Kinesiology, MS

The primary purposes of the program in kinesiology are to provide students with an understanding of basic research methodology; to acquaint students with the professional literature, trends and research being conducted in kinesiology; and to enable students to develop a concentration in exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology, sport pedagogy/physical education, or sport pedagogy with physical education certification.

Career opportunities for graduates are generally found in the private sector with health clubs, wellness centers, corporations, rehabilitation centers, athletic groups and other private groups; or within the teaching profession as teachers, coaches, athletic trainers and administrators.

Research

Examples of current research projects include the study of physical activity; social and psychological factors associated with physical fitness and body composition; effective coaching behavior; mental skills related to performance success; physiology of resistance exercise related to hormones, nutrition, health and performance; measurement and evaluation of physical fitness; and concurrent feedback and practice organization on the learning of motor skills.

Financial support for the research programs comes from internal faculty research grants and instructional grants, as well as external funding agencies.

Degree requirements, 36 hours

The Master of Science 36-hour degree includes a 15-hour core curriculum of courses in kinesiology. The student takes 21 hours of additional course work (which may include thesis) that allow development of an interest area such as exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology, or sport pedagogy.

Kinesiology core, 15 hours

All students will complete a 15-hour core of graduate courses in kinesiology.

Electives

The remaining 15–21 hours will be electives approved by the major professor with no more than 6 hours outside of KINE.

Thesis option

Thesis students will complete 6 hours of

KINE 5950 - Master’s Thesis

Non-thesis option

Master of Science candidates who select the non-thesis option are required to successfully complete a culminating experience consisting of (1) a comprehensive examination or (2) a graduate project (enroll in KINE 5910 ). If choosing the comprehensive examination, it must be taken after a minimum of 24 hours including all KINE core courses. A student who fails the comprehensive examination must wait until the next administration of the exam. This will delay the student’s graduation.