Kinesiology, MS

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Science is to educate knowledgeable professionals with a level of skill and ability significantly beyond that of the baccalaureate degrees in kinesiology/sport science.  The depth and breadth of this knowledge, specialized proficiencies, development of independent creativity, and involvement in high impact/hands-on experiences in research and practice provided in this program will allow graduates to practice in and contribute to the profession of sport science at a higher level.

Program Description and Purpose

The Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Science is designed to prepare professionals in the multi-faceted disciplines of athletic performance, health, fitness and quality of life.  These include, but are not limited to the application of and in-depth study in biomechanics, exercise physiology, leadership/management of sport, motor performance, nutrition, assessment of sport performance, sport psychology, and strength & conditioning.  Thus a major purpose of this program is to bridge the gap between science and sports as well as preparation for advanced research (e.g., Ph.D.).

Our program is exemplified by a vibrant community of scholarly and collaborative colleagues that are nationally and internationally recognized in the sport science discipline.  Students have two degree options:  1) Graduate Research Project (KINE 5397); or 2) Thesis (KINE 5698).  Please see the course catalog for a full description of the expectations of these options.  Course delivery options include:  traditional, online, and hybrid and a complete onine degree program is available.

Customizing the Program

The program is specifically designed in a sport science vein, meaning program goals (Student Learning Outcomes), how specific courses are tailored and delivered, and the majority of the research of graduate faculty focus on the science behind improving athletic/sport performance.  However, there is enough flexibility in the program design for a student to customize their degree to fit their career goals. Regardless of the graduate research project or thesis option students have an array of elective kinesiology and non-kinesiology course options to choose from to personalize their degree.  This may be further augmented by choices of an internship, independent study, and the topic and designed of their research.  Thus, a student may modify their education, for example, toward exercise science, health, physical education, tactical strength & conditioning, sport management/administration and others upon advisor approval.

Careers

This program prepares individuals for vocations as sport scientists and strength & conditioning coaches/trainers.  The degree design also contributes to the professional development of tactical strength & conditioning trainers, certified physical education teachers, public school coaches as well as managers of sport.  Finally, the program also prepares professionals for sport science certifications from professional organizations such as the National Strength & Conditioning Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and other professional agencies.

Impact

The emphasis of sport science in this degree is distinctive in that conceptually the program will train individuals to use human biology (e.g. anatomy, physiology) to grasp a greater understanding of how to improve sport/human performance through applied research and practice.  The department also envisions that students, during their degree pursuit and after graduation, will contribute to a growing national demand to academically prepare sport scientists through research and education on improving athletic performance in response to the explosion of popularity of sports nationally and internationally.

The program is facilitated in the Sport Science Research Labs (Exercise Physiology; Biomechanics; Motor Learning/Development; and Athletic Training) in Island Hall.  These labs have state of the art equipment/hardware/software that students use in class and with their research if applicable. Beyond the ability to learn and conduct research in these labs students will have the opportunity to be involved in clinics, continuing education programs, and sport science activities that are facilitated by the Department of Kinesiology in Island Hall.  These include those that focus on improvement of athletic performance, inhibitors of sport performance, and the impact of disease and disability/injury on health and well-being as well as the influence on sport performance.  Thus, the research generated via this program could easily uncover discoveries that would impact the quality of life of athletes and the general public.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of sport science.
• Demonstrate knowledge and professional leadership skills in relation to the field of sport science.
• Produce transformational sport science and sport performance research by applying the principles of the scientific method and statistics to collect, analyze, and interpret sport science-related data.
• Apply the principles of sport physiology and motor development in creating appropriate strength and movement programs for people of all ages.
• Apply selected principles of psychology and sociology to improve human performance.

Admission Requirements

Students are eligible to pursue graduate-level course work in Kinesiology if they meet the University and COEHD graduate admission requirements as specified in the Graduate Policies and Procedures section of this catalog. Additional kinesiology requirements and restrictions are listed below:

1. Applicants whose undergraduate major or minor is not Kinesiology and/or do not have equivalent undergraduate coursework are required to take undergraduate prerequisite courses for KINE 5311 Statistics in Kinesiology , KINE 5312 Sport Physiology , and KINE 5327 Sport Biomechanics .
2. If an applicant’s GPA is below 3.0 in their last sixty hours, they may be admitted under “conditional” status. In such cases, the department will follow the procedures that are outlined in the catalog for the University and the College of Education and Human Development.

The kinesiology graduate program committee evaluates all applications and makes admission decisions.

Transfer of Graduate Credits

No more than nine hours of graduate level study may be transferred from another institution to a student’s degree plan. These hours must be from accredited institutions of higher education and recommended by the Kinesiology program graduate committee. No course with a grade of less than ‘B’ will be accepted as transfer credit.

Academic Standards

Students pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology must maintain the following standards:

1. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
2. Only two courses with grades of C can be applied to the degree.
3. No course with a grade below a C will be applied toward a degree.
4. All requirements, including coursework at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and transfer credit coursework, must be completed within seven (7) calendar years from the date of initial enrollment in coursework.

Course Sequencing

Students must take