Master of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education

Admission

To be considered for admission to the M.S. program in kinesiology and physical education, an applicant is expected to have a baccalaureate degree which included courses in kinesiology, physical education, health, recreation, dance, or equivalent courses.

Applicants to the M.S. program are not required to take the GRE. Student transcripts and life experiences will be evaluated to determine if deficiencies exist. If they do exist, students should consult the graduate program academic advisor and conditional admission may be granted to complete identified deficiencies and 9 semester hours of program specific graduate-level course work designated by the advisor. Conditional admission requirements must be satisfied within 3 semesters for students to be reclassified as regularly admitted (see the Conditional Admission section of this catalog).

No more than six credit hours of graduate coursework completed as a student-at-large may be applied to a master’s degree. Check departmental information for any additional requirements

Applicants to the master’s degree program in kinesiology and physical education are normally notified of an admission decision as soon as administratively feasible following receipt of all credentials to complete the applicant’s file by the Graduate School.

University Honors students who graduate with a B.A. or B.S. in a related field are guaranteed admission into the M.S. program as space permits.

Retention

Requirements

The M.S. in kinesiology and physical education requires a minimum of 30 semester hours. Students select from one of the following specializations: exercise physiology, physical education pedagogy, or sport and exercise psychology. In consultation with an advisor, the student selects a thesis or non-thesis option.

Students are required to take a minimum of 6 semester hours in the research core. Additionally, in each of the specializations, students are required to take 15 semester hours of specialization core courses. Students electing to do a thesis option are required to take 6 semester hours of thesis work with the remaining semester hours of electives approved by the student’s advisor selected from a list of courses either in the department and/or outside of the department. Students taking the non-thesis option are required to complete additional semester hours of electives approved by the student’s advisor.  

Specialization in Exercise Physiology

This specialization is designed to provide knowledge and skills to students in the area of exercise physiology. Students with such a professional background are prepared to assume various roles related to exercise physiology: research, teaching, and applied/practical/laboratory positions in hospitals, corporations, and health clubs. Applied exercise physiology and a human anatomy and physiology course are prerequisites for this specialization. In consultation with an advisor, the student selects either a thesis or non-thesis option.

Specialization in Physical Education Pedagogy

This specialization is designed to provide relevant theoretical knowledge and experience in contemporary best practices in the discipline of physical education including methodology/ instructional strategies, supervision, program development, and the use of technology and assessment in educational settings. Individuals completing this specialization will be able to assume leadership roles in pedagogy and curriculum development in physical education and related fields. In consultation with an advisor the student selects either a thesis or non-thesis option. Students are strongly encouraged to concurrently pursue a certificate of graduate study in adapted physical education. 

Specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology

This specialization is designed to focus on relevant theory, research, and practice in the areas of sport and exercise psychology. The course work will help students examine a variety of predictors and consequences of sport and exercise participation. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge grounded in theory and research. Specifically teachers, coaches, and exercise professionals will experience a theory to practice approach to addressing the psychological needs of their participants in a performance setting. In consultation with an advisor, the student selects either a thesis or non-thesis option.