Graduate Teaching Associate within the Department is available for qualified students. A variety of local internships in the health-related, performance-related and clinical settings are available as well. The course study will prepare students for employment in the fitness/wellness, sports or clinical settings related to exercise science, and/or advanced degrees.

The graduate program at Fresno State is considered one of the premier programs on the west coast. We teach our students many things about health and fitness, but our real job is to prepare students for the rest of their lives. Not only are we an exceptional graduate program; we're one of the most affordable programs in the United States. So if you're looking for a Sport Administration program that will help you reach your career goals, you've found it. 

Careers in the field

There are a range of professional opportunities available, including:

Personal fitness trainer or instructor:

  • Chain fitness clubs (i.e., Gold’s, Crunch, 24 Hour Fitness, etc.)
  • Locally-owned fitness clubs
  • Self-owned fitness clubs
  • University fitness facilities
  • Resorts and spas
  • Medical fitness facilities

Strength and conditioning coach or specialist: 

  • High school
  • Community college
  • University
  • Professional
  • Olympic training centers

Instructor, teacher or professor:

  • High school – science classes, sport coaches
  • Community college – kinesiology, science classes
  • University – kinesiology
     

Post-graduate careers or professional programs: 

  • Medicine/physician
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Chiropractor
  • Physician assistant
  • Physical therapy assistant
  • Occupational therapy assistant
  • Respiratory therapist
  • Prosthetic/orthotic fabrication specialist

Learn about our curriculum

The Exercise Science graduate program consists of 30 credit units, which fully prepares students for post-graduate study and professional careers in the field. 

Core Courses 
Course  Course Title  Units 
Kines 230  Statistical Interference in Kinesiology  3
Kines 231 Research Methods in Kinesiology  3

Required Courses 
Course Course Title  Units 
Kines 222 Biomechanics 3
Kines 232 Environmental Exercise Physiology  3
Kines 233 Metabolic and Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology 3
Kines 234 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Exercise Physiology 3
Kines 237 Design and Implementation of Resistive Training Programs 3
Kines 250T Topics in Exercise Science 3
Kines 265 Psychobiology of Sport and Exercise

3

Kines 285 Internship in Kinesiology and Sport

3-unit Elective Course is also required. Must be any KINES 200-level course or any approved outside area course. 

Culminating Experience
Option (Select 1) Description  Units 
KINES 299  Thesis 6
KINES 298 Project 6
Comprehensive Exam

Final semester exam

  • must also complete KINES 285 (Internship) 
3

Contact Us

Wade Gilbert, Ph.D. 
Graduate Program Coordinator and Professor
wgilbert@csufresno.edu

559.278.5170
South Gym 128