Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.S. in Kinesiology
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.S. in Kinesiology at Saint Mary's College, with its Exercise Science emphasis, is designed to provide students with a broad and deep understanding of human movement science. It aims to develop a strong knowledge base, critical thinking abilities, and effective communication skills, all crucial for becoming socially responsible contributors to the scientific, performance, and athletic communities. The program covers fundamental principles of exercise physiology, sport nutrition, motor learning, sport psychology, and biomechanics, offering a holistic perspective on human health and performance.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Kinesiology (Exercise Science emphasis) is rigorous and interdisciplinary. Required foundational courses typically include "Human Anatomy for Kinesiology" (with lab), "Human Physiology" (with lab), and "Introduction to Kinesiology." Students then delve into specialized Kinesiology courses such as "Research Methods and Writing in Kinesiology," "Sport and Exercise Psychology," "Structural Biomechanics," "Nutrition for Sport and Physical Activity," "Exercise Physiology" (with lab), and "Motor Learning and Control." Additional coursework includes "Fitness Assessment/Exercise Prescription." The program also offers flexibility with various Kinesiology electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the field.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Kinesiology at Saint Mary's College places a significant emphasis on research and scientific inquiry. The curriculum includes a dedicated course, "Research Methods and Writing in Kinesiology" (KINES 300), which teaches students how to conduct and analyze scientific data. The program aims for graduates to demonstrate "knowledge of the field's subdisciplines, their theoretical and knowledge bases, and major research foci and implications." Students are encouraged to engage with faculty through research projects, gaining valuable insights and contributing to pioneering studies. This focus on evidence-based practices and in-depth analysis prepares students for careers that require scientific rigor and continuous learning.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College actively promotes industry engagement for its Kinesiology students, recognizing the importance of practical experience. The program provides "plenty of opportunities for hands-on experiences" and explicitly states that students can gain "further exposure to their chosen field through internships, either on campus in the College's Department of Athletics and Recreational Sports or with professional sports franchises." Recent Saint Mary's students have secured internships with prestigious organizations such as the San Francisco Forty-Niners, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and Oakland Athletics. The department has an Internship Coordinator to assist students in finding relevant opportunities, ensuring direct application of classroom learning in real-world settings.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Kinesiology at Saint Mary's College integrates a global perspective by addressing the worldwide impact of physical activity and health. While not explicitly detailed on the B.S. program page, the Kinesiology department offers courses like "Global Impact of Physical Inactivity," indicating an awareness of global health challenges. The broader liberal arts education at Saint Mary's encourages students to consider cultural influences on health and movement across diverse populations. Furthermore, the College's commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, along with its diverse student body (including international students), fosters an environment where global health issues and varied perspectives on well-being can be explored.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
Graduates of Saint Mary's College of California's B.S. in Kinesiology are scientifically grounded professionals with a profound understanding of human movement. Their rigorous curriculum, coupled with practical experiences in labs and internships, equips them with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Exercise Physiologist: Develops and implements fitness and rehabilitation programs to improve cardiovascular function, strength, and endurance for individuals, often in clinical settings, hospitals, or wellness centers.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Designs and supervises training programs for athletes and teams to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and improve overall physical capabilities, working with high school, collegiate, or professional sports teams.
Athletic Trainer (often requires Master's/certification): Provides immediate and ongoing care for athletic injuries, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, working with sports teams, schools, or clinics.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) (requires additional certification/associate's degree): Works under the supervision of licensed therapists to assist patients in rehabilitation programs, helping them regain mobility and independence.
Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor: Designs personalized exercise routines and provides guidance on fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle choices for individual clients or groups in gyms, fitness centers, or private settings.
Wellness Coordinator/Corporate Wellness Specialist: Develops and manages health and wellness programs for employees within corporations or community organizations to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce healthcare costs.
Rehabilitation Specialist: Supports clients with chronic conditions, injuries, or post-surgery recovery by creating safe and effective exercise programs, often working in outpatient clinics or long-term care centers.
Sport and Exercise Psychologist Assistant (often requires graduate study): Applies psychological principles to improve athletic performance, enhance well-being, and address mental health aspects of exercise, often working under a licensed professional.
Biomedical Sales Representative: Utilizes knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to sell medical devices, rehabilitation equipment, or pharmaceutical products to healthcare facilities and practitioners.
Pre-Professional Allied Health Roles: The B.S. in Kinesiology is an excellent undergraduate foundation for pursuing advanced degrees in fields such as Physical Therapy (DPT), Occupational Therapy (OTD), Physician Assistant (PA), Chiropractic (DC), or a Master's/Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology itself for research or higher education roles.
