Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Kinesiology Major, MS


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Kinesiology is an academic discipline that involves the study of human movement, especially the role of physical activity and its impact on health, human performance, society, and quality of life. Three concentrations are offered at the master’s level: (1) Exercise Physiology, (2) Biomechanics, and (3) Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior. The study of kinesiology can lead to a variety of careers in teaching, research, and delivery of services. These careers are usually related to physical activity, fitness, health promotion, rehabilitation, sports medicine, athletic training, coaching, and sport psychology consulting. Positions are found in a variety of settings including schools, colleges and universities, public and private agencies, clinical environments, government, business and the military.

Concentrations (Required) and Options Available

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures

  • Applicants are required to complete the online application found on the Office of Graduate Admissions website
  • Applications from persons who have less than a 3.00 GPA will, in general, not be considered.

Academic Standards

  • The following retention policy applies to all graduate students seeking a degree in the department.
    • Graduate students are required to maintain an overall 3.00 graduate 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 graduate GPA remains below 3.00 for a second semester, the student will have his/her degree status revoked.

Biomechanics Concentration, Thesis Option

The biomechanics concentration (Master of Science) focuses on the mechanisms, prevention, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. The primary emphasis is on biomechanical considerations related to exercise and rehabilitation. Master’s students may elect to do a 6-credit thesis, which is recommended for those intending to pursue a doctorate in the field. Graduate students work with biomechanics faculty to pursue research in the areas of biomechanics of lower extremity function, footwear biomechanics, and the biomechanics of injury mechanisms and injury prevention.

Credit Hours Required

30 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-Course Requirements

  • Preparation of a written thesis and undergo an oral defense

Biomechanics Concentration, Project Option

Credit Hours Required

30 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-Course Requirements

  • Written comprehensive exam
  • Project report (presentation to project committee)

Biomechanics Concentration, Course Only with Comprehensive Exam

Credit Hours Required

30 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-course Requirements

  • Written comprehensive exam

Exercise Physiology Concentration, Thesis Option

The exercise physiology concentration (Master of Science) involves the study of the acute and chronic effects of exercise on the human body. Master’s students may elect to do a 6-credit hour thesis, which is recommended for those intending to pursue a doctorate in the field. 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.

Credit Hours Required

30 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-Course Requirements

  • Preparation of a written thesis and undergo an oral defense

Exercise Physiology Concentration, Project Option

Credit Hours Required

30 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-Course Requirements

  • Written comprehensive exam
  • Project report (presentation to project committee)

Exercise Physiology Concentration, Course Only with Comprehensive Exam Option

Credit Hours Required

30 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-Course Requirements

  • Written comprehensive exam

Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior Concentration, Thesis Option

The sport psychology and motor behavior concentration (Master of Science) involves the study of psychological theory relevant to the performance of sport and movement skills, systematic research of both a quantitative and qualitative nature, the application of psychological concepts to the performance and learning of physical activities in a variety of settings. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to critically examine the literature in sport psychology and motor behavior, provide psychological assistance for sport performers in a variety of forms (e.g., mental training, injury rehabilitation, skill refinement, stress management, etc.), and design evidence-based approaches for teaching movement skills. The majority of graduates of the sport psychology and motor behavior master’s concentration obtain positions in teaching, coaching, athletic training, and strength and conditioning when they finish their thesis. The remaining students apply for PhD programs after completing master’s degree requirements and aspire to careers as faculty members at the university level.

Credit Hours Required

30 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

  • Required Courses (9 credit hours)
  • KNS 500  (6 credit hours)
  • Additional Courses (6 credit hours) selected from the following
  • Other Graduate Courses (9 credit hours)
    • Additional graduate courses may be selected from either Kinesiology or other departments, with the advisor’s approval.

Additional Course Requirements

  • In addition, if a student takes any 400-level classes listed in the Graduate Catalog, the student must consult with the instructor regarding the additional class requirements needed to earn graduate credit.

Non-Course Requirements

  • Preparation of a written thesis and undergo an oral defense

Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior Concentration, Course Only with Comprehensive Exam Option

Credit Hours Required

30 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

  • Required Courses (9 credit hours)
  • Additional Courses (6 credit hours) selected from the following
  • Other Graduate Courses (15 credit hours)
    • Additional graduate courses may be selected from either Kinesiology or other departments, with the advisor’s approval.

Additional Course Requirements

  • In addition, if a student takes any 400-level classes listed in the Graduate Catalog, the student must consult with the instructor regarding the additional class requirements needed to earn graduate credit.

Non-Course Requirements

  • This option, which consists of 30 graduate credit hours and a written comprehensive exam, is designed for graduates seeking positions as practitioners (e.g., teachers, coaches, athletic trainers, etc.).

 

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