It has long been evident that sport and exercise phenomena have significant social, political, economic and wellness implications in contemporary life. Kinesiology is the discipline related to the scholarly study of sport, exercise and related activities from anatomical, biomechanical, developmental, physiological, psychological, sociological, philosophical and historical perspectives. Such understanding is a necessary prerequisite to the preparation for sport and exercise related careers.
Physical education teacher education is a program housed in kinesiology and although credentialed teachers in the state of California are not required in public elementary schools, they are required in all public secondary schools. However, credentialed teachers in physical education are sought after in not only public schools (elementary and secondary), but also in some charter and private schools. This program strives to prepare students to be successful candidates as they seek out credential programs in order to teach physical education in the state of California.