Department of Kinesiology
Our mission in the Department of Kinesiology is to shape difference makers who care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. We believe that exercise, movement, and sport help people thrive by improving health, fitness, and quality of life across the lifespan. To achieve our goals, we equip undergraduate and graduate students who are academically engaged, relationally focused, vocationally aware, and wellness-oriented using approaches that are discipline-based and grounded within a Christian worldview.
Accreditation
- All Azusa Pacific University programs are accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
- The Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential program, the Master of Arts in Physical Education with an Added Authorization in Adapted Physical Education program, and the Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization program are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Additionally, the Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Major
Master’s
- Master of Science in Physical Education
- Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential
- Master of Arts in Physical Education with an Added Authorization in Adapted Physical Education
Authorization
FFL 108, Fitness for Life: Walking/Jogging, 1 Unit
This course teaches the "fitness for life" concept through walking and jogging. May be repeated for credit.
FFL 115, Fitness for Life: Recreational Games, 1 Unit
This course teaches the fitness-for-life concept through recreational games such as cornhole, spikeball, bocce, etc., emphasizing the development of skills specifically for various recreational games. The rules, tactics, and offensive and defensive strategies of the games are also covered. Specific conditioning drills are incorporated into each class to develop muscular endurance and strength, and the recruitment of fast-twitch muscle fibers needed to play recreational games. This course may be repeated for credit.
FFL 116, Fitness for Life: Weight Training, 1 Unit
This course teaches the "fitness for life" concept through weight training, with different sections offered for athletes and nonathletes. May be repeated for credit.
FFL 121, Fitness for Life: Dance for the Theater, 2 Units
This course teaches the skill of movement and dance as it relates to actors, including proficiency in various styles of dance that are most common in musical theater; learning dance terminology necessary for a working actor; gaining flexibility and dexterity to enhance stage performance; understanding what is required at a professional theater audition; and moral issues pertaining to presenting theater dance to an audience. It also teaches "fitness for life" concepts through various dance and aerobic conditioning exercises. May be repeated for credit.
FFL 122, Fitness for Life: Hiking, 1 Unit
This course teaches the "fitness for life" concept through hiking local trails, and includes instruction in trail first aid and emergency preparedness. Students provide their own transportation to local hiking trails. May be repeated for credit.
FFL 125, Fitness for Life: Yoga, 1 Unit
This course teaches the "fitness for life" concept through yoga, and includes instruction in mind-body awareness, body-weight-bearing exercises, torso stability, and intermediate balance. Students learn strength, flexibility, and relaxation through a series of postures and breathing techniques. May be repeated for credit.
FFL 131, Fitness for Life: Kinesiology, 1 Unit
This course gives kinesiology students the opportunity to experience structured exercise programming and develop the tools essential for adopting and maintaining healthy exercise behavior (e.g., goal setting, action planning, self-monitoring). Emphasis is on developing students' confidence in the performance of fundamental exercises that promote physical fitness, including flexibility, muscular endurance/strength/power, and cardiorespiratory endurance.
ATHL 301, Varsity Baseball: Men, 1-2 Units
Students receive advanced preparation in baseball strategy, fundamentals, and techniques for intercollegiate competition (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 302, Varsity Basketball: Men, 1-2 Units
Students receive advanced instruction and intensive training in the fundamentals of basketball. Individual and team play, strategy, and offensive and defensive formations are utilized in men's intercollegiate basketball (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 303, Varsity Track and Field: Men and Women, 1-2 Units
Students train and work out two hours daily in various track and field events and compete in intercollegiate track and field meets (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 304, Varsity Cross Country: Men and Women, 1-2 Units
Students receive instruction, practice, and training in distance running for intercollegiate competition (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 305, Varsity Tennis: Men and Women, 1-2 Units
Students are instructed in the mechanics of the game to suit the individual. Supervised practice, lectures, and intercollegiate competition are included (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 308, Varsity Basketball: Women, 1-2 Units
Advanced instruction and intensive training in the fundamentals of basketball are offered. Individual and team play, strategy, and offensive and defensive formations are utilized in intercollegiate competition (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 309, Varsity Volleyball: Women, 1-2 Units
Students participate in intercollegiate competition with intense instruction in fundamentals, theory, and practice of the strategies of offensive and defensive play (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 310, Varsity Soccer: Men, 1-2 Units
Students receive advanced preparation in strategy, fundamentals, and techniques for intercollegiate competition (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 311, Varsity Soccer: Women, 1-2 Units
Students receive advanced preparation in strategy, fundamentals, and techniques for intercollegiate competition (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 312, Varsity Softball: Women, 1-2 Units
Students receive advanced preparation in strategy, fundamentals, and techniques for intercollegiate competition (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 313, Varsity Swimming and Diving: Women, 1-2 Units
Students receive instruction, practice, and training in swimming and diving for intercollegiate competition (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 314, Varsity Water Polo: Women, 1-2 Units
Advanced instruction and intensive training in the fundamentals of water polo are offered, including individual and team play, strategy, and offensive and defensive formations in preparation for intercollegiate competition (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 315, Varsity Acrobatics and Tumbling, 1-2 Units
Students receive advanced instruction and training in tumbling, stunting, and dance, including preparing for intercollegiate competition; may be repeated for credit (varsity athletes only).
ATHL 316, Varsity Cheer, 1 Unit
Students participate in intercollegiate activities with intense instruction in fundamentals, theory, and practice of the strategies for collegiate cheer. Varsity athletes only.
KIN 102, Foundations of Kinesiology, 3 Units
This course introduces students to the field of kinesiology, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for successful progression through the major, including learning important terminology and physical activity guidelines. Students engage in personal and professional development through structured career exploration and academic planning, with emphasis on early exposure to several kinesiology-related fields, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and the health and fitness industry. Course material also covers the curriculum, goals, and expectations of the kinesiology program, as students are guided through the major's requirements, academic pathways, curriculum, and opportunities for professional certification based on their professional goals. This course prepares students to create a strategic plan for their academic success and make informed career decisions based on their professional goals in kinesiology.
KIN 241, Writing in Kinesiology, 2 Units
This course introduces writing requirements for assignments specific to the kinesiology major and the scientific field. Students learn to discern quality sources, enhance their skills in literature searches using the library's databases, review research articles, and learn to support information with scientific evidence. Students also gain proficiency in formatting and citing using current American Psychological Association standards.
Prerequisite: C- or better in WRIT 110, and C- or better in BIOL 230 or BIOL 250
KIN 242, Fundamental Principles of Fitness, 3 Units
Students in this foundational course investigate fitness principles for improving cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, flexibility, body composition, and overall physical wellness. Course material equips students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for developing, implementing, and managing basic fitness programs for physical education students and health fitness clients.
KIN 270, Human Motor Control, Learning, and Development, 3 Units
This course focuses on the physiological and psychological mechanisms underlying the control and learning of human movement throughout the life span. Students apply theoretical concepts of learning to develop age-appropriate movement programs, and measure outcomes through performance examinations.
Prerequisite: C- or better in KIN 102;
KIN 275, Biomechanics of Human Movement, 3 Units
Students in this course examine biomechanical principles applied to physical activity, sport, and rehabilitative settings. Students utilize quantitative and qualitative techniques using kinematic and kinetic methodologies to apply the physics of motion to the human body.
KIN 306, Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity and Sport, 3 Units
Students explore the sociological and the psychological issues related to physical activity and sport, with special emphasis on the study of sport in North America and its implications within American society. Other topics include motivation, goal setting, burnout, anxiety and arousal, aggression, and ethics as related to physical activity and sport.
KIN 360, Nutrition for Exercise and Sport Science, 3 Units
This course focuses on optimal nutrition for exercise and athletics, with an emphasis on the energy, nutrient, mineral, and fluid needs of the physically active. Course material covers promoting health in all types of athletes through whole-food recommendations and eating strategies, and emphasizes practical applications and immediate strategies for coaching (self and others). Students explore clinical signs associated with nutrition deficiencies, as well as issues related to disorders among the physically active, and become proficient at using current nutrition education tools and evaluating intake and physical activity output using a computerized diet analysis program. Special topics include motivational interviewing and assessing client readiness for change, practicality of eating during training and events, strategies for sport-specific body composition, and creating client educational tools.
KIN 363, Physiology of Exercise, 4 Units
This course focuses on the effects of exercise on human physiology and bioenergetics. The physiological changes and adaptations that exercise causes in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular, and endocrine systems are investigated in detail, as is the relationship between nutrition, body composition, and exercise. In the laboratory component, students explore the assessment of resting metabolic rate, energy expenditure, body composition, cardio-respiratory function, maximum oxygen uptake, lactate threshold, strength and flexibility, and other physiological responses to exercise.
Special Fee Applies
Prerequisite: C- or higher in BIOL 231 or BIOL 251, and C- or higher in KIN 241, KIN 270, and KIN 275. Department consent required for majors outside of the Department of Kinesiology.
KIN 364, Kinesiology, 4 Units
Students in this course examine the structural and functional mechanics of human movement through an in-depth study of kinesiological principles. Techniques of posture and gait evaluation, as well as fundamentals of body mechanics, are covered, along with how to detect and correct basic musculoskeletal anomalies. A laboratory component is included.
Prerequisite: C- or higher in BIOL 231 or BIOL 251, and C- or higher in KIN 270 and KIN 275. Department consent required for majors outside of the Department of Kinesiology.
KIN 366, Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, 3 Units
This course presents the methods used in the recognition, evaluation, and care of athletic injuries. Techniques in taping, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries are studied.
KIN 372, Corrective Exercise Strategies, 3 Units
Students in this course learn corrective exercise strategies to prevent or reduce injury and afford optimal tissue recovery in the physically active. Principles of tissue inhibition, lengthening, activation, and human movement integration are explored. Strategies in advanced kinetic chain assessment, flexibility, neuromuscular retraining, and balance and stability exercises are incorporated. Also, scientific evidence supporting injury prevention programs is discussed. This course provides information to prepare students for professional certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Prerequisite: C- or higher in KIN 364
KIN 380, Concepts of Performance Enhancement, 3 Units
Students in this course examine advanced methods for enhancing human performance, gaining a theoretical understanding of the acute and chronic adaptations that occur in response to various anaerobic and aerobic training techniques. Students also have the opportunity to gain practical experience developing, implementing, and supervising strength and conditioning programs for teams and individual athletes. Areas of emphasis include periodization, movement-based programming, and experience with nontraditional implements. This course enhances students' level of knowledge in preparation for the nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Exam.
KIN 395, Fitness Management, 3 Units
This course addresses the organizational and administrative aspects of fitness instruction to the physically active. Students study issues such as record keeping, facility design and maintenance, public relations and marketing, and legal and ethical issues related to health care.
KIN 424, Disability, Movement, and Inclusive Engagement, 3 Units
Students in this course explore the phenomenon of disability from a Christian perspective for the purposes of civic engagement and church-based ministry. Contrasting models of disability are examined for alignment with Biblical teachings. Inclusive physical activity is studied and applied as a means of social inclusion and civic engagement. A service-learning component is included.
Prerequisite: C- or higher in KIN 270
KIN 450, Physical Education in Elementary Schools, 3 Units
This course prepares students to teach physical education to children. It uses a developmental approach and stresses exploratory methods of teaching children a variety of games, dance, self-testing, movement exploration, lifetime fitness, and health-related fitness activities. The course emphasizes lesson plan development, writing clear objectives, and developing effective classroom management skills.
Prerequisite: EDLS 200 or EDLS 202 or EDLS 210; junior or senior standing; or Department of Kinesiology approval
KIN 473, Fitness and Exercise Prescription, 3 Units
Students in this course explore principles of fitness assessment and exercise prescription for improving cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, body composition, and overall physical wellness. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for designing, implementing, and managing individualized exercise programs for diverse populations, including individuals with chronic health conditions. The course integrates evidence-based guidelines and prepares students to address client needs through professional assessment techniques, safe exercise programming, and effective behavior change strategies. Emphasis is on preparation for the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) certification and the Exercise is Medicine initiative.
KIN 478, Senior Preparation in Kinesiology, 2 Units
This course is a culminating seminar for graduating seniors in kinesiology. Strategies for professional growth and development are examined, as well as current issues and future trends related to the variety of professional opportunities in the field of kinesiology.
Corequisites: KIN 490 and senior standing.
KIN 490, Research Methods in Kinesiology, 3 Units
The focus of this course is the critical reading of kinesiology literature, the interpretation of research, and the analysis of research methodology appropriate in the field. This course enhances students' abilities to be consumers of research information, participants in the research process, and communicators of research results. Students are required to conduct a research project and write a comprehensive research report, including introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions. Discussions also focus on current knowledge and future trends in kinesiology, as seen in the literature.
KIN 495, Internship in Exercise Science, 1-4 Units
This course gives students an opportunity to apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities in a practical setting. Students use an integrated approach to the assessment, development, implementation, and management of exercise and fitness programs under the direction of an approved exercise science professional. Each unit requires 50 clock hours of internship experience. This course may be repeated for credit (2 units are required for the major).
KIN 497, Readings, 1-3 Units
This course is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between, and designed by, a student of upper-division standing and a full-time faculty member. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this course.
Prerequisite: Instructor consent
KIN 498, Directed Research, 1-4 Units
This course provides instruction in research design and technique, and gives students experience in the research process. Each 1-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying reading, log, writing, and seminar presentation within the department or in a university research symposium. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill the preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this course.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and instructor consent.
KIN 499, Thesis/Project, 1-4 Units
This is a senior-level capstone type of independent study/research experience, involving the student in a unique project with a sophisticated level of research, synthesis, analysis, and communication. Each 1-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying readings, log, instructor discussions, and writing of summary analysis and conclusions. The thesis or project may result in a formal thesis, a published article, or electronic media. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill the preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this course.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing, Writing 3, and instructor consent.
KIN 509, Special Topics in Physical Education, 3 Units
Students study specific current topics, trends, technologies, or innovative programs in the field of physical education and sport. The course covers theoretical and practical aspects of issues related to new problems or new possibilities for improving and enhancing teaching and learning within the field of physical education and sport.
KIN 551, Curriculum Theory and Design in Physical Education, 3 Units
This course offers a practical study of physical education and athletic programs in the K-12 and collegiate setting including the following: a) philosophy, principles, policies, and procedures, and; b) design, management, and implementation in relation to the State Frameworks and Standards. Special emphasis of the course is on the application of a variety of research and instructional strategies in designing a physical education/athletic curriculum at a chosen educational level.
KIN 555, Sociological and Ethical Issues in Sport, 3 Units
This course pursues a study of the evolution of sports and its role in American culture. Course topics include sports as a social phenomenon in American culture and ethical issues within the sporting context, including moral reasoning, moral obligation, and fair play in sport. Class topics assist students in evaluating and reinforcing their personal morals, values, and principles as they relate to their professional field.
KIN 556, Facility and Event Management, 3 Units
This course will present students with an overview of the design, operations and management of sports facilities and associated special events (both traditional and non-traditional). This course will also provide students with an understanding of managing sports facilities for the community, high school, collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels. Traditional events, non-traditional events, and extreme sports events will be viewed and analyzed.
KIN 557A, Field Studies/Internships in Sport Management, 2 Units
The sport industry involves hands-on application, and this fieldwork course enables students to apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities in a practical sport management setting, under the direction and supervision of an approved sport management professional. Each unit requires 33.3 clock hours of internship experience, so students taking KIN 557A and 557B (3 units total) must complete 100 internship hours in a managed sport setting.
KIN 557B, Field Studies/Internships in Sport Management, 1 Unit
This fieldwork course enables students to apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities in a practical setting. The sport industry is one that is a hands-on, applied industry. As such, one of the most crucial dimensions of any successful sport management degree program is its associated practical/experiential learning opportunities.The goal of the APU Sport Management internship course is to provide students with pre-professional, practical experience within a sport management setting. Students will learn under the direction and supervision of an approved sport management professional. Each units requires 33.3 clock hours of internship experience. This course requires students to complete 100 internship hours in a managed sport setting.
KIN 558, Sport Finance, 3 Units
This course is a survey examination of principles of economics, budgeting, and finance as it applies to the sport industry.
KIN 560, Sports Medicine, 3 Units
This course is designed for physical educators and coaches to examine sports injuries and accidents and become competent in prevention, assessment, treatment, and basic rehabilitation techniques.
KIN 565, Athletics and the Law, 3 Units
This course includes current legal issues confronting the sport industry and enables coaches, athletic directors, fitness experts, and physical educators to develop risk-management strategies that will assist them in setting guidelines, policies, plans, and procedures.
KIN 570, Leadership and Administration of Physical Education and Athletic Programs, 3 Units
This course includes a discussion of management theories, philosophy, program development, operations, budgeting, fundraising, personnel, and staff development for the administration of physical education and athletic programs. Students identify and analyze problems unique to the physical education and athletic professions and implement realistic, objective, and workable action plans.
KIN 572, Foundations of Sport Management, 3 Units
This course is an overview of multiple areas relating to sport management. This includes: 1) careers and professional perspective; 2) history of sport management; 3) concepts of communication, leadership and management; 4) athletic governance in the K-12, Jr College/ College and University setting; 5) community, youth and professional sport management; and, 6) marketing and sport tourism.
KIN 575, Advanced Principles of Physical Conditioning, 3 Units
This course is designed for physical educators, coaches, athletic trainers, and fitness experts to understand and apply the concepts of cardiovascular exercise, muscular strength, flexibility, nutrition, and body weight as it relates to physical education and athletics.
KIN 578, Sport Psychology, 3 Units
This course allows the student to examine psychological theories and research related to sport and exercise behavior. The student is introduced to a broad overview of the major topics in the area with opportunity for research, writing, application, and reflection.
KIN 580, Wellness and Fitness for Life, 3 Units
This course is designed for the candidate to understand, practice, and teach the physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, environmental, social, and spiritual components of health and wellness.
KIN 585, Capstone in Physical Education and Sport, 3 Units
This advanced course enables students to become more-informed consumers and analyzers of kinesiology-related research. Through integrated research activities, students locate, value, select, and appropriately apply educational research on a selected topic, engaging in a comprehensive 360-degree investigative process that includes collecting and analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data relevant to their research questions. A variety of data sources, including academic peer-reviewed literature and other reputable sources of applied information, are analyzed, resulting in an extensive culminating project where a selected topic is thoroughly examined. The final project includes a scientific data component with a visual representation of research findings and clear connections between scientific evidence and professional implications in the field.
KIN 596, Inclusive Physical Education, 3 Units
Students in this course engage in advanced study of physical education, including a thorough examination of state and national standards, standards-based curriculum design, and evidence-based pedagogical practices. Throughout the course, the focus is on designing physical education experiences that are equitable and enjoyable for all students, regardless of abilities, to promote lifelong physical activity and health.
KIN 597, Structural Kinesiology, 3 Units
This course introduces students to structural kinesiology through an explanation of human movement and human anatomy. Fundamentals of body mechanics are coupled with kinesiological principles for the detection and correction of basic neuromusculoskeletal anomalies.
KIN 598, Motor Learning, Development, and Control, 3 Units
This course includes discussion of the relationship between motor development and motor learning and provides a framework for establishing programs that facilitate skill acquisition for learners of all ages. It includes an examination of the development of movement skill in humans from infancy to older adulthood and how differing motor, cognitive, and social abilities affect the learning process of motor skills.
KIN 599, Readings in Kinesiology, 1-3 Units
This independent study course allows students to pursue an in-depth, faculty-guided exploration of a focused topic within kinesiology (e.g., exercise physiology, sports nutrition, biomechanics, sports performance, health promotion). Students formulate a research question, critically examine 6-9 scholarly sources, and synthesize their findings in a final synthesis paper. The course supports specialized inquiry, research preparation, and individualized academic growth in areas not addressed in standard coursework. Students may repeat the course for credit up to two times (three times total) with different topics.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission required
KIN 600, Physical Education Teaching Methods for Individuals with Mild to Moderate Disabilities, 3 Units
Students in this course learn techniques for the development and implementation of physical education programs for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, which include minor to moderate health impairments, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disturbances. Observation of one mild/moderate adapted physical education class is included.
KIN 602, Physical Education Teaching Methods for Individuals with Severe to Profound Disabilities, 3 Units
Students in this course learn techniques for the development and implementation of physical education programs for individuals with severe to profound disabilities, which include severe to profound health impairments, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disturbances. Observation of one severe/profound adapted physical education class is included.
KIN 604, Motor Assessment for Students Living with Disabilities, 3 Units
Students in this course learn techniques for the evaluation and diagnosis of current motor ability levels of individuals with disabilities. Topics include assessment methods and the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in accordance with state physical education standards.
KIN 605, Management of Adapted Physical Education Programs, 3 Units
This course prepares adapted physical education specialists to manage adapted PE programs. Topics include modifying traditional PE curricula, performing in-services with the use of technology, understanding service delivery models, understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and collaborating with other direct service providers.
KIN 606A, Field Experience in Adapted Physical Education, 1 Unit
This is the first fieldwork course for adapted physical education authorization candidates, and is for students who hold a current teaching credential. The course includes 35 hours of supervised practice in teaching individuals with disabilities in small to large groups in public or private agencies or schools.
KIN 606B, Field Experience in Adapted Physical Education, 2 Units
This is the second field experience course for adapted physical education authorization candidates, and is for students who hold a current teaching credential. The course includes 35 hours of supervised practice in teaching individuals with disabilities in small to large groups in public or private agencies or schools.
Faculty
Chair
Director, Undergraduate Kinesiology Program
Madeline Cheaney, PhD
Director, Graduate Physical Education Programs: Student Services
Christy Gendron, DAT, ATC
Director, Graduate Physical Education Programs: Curriculum and Event Services
Angela Robles, EdD
Coordinator, Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
Greg Bellinder, PhD(c), MS
Professors
Sue Hebel, EdD, ATC
Cindy Tanis, PhD, ATC
Associate Professors
Andrew Alstot, PhD
Christy Gendron, DAT, ATC
Angela Robles, EdD
Assistant Professors
Greg Bellinder, PhD(c), MS
Madeline Cheaney, PhD