Kinesiology

The Master of Science in Kinesiology is designed for students who are interested in the study of the art and science of kinesiology pertaining to sociological, psychological, pedagogical, physiological and neuromechanical factors underlying the responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise and performance.

Graduate Program Philosophy

Mission

The mission of the graduate program in the Department of Kinesiology is:

1. To provide opportunities for advanced study in kinesiology, leading to enhanced expertise in the student’s area of professional endeavor and/or preparation for further graduate work.
2. To provide experience in planning and conducting a research or a professional project.

Goals

The goals of the master’s degree program in Kinesiology are to:

1. Conduct research, and other scholarly and creative activity, to build and enhance the body of knowledge in kinesiology.
2. Enhance the scholarly and professional development of our graduate students.
3. Enrich the research and other scholarly and creative efforts through mentoring and collaborative experiences with colleagues in the department, college and University.
4. Apply research, student projects and other scholarly and creative activity in service to the community where appropriate.

A. Admission Requirements

In addition to University requirements, the Department of Kinesiology requires:

1. GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 units of undergraduate work (with a 3.0 GPA preferred).
2. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with scores submitted as part of the application (i.e., prior to admission).
3. Submission of the following, addressed to the department’s graduate coordinator:
   1. Three letters of recommendation.
   2. Statement of intent discussing the applicant’s interests and goals as they relate to a graduate degree in Kinesiology.

B. Admission to Classified Status

Students must be admitted to classified status prior to completion of more than 12 units of graduate coursework. Admission to classified graduate status in the program requires:

1. Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology or a related field, or completion of department course prerequisite requirements. The department prerequisites are the same for both options, and they include courses in statistics, anatomy, physiology and equivalents to two of the following six CSUN courses: KIN 305, KIN 306, KIN 345, KIN 346, KIN 377, KIN 477, after consultation with the graduate coordinator. In satisfying the course prerequisite requirements, each course must be completed with a grade of “B” or higher and must be completed prior to beginning the Kinesiology graduate program.
2. Passing score (8 or above) on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam.
3. For students with an overall undergraduate GPA below 3.0, a score at or above the 50th percentile on at least one of the three sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
4. Submission of a Request for Classification form approved by the department graduate coordinator.

C. Degree Requirements

In addition to maintaining an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in all courses taken toward the master’s degree, students must complete KIN 605 (Research Methods and Design) and either KIN 610 (Quantitative Analysis of Research in Kinesiology) or KIN 612 (Qualitative Research Design) with a grade of “B” or higher in each.

1. Required Courses (15 units)

2. Electives (12 units)

Students can take elective courses in various areas such as adapted physical activity, exercise science, dance, sport studies and pedagogy. Select from the following with approval of an advisor or thesis chair:

KIN 513/L Adapted Therapeutic Exercise: Assessment and Design and Lab (2/1)
KIN 520 Seminar in Coaching the Modern Athlete (3)
KIN 560 Clinical EKG and Exercise Stress Testing (3)
KIN 575/L Biomechanical Analysis Techniques and Lab (2/1)
KIN 579 Advanced Studies in Human Motor Behavior (3)
KIN 603 Seminar in Pedagogy of Kinesiology (3)
KIN 606 Seminar in Social Psychology of Sport (3)
KIN 607 Seminar in Sport and Performance History (3)
KIN 617 Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3)
KIN 619 Seminar in Dance Science (3)
KIN 626 Seminar in Philosophy of Sport and Performance (3)
KIN 643 Dance Performance Analysis (3)
KIN 645 Seminar in Biomechanics (3)
KIN 646 Seminar in Exercise Physiology (3)
KIN 647 Seminar in Adapted Physical Activity (3)
KIN 652 Seminar in Exercise Physiology of Skeletal Muscle (3)
KIN 679 Seminar in Motor Behavior (3)
KIN 695A-Z Experimental Topics Courses (1-3)
KIN 696A-C Directed Graduate Research (1-3)

A maximum of 9 units of 400-level courses may be applied toward the degree with an approval of an advisor or thesis chair.

3. Culminating Experience (6 units)

KIN 698C Thesis or Graduate Project (3-3)

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 33