Kinesiology is the study of human movement. It is a course of study that can lead to a B.S. or B.A. degree and is housed in the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Specifically, it is the study of how people move, why some people are able to move faster or for a longer period of time than others (i.e. endurance) and why they fatigue.  The use of physiological, biochemical, biomechanical, neurological and psychological principles are at the crux of the course of study.  In addition to specific coursework, students are encouraged to participate in ongoing faculty and graduate student research efforts in the many departmental laboratories.

Kinesiology is an ideal course for students wishing to enter health professions, such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and nutrition/dietetics.  The required core and elective units allow sufficient flexibility to complete course prerequisites for any of the health fields.  In addition to the post-graduate health fields, students interested in the general area of corporate fitness-wellness will find kinesiology an ideal major.

Students must obtain a minimum 2.0 GPA in the major with 24 units of required core, 24 units of required collateral, and 16 units of required electives.  In addition, a minimum grade of C- is required for each of the required core courses.  These requirements will be effective for all incoming students (freshmen or transfer) who enroll fall semester 2009 or later.

Required Core Courses – 24 units

Required Collateral Courses - 24 units

In addition, 16 units of electives are required from the list of science courses that follows.  Choices will benefit the student’s future course of study.

*Current syllabi for all Kinesiology (EXSC) courses can be found in the USC Schedule of Classes.

Learning Objectives:

• To cultivate the students’ development of a deeper understanding of the central and cross-disciplinary concepts of the discipline and sub-disciplines of kinesiology, which include, but are not limited to behavioral, physiological and mechanical factors.
• To foster the students’ process of identifying, exploring, assessing and solving real world problems through independent study and self-directed group projects that solidify their understanding of the scientific method, and basic kinesiology-related scientific principles.
• To provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom and across traditional disciplinary boundaries using technical equipment and modern methodologies pertinent to research in kinesiology-related, biological and physical sciences.
• To engage and mentor the formulation of critical thinking and problem solving skills which facilitate the application of knowledge in kinesiology as the individual interfaces with both supportive and opposing perspectives throughout society and the environment.