American River College
Open tablet menu Close tablet menu×
Open mobile menu Close mobile menu×
Close search box×

Home Academics Programs and Majors Kinesiology and Athletics

Kinesiology and Athletics

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Kinesiology

The Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer (AA-T) provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to a California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Kinesiology at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (pursuant to SB1440, §66746):
• 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units
• the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern
• a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district
• obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0

All ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
Required Core:
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology 5
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology 5
KINES 300 Introduction to Kinesiology 3
List A:
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
   or CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
   or CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
   or PHYS 410 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (5)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
   or PSYC C1000H Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3)
   or SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
   or SOC 480 Introductory Sociology - Honors (3)
STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4)
   or ECON 310 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
   or PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
   or STAT C1000H Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
Movement-Based Courses:
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
Select three courses, each from a different category listed below.
Dance:
DANCE 300 Diverse Cultures in Dance (1)
DANCE 301 Belly Dancing (1)
DANCE 302 African Dance (1)
DANCE 304 Polynesian Dance I (1)
DANCE 305 Hawaiian Dance I (1)
DANCE 306 Polynesian Dance II (1)
DANCE 307 Hawaiian Dance II (1)
DANCE 310 Jazz Dance I (1)
DANCE 312 Jazz Dance II (1)
DANCE 320 Ballet I (1)
DANCE 321 Ballet II (1)
DANCE 330 Modern Dance I (1)
DANCE 332 Modern Dance II (1)
DANCE 340 Ballroom Dance (1)
DANCE 341 Ballroom Dance II (1)
DANCE 342 Ballroom Dance III: Club Dancing (1)
DANCE 343 Ballroom Dance IV: Latin (1)
DANCE 344 Ballroom Dance V: Swing (1)
DANCE 345 Ballroom Dance VI: Tango (1)
DANCE 348 Ballroom Challenge: Competition and Performance (1)
DANCE 351 Urban Hip Hop I (1)
DANCE 352 Urban Hip Hop II (1)
DANCE 360 Tap Dance I (1)
DANCE 361 Tap Dance II (1)
DANCE 377 Musical Theatre Dance I (2)
DANCE 390 Contemporary Dance I (1)
Individual Sports:
PACT 300 Archery I (1)
PACT 310 Badminton I (1)
PACT 311 Badminton II (1)
PACT 350 Golf I (1)
PACT 351 Golf II (1)
PACT 390 Tennis I (1)
PACT 391 Tennis II (1)
PACT 393 Tennis III (1)
Fitness:
FITNS 302 Latin Aerobics (1)
FITNS 303 Dance Aerobics (1)
FITNS 304 Cardio Circuit (1)
FITNS 306 Aerobics: Cardio-Kickboxing (1)
FITNS 307 Aerobic Mix (1)
FITNS 308 Step Aerobics (1)
FITNS 321 Core Conditioning (1)
FITNS 324 Mat Pilates (1)
FITNS 325 Pilates (1)
FITNS 326 Mat Pilates II (1)
FITNS 331 Boot Camp I (1)
FITNS 343 Spin Bike (1)
FITNS 344 Dynamic Fitness Training I (1)
FITNS 345 Dynamic Fitness Training II (1)
FITNS 380 Circuit Weight Training (1)
FITNS 381 Weight Training (0.5 - 1)
FITNS 385 Weight Training for Competition (0.5 - 1)
FITNS 392 Yoga (1)
FITNS 393 Yoga II (1)
FITNS 395 Stretch (1)
FITNS 400 Body Fitness (Walking or Jogging) (1)
ADAPT 324 Heart Healthy (1)
ADAPT 330 Adapted Weight Training and Fitness (1)
ADAPT 335 Adapted Yoga (1)
ADAPT 337 Adapted Walk and Wheel (1)
ADAPT 338 Adapted Aerobic Activity (1)
Aquatics:
FITNS 310 Aquatic Fitness I (1)
FITNS 314 Aquatic Fitness III- Deep Water Jogging (1)
FITNS 316 Lap Swimming (1)
FITNS 440 Swimming I (1)
FITNS 441 Swimming II (1)
FITNS 442 Swimming III (1)
FITNS 443 Swimming IV (1)
ADAPT 332 Adapted Aquatics (1)
Combatives:
FITNS 414 Tai Chi (1)
FITNS 450 Personal Safety (1)
Team Sports:
TMACT 300 Soccer, Indoor (1)
TMACT 301 Indoor Soccer II (1)
TMACT 302 Soccer - Outdoor (1)
TMACT 303 Outdoor Soccer II (1)
TMACT 304 Outdoor Soccer III (1)
TMACT 320 Basketball (1)
TMACT 330 Volleyball (1)
TMACT 331 Volleyball II (1)
TMACT 333 Volleyball III (1)
TMACT 340 Football (1)
ADAPT 310 Adapted Lifetime Sports (1)
ADAPT 314 Wheelchair Sports and Games (1)
Total Units: 22

The Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • recount the historical evolution of physical education/kinesiology.
  • evaluate current theories, philosophies, and trends in the field of kinesiology.
  • identify key aspects of personal fitness as it relates to physical fitness programs.
  • construct a philosophy of kinesiology that includes goals for lifetime fitness.
  • discuss how sociological, historical, and philosophical factors influence the field of kinesiology.
  • outline the basic principles of current accepted nutritional standards for physically active individuals.
  • describe the basic structure of the human body and how its various systems respond to exercise.

Career Information

Career opportunities include, but are not limited to, kinesiology instructor, exercise physiologist, athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach, athletic coach, personal trainer, physical educator, and corporate fitness director.

Associate Degrees

A.S. in Physical Education

This degree provides an educational and practical foundation for students interested in multiple professions in the area of physical education. It also provides coursework required for transfer in physical education majors. Topics include introduction to physical education, care and prevention of athletic injuries, CPR, psychology, nutrition, dance, fitness, recreation, and sport. Students who work closely with their counselor can use this degree to prepare for majoring in kinesiology at a four-year college.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 300 The Foundations of Biology (3) 3 - 4
   or BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
   or PSYC 310 Biological Psychology (3)
HEED 310 Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED (1) 1 - 1.51
   or HEED 311 Pediatric First Aid, CPR AED (1.5)
KINES 300 Introduction to Kinesiology 3
KINES 330 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries 3
NUTRI 300 Nutrition (3) 3
   or NUTRI 302 Nutrition for Physical Performance (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3) 3
   or PSYC 305 Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3)
   or KINES 307 Mental Skills for Sport Performance (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
HEED 300 Health Science (3)
OR three units from any of the following: DANCE, FITNS, PACT, SPORT, or TMACT.
Total Units: 19 - 20.5

1If student has Community CPR certification through the American Red Cross, or Basic Life Support certification through the American Heart Association, the HEED 310 or HEED 311 requirement may be waived.

The Physical Education Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • list various occupations in the field of physical education
  • identify basic bones, muscles, and ligaments of the human body
  • compare key aspects of personal fitness as it relates to physical fitness programs
  • construct a philosophy of physical education that includes goals for lifetime fitness
  • evaluate current theories, philosophies, and trends in physical education
  • recognize current job opportunities in the field of physical education
  • summarize the education requirements for employment as a professional physical educator
  • evaluate common athletically-related injuries in the field of physical education
  • outline the basic principles of current accepted nutritional standards for physically active individuals
  • discuss the role of physical and psychological health as it relates to physical education
  • recount the historical evolution of physical education
  • demonstrate skills needed to meet the minimal certification standards when performing first aid and CPR as required by a nationally recognized organization

Career Information

This degree is designed for those pursuing a career in coaching, health and fitness, personal training, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

A.S. in Sports Medicine

This degree is designed to prepare students for transfer in the area of athletic training, exercise science, kinesiology, and other sports medicine related fields. Prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries are emphasized.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology 5
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology 5
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5) 5
   or CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
NUTRI 300 Nutrition 3
KINES 330 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries 3
KINES 334 Practical Applications in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine 3
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology 3
Total Units: 27

The Sports Medicine Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • list the minimum requirements to become a certified athletic trainer
  • identify normal musculoskeletal anatomy
  • evaluate common athletic-related injuries
  • demonstrate proper wrapping and taping skills needed to protect commonly injured joints
  • develop a diet for an active individual that is based on current accepted nutritional values
  • create treatment protocols for common athletic-related injuries
  • develop basic rehabilitation protocols for common athletic-related injuries
  • manage the daily athletic training room set-up and break-down for fall and spring sports
  • discuss how injuries affect the psychological health of the injured athlete

Check Out Degree Planner

If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.

Degree Planner