Master of Science in Kinesiology

Kinesiology

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Exercise science: It works

The Department of Kinesiology offers the Master of Science degree in Kinesiology. The broad mission of the degree program is to assist students in developing conceptual and theoretical understandings and to obtain knowledge and skills which will prepare them as research/scholars, practitioners, or administrators in their respective areas. The Master of Science degree in Kinesiology is a 30 credit program that can be typically completed in 3 or 4 semesters. Within the Kinesiology program, students may select coursework to address interests in:

Sport and Exercise Psychology
Sport and Exercise Science
Strength and Conditioning

A Master of Science degree in Kinesiology can lead to a wide variety of career choices such as cardiac rehabilitation; corporate, public, and private health and fitness training; university or public school teaching/coaching; research; strength and conditioning; personal training; and sport psychology. Many graduates complete certification requirements through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Aerobics and Fitness Trainer's Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and USA Weightlifting.

Sport and Exercise Psychology (on hold until a new specialized faculty are hired)

Students looking to advance their knowledge in the psychological principles of sport performance and exercise may opt to focus their directed electives in the area of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Coursework aligns with careers in which psychological techniques are used to enhance performance in a variety of sport and physical activity settings (i.e. sport psychology consultants, athletic trainers, sport coaches, personal trainers, etc.)

Recommended directed electives include but are not limited to:

KIN 556 Motor Learning and Human Performance
KIN 559 Sport Psychology
KIN 567 Exercise Psychology
KIN 568 Social Psychology of Sport and Exercise
KIN 569 Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology

Sport and Exercise Science

Students looking for more flexibility and the opportunity to customize their master’s level preparation to match their professional aspirations and/or personal interests may opt to focus their directed electives in the area of Sport and Exercise Science. Coursework aligns with careers or personal interests in movement performance, sport performance programming, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, community health and fitness (i.e. athletic trainers, sport coaches, physical educators, personal trainers, etc.)

Directed electives are hand-selected by the student from all areas of coursework offered within the Kinesiology program, including but not limited to:

Biomechanics
Development of Expert Performance
Exercise Stress Testing and Electrocardiogram Evaluation
Physical Activity and the Older Adult
Special Topics (Leadership, Ethical Issues)
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Sport Nutrition/Weight Management/Healthy Cooking
Strength and Conditioning
Qualitative Analysis of Human Movement

Strength and Conditioning

The Strength and Conditioning (S&C) track is ideal for those that are planning on pursuing careers in sport performance or personal training. By learning how to apply the concepts of exercise physiology to exercise selection and program design, you will become proficient at designing training for individuals from a broad range of sports and physical activities. Individuals who may find the S&C track most beneficial include those who aspire to become: college or professional S&C coaches, sport performance specialists, occupational and physical therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, and wellness coaches.

Coursework in this track includes: