Kinesiology, MS
Administrative Unit
The Office of Graduate Studies administers this program through the Human Performance faculty in the department of Human Performance, College of Health Sciences.
Program
The Master of Science in Kinesiology program is designed to extend students' understanding of the concepts, research, and theories related to the science of human development - kinesiology. Additionally, the program design recognizes students' desire to use such information to improve their professional competencies as physical educators, coaches, athletes, sport administrators, fitness program directors, and in other professions that are grounded in the discipline of kinesiology. The program is offered online.
Graduate students have an opportunity to focus on one of three interest areas within the discipline of Kinesiology:
- Exercise physiology;
- Psychology of exercise and sport; and
- Teaching, coaching, and administration.
Working with their faculty advisors, students are encouraged to design programs that meet their professional needs, goals, and interests.
As a partner in a UT System collaborative program, UT Permian Basin offers most graduate courses online. It is possible to complete the entire Master of Science in Kinesiology online through web-based courses.
Objectives
Regardless of students' area of interest and/or the course delivery mode, the following objectives should be met through the successful completion of the Master of Science in Kinesiology:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical bases of Kinesiology through oral and written expression.
- Discuss and describe the research literature related to the student's chosen interest area.
- Apply theoretical concepts from the research literature to the student's chosen profession.
- Design, implement, and complete a research or professional project.
- Develop a manuscript describing the results of a research or professional project suitable for submission to a professional journal.
Competencies
Upon completion of the in Kinesiology program, students will be able to:
- Theoretical Foundations of Kinesiology
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical foundations of kinesiology through effective oral and written communication.
- Research Literacy and Integration
Critically evaluate and synthesize research literature within a selected area of interest and apply theoretical concepts from the literature to professional practice.
- Research and Professional Project Development
Design, implement, and complete an independent research or professional project relevant to kinesiology or a related professional field.
- Scholarly Writing and Dissemination
Develop a professional‑quality manuscript describing the results of a research or applied project suitable for submission to a peer‑reviewed or professional journal.
- Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
Promote health‑enhancing behaviors and integrate physical activity interventions across the lifespan to support individual and population health.
- Holistic Health and Performance Assessment
Evaluate the comprehensive well‑being of individuals or populations using integrative and multidimensional assessment frameworks.
- Advanced Exercise Prescription
Design advanced exercise prescription programs for apparently healthy individuals and special populations in accordance with CoAES standards and guidelines for master’s‑level degrees.
- Advanced Exercise Science Knowledge
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of health and fitness assessment, exercise testing, training methods, and exercise prescription as outlined in CoAES standards.
- Advanced Measurement and Evaluation
Test and/or estimate advanced measurements and indicators of health and fitness consistent with CoAES standards and professional best practices.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to the Kinesiology graduate degree program must meet all admission requirements specified by the Office of Graduate Studies. Typically, students desiring to pursue a Master of Science in Kinesiology would possess a bachelor's degree with a major in Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning, Coaching, Physical Education, or a related area. Individuals who do not hold such a degree may be required to complete leveling courses before to enrolling in certain Kinesiology graduate courses. Typically, such students must take an undergraduate anatomy and physiology course before taking the exercise science courses. The Graduate Acceptance Committee, comprised of the Department of Human Performance Graduate Faculty, will determine these leveling requirements, which will be specified in the student's acceptance letter.
Regular Admission Status
Option 1
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Performance Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning, Coaching, Physical Education, or a related area.
- GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours
- Letter of intent (500-1000 words)
Option 2
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Performance Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning, Coaching, Physical Education, or a related area.
- completed a previous master's degree in any field.
Conditional Admission Status
- If a student has a GPA below 3.0 but not lower than 2.5 in the last 60 credit hours, entrance into the Kinesiology Program.
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
- Two letters of reference, preferably a former professor or lecturer.
- A career goal statement.
If the student is conditionally admitted, he/she must earn a B grade or better in each course of his/her first 12 hours of coursework, including the first 6 hours of coursework.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Kinesiology degree may require a final project, a thesis, or extra courses for completion.
The total number of hours for the degree varies from 30 to 33 hours.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Kinesiology degree requires the successful completion of 30 semester credit hours. Students must fulfill the following requirements based on their selected concentration or track:
Core Requirements
All students are required to complete 9 credit hours of core coursework (three courses), which provide the foundational knowledge and competencies expected of graduate students in kinesiology.
Concentration/Track Requirements
Psychology of Sport Track
- Complete 9 credit hours (three courses) within the Psychology of Sport concentration.
- Complete 12 credit hours (four courses) of approved electives.
Teaching, Coaching, and Administration (TCA) Track
- Complete 9 credit hours (three courses) within the TCA concentration.
- Complete 12 credit hours (four courses) of approved electives.
Exercise Physiology Track
- Complete 12 credit hours (four courses) within the Exercise Physiology concentration.
- Complete 9 credit hours (three courses) of approved electives.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 30 semester credit hours with all required core, concentration, and elective coursework to be eligible for graduation.
Exercise Physiology Track
Core Requirements
| KINE 6361 | Exercise Physiology Laboratory Methods-Procedures | 3 |
| KINE 6362 | Training And Conditioning Methods | 3 |
| KINE 6363 | Methods and Procedures for Coronary Heart Disease Risk Detection and Reduction | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Concentration Requirements
6389 Selected Topics Pathophysiology and Exercise and 6389 Selected Topics Biogenetics and Exercise.
Both are needed to fulfill this requirement.
Optional Electives
Psychology of Sport Track
Core Requirements
Concentration Requirements
Optional Electives
Teaching, Coaching, and Administration Track
Core Requirements
Concentration Requirements
| KINE 6362 | Training And Conditioning Methods | 3 |
| KINE 6380 | Analysis of Teaching and Coaching Behavior | 3 |
| KINE 6382 | Administration of Physical Education and Athletics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Optional Electives