Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Studies

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http://web.utk.edu/~sals/

Dixie L. Thompson, Head

The Department of Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Studies is committed to excellence in research, teaching, practice, and service within the multifaceted contexts of sport, leisure, and recreation. We are dedicated to providing superior and innovative programs of study and applied experiences that will enable students to become effective and imaginative professionals, scholars, and citizens. The department is also committed to the principles of diversity and social justice and to the provision of positive sport and leisure experiences for all people.

Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for qualified students who are graduates of accredited colleges or universities. These assistantships are open to students in the master’s and doctoral programs. Students interested in these opportunities should file their applications before February. For information please contact Margy Wirtz-Henry, Department of Exercise, Sport and Leisure Studies, The University of Tennessee, 1914 Andy Holt Ave., 322 HPER Building, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-2700, mwirtz@utk.edu or (865) 974-7154.

Admission
Applicants are required to complete the departmental application that is sent to all persons upon their initial inquiry about the program. This is in addition to the Graduate Application for Admission, submitted to the Office of Graduate and International Admissions. Applications from persons who have less than a 3.0 GPA will, in general, not be considered.

The following retention policy applies to all graduate students seeking a degree in the department.

• Graduate students are required to maintain an overall 3.0 GPA. 
• Any student who falls below this standard will be advised in writing by the department head of the need to discuss the matter with his/her advisor. 
• If a student’s overall GPA remains below 3.0 for a second semester, the student will have his/her degree status revoked.

EXERCISE SCIENCE

Exercise Science is dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific research and education on the health benefits of exercise. Through a program of interdisciplinary graduate study, using both experimental and epidemiological methods, students gain a greater understanding of the role of exercise in the prevention of various cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal disorders. The department offers two Master of Science concentrations and three doctoral specializations.

The biomechanics/sports medicine concentration (Master of Science) and specialization (doctoral) involves the study of biomechanical implications to exercise and rehabilitation. This program area focuses on the mechanism, prevention, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. The emphases in courses taught in this area include biomechanical as well as medical considerations related to exercise and/or rehabilitation. The Doctor of Philosophy program requires course work in engineering mechanics, numerical analysis, statistics, and advanced topics in biomechanics. Graduate students work with biomechanics/sports medicine faculty to pursue research in the areas of biomechanics of lower extremity function, footwear biomechanics, core stability, flexibility, and the biomechanics of injury mechanism and prevention.

The exercise physiology concentration (Master of Science) and specialization (doctoral) involves the study of the acute and chronic effects of exercise on the human body. At the master’s level, students may choose from two tracks – adult fitness/cardiac rehabilitation or applied physiology research. Students may elect to do internships in cardiac rehabilitation at several area hospitals and are encouraged to take the ACSM Exercise Specialist exam upon graduation. The doctoral program requires course work in the life sciences, physiological chemistry, statistics and advanced topics in exercise physiology. Graduate students collaborate with an exercise physiology faculty member to perform research in the areas of physical activity assessment, metabolism, the health benefits of exercise, and body composition assessment.

The physical activity and population health specialization (doctoral) involves an in-depth examination of the impact of regular physical activity on a variety of health outcomes. Students who pursue this specialization will explore various aspects of these relationships including epidemiological and statistical methodologies, mechanisms of action, and issues related to exercise adherence. Students will be expected to collaborate with faculty mentors on questions exploring the health and exercise relationship. Supporting course work in other departments (e.g., sport studies, nursing, statistics) may be required.

SPORT STUDIES

The primary focus of the sport studies program is on the organizational, psychological and sociological factors that permeate all levels of organized sport. The program is committed to the principles of diversity and social justice, the critical examination of sport in contemporary society, and the provision of positive sport and movement experiences for all people. We strive for excellence in research, teaching, practice, and service and are dedicated to providing superior and innovative programs of study that will enable our students to become effective and imaginative professionals, scholars, and citizens. The program offers three Master of Science concentrations and four PhD specializations.

The motor behavior doctoral specialization involves the study of theories of motor control and learning, research regarding the factors that influence motor performance and learning, and the application of principles of motor control and skill learning to a variety of movement settings. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate motor behavior research, conduct independent scholarly activity, and prepare for a career as a university faculty member.

The sport management master’s concentration and doctoral specialization involves the study of sport organizations and the application of management theory and principles to a variety of sport endeavors. Students learn a combination of skills related to the planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating of any organization or department for which the primary product or service is sport related. Sport management has been a formally recognized degree program since 1983, providing students with the cutting-edge knowledge necessary for a successful career in the sport industry. The standard curriculum offers students a unique combination of course work and practicum experience in both the public and private sector. Graduates obtain positions in collegiate and other amateur sport settings as well as in professional sport.

The master’s sport psychology concentration and doctoral specialization involve the study of psychological theory, systematic research of both a quantitative and qualitative nature, and the application of psychological concepts to the performance and learning of sport skills in both competitive and recreational settings. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to critically examine the literature in sport psychology and to provide psychological assistance for sport performers in a variety of forms (e.g., mental training, injury rehabilitation, skill refinement, stress management, etc.). The majority of graduates of the sport psychology master’s concentration obtain positions in teaching, coaching, athletic training, and strength and conditioning when they finish their degrees. The remaining students apply for PhD programs after completing master’s degree requirements and aspire to careers as faculty members at the university level. The majority of PhD students obtain university faculty positions after completing their degrees. However, some obtain positions as full-time mental training consultants in university athletic departments or privately owned sport psychology businesses.

The master’s sport sociology concentration and doctoral specialization are concerned with socio-cultural issues in sport and the way in which sport interacts with social aspects of life, with a focus on inclusion and diversity. This area also explores the social institutions of media, politics, religion, and education in relation to sport, as well as the historical development of sport. The majority of graduates of the sport sociology  master’s concentration continue their education at the doctoral level. However, some work in teaching/coaching positions in interscholastic and intercollegiate sports. The majority of PhD students pursue careers as faculty in higher education after completing their degrees. However, some have obtained positions outside of academia, for example in diversity services for major corporations.

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