Master of Science in Kinesiology (Sport and Human Performance)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

The graduate program in Kinesiology focuses on Sport and Human Performance.

This program is designed to prepare students for success in their chosen professional careers within a variety of sport, exercise, recreation, and fitness settings by providing the highest quality educational experiences. This graduate degree is also appropriate for students planning to continue their training in doctoral programs at other institutions. The program is 100% online.

Please submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

  1. Graduate Admissions Application
  2. Application Fee
  3. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  4. Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
  5. Bachelor's degree with a major or minor in Kinesiology or a related field
  6. Applicants should have experience in coursework or related certifications in the following areas: motor learning, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and research, statistics, or technical writing
  7. Two recommendation letters
  8. Statement of intent/interest - This letter of intent should include the following:
  • Applicant's background
  • Undergraduate degree/classes/emphasis
  • Work experience
  • Research experience and interests
  • Purpose of applying for admittance

If unable to submit any of the above documents, prospective students should contact the Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator. Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may be conditionally admitted for one semester, pending approval from the Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator. Students admitted to the program on a conditional basis must complete a maximum of 6 graduate hours and earn a minimum of 3.0 GPA with no Cs in completed course work.

The mission of the Sport and Human Performance specialization is to advance students’ understanding of relationships among movement, exercise, and skill that occur in the contexts of development, learning, rehabilitation, and training. The Masters of Science in Kinesiology - Sport and Human Performance (SHP) track is focused on helping students apply exercise science concepts in clinical, commercial, and athletic settings. The SHP program uses foundational classes in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, and research to support the application of exercise principles to a wide variety of populations in various clinical and applied settings.

Per SHSU policy, graduate students may not earn more than one C in their coursework. A second earned C will result in termination from the program.

Plan 1 - MS in Kinesiology - Sport and Human Performance (Non-thesis)

Master of Science in Kinesiology Sport and Human Performance (Non-thesis option)
Specified Courses
KINE 5367Adv Physiology of Exercise3
KINE 5374Appld Rsrch Mthd-Kin & Spt Mgt3
KINE 5395Advanced Biomechanics3
KINE 5398Significance of Motor Learning3
Electives (12 credit hours) 1
Electives to meet 36 hours to be chosen from this list or as approved by the Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator.12
KINE 5368Research in Sport & Human Perf3
KINE 5372Youth Fitness3
KINE 5377Independent Studies3
KINE 5379Mgt Adult Fitness Programs3
KINE 5381Clinical Exercise Physiology3
KINE 5388Strength Training Principles3
KINE 5391Motor Control in Practice3
KINE 5390Exercise Science Lab Practicum3
KINE 5393Adv Studies in Psy of Sport3
KINE 5396Aerobic and Anaerobic Training3
KINE 5399Wksp Kin Recreation & Sport3
Students may choose to take up to 6 credit hours outside of the department. These outside electives must be approved by the Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator.
Total Hours36

Notes
Students must have Graduate Standing for all courses in the program.

Plan 2 - MS in Kinesiology-Sport and Human Performance (Non-thesis, Practicum)

Master of Science in Kinesiology Sport and Human Performance (Non-thesis option, Practicum)
Specified Courses
KINE 5367Adv Physiology of Exercise3
KINE 5374Appld Rsrch Mthd-Kin & Spt Mgt3
KINE 5395Advanced Biomechanics3
KINE 5398Significance of Motor Learning3
Electives (6 - 9 credit hours) 1
Electives to meet 36 hours to be chosen from this list or as approved by the Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator.
KINE 5372Youth Fitness3
Independent Studies
KINE 5379Mgt Adult Fitness Programs3
KINE 5388Strength Training Principles3
Exercise Science Lab Practicum
Adv Studies in Psy of Sport
KINE 5396Aerobic and Anaerobic Training3
Wksp Kin Recreation & Sport
Students may choose to take up to 6 credit hours outside of the department. These outside electives must be approved by the Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator.6
Practicum
KINE 5334Graduate Internship 23
KINE 5334Graduate Internship 23
Total Hours36

Notes
Students must have Graduate Standing for all courses in the program.

At the conclusion of the program, non-thesis students are required to pass a comprehensive examination covering content from select courses. The comprehensive examination can be taken when the student is within his/her final 6-hours of coursework and must be completed at least three weeks prior to the graduation date. Students must be enrolled during the semester in which the comprehensive examinations are taken.


Plan 3 - MS in Kinesiology - Sport and Human Performance (Thesis Option)

Master of Science in Kinesiology Sport and Human Performance (Thesis option)
Specified Courses
KINE 5367Adv Physiology of Exercise3
KINE 5372Youth Fitness3
KINE 5374Appld Rsrch Mthd-Kin & Spt Mgt3
KINE 5379Mgt Adult Fitness Programs3
KINE 5388Strength Training Principles3
KINE 5395Advanced Biomechanics3
KINE 5396Aerobic and Anaerobic Training3
KINE 5398Significance of Motor Learning3
Thesis
KINE 6098Thesis I 13
KINE 6099Thesis II 13
Total Hours30

Notes
Students must have Graduate Standing for all courses in program.

For a 30-hour program, a maximum of 6 hours of coursework can be transferred from another institution, or applied to the graduate program from an area of study outside of Kinesiology. Transferred coursework must be approved by the Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator. For any of the graduate degree options, only one independent study (KINE 5377) may be applied toward the coursework. Consult the graduate catalog for course descriptions. All coursework falling under one of these considerations must have the approval of the graduate coordinator for the program. Application of workshops (KINE 5399) is limited to 6 hours.

Those selecting the thesis option are required to successfully complete an oral defense of their research study. A successful thesis defense and approval for publication fulfill the comprehensive exams requirement for thesis students. Students must also maintain continuous enrollment in thesis courses until the thesis has been successfully completed. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for more details.

Students should consult the Academic Calendar for the established timeline for thesis defense and submission.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The MS in Kinesiology is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Advanced fitness program design.
  • Advanced content knowledge in research and areas of study including exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor learning.
  • Ability to understand and formulate theories and implement those into fitness and wellness practices. 
  • A solid research base of knowledge in sport and human performance related topics.
  • Ability to implement critical areas of human performance into fitness and wellness occupations.