Graduate Program

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The Graduate Program

The graduate program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science offers a course of study leading to a Master of Education in Kinesiology or a Master of Science in Athletic Training.

Missions

The mission of the Department’s Graduate Entry-Level Athletic Training Education Program (GATEP) is to provide a student-focused learning environment by introducing the athletic training student to various disciplines and applications in Allied Health professions in preparation for a career in Athletic Training and other related fields. Through this journey the Program is also committed to promoting personal development and growth to becoming competent and ethical professionals. For more information on the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program, please click here.

The mission of the Department's Graduate Program in Kinesiology is to prepare students for a variety of professional careers by providing a rigorous and dynamic curriculum that integrates classroom work and experiential learning opportunities.

Master of Education in Kinesiology Curriculum

Graduate courses are scheduled during the fall, spring, and summer semesters with both on-campus and commuter students in mind. The schedule of courses and projected course offerings are available from the department.

A Kinesiology major requires 30 semester hours in the thesis program and 36 semester hours, 12 of which can come from a minor area of study, in the non-thesis program. Graduate students who intend to continue their graduate studies beyond the master's degree are encouraged to elect the thesis program. Students entering the graduate program must take a common 12-hour core and then can select from two emphasis tracks (pedagogy and scientific foundations).

Core:

KIN 545 Current Trends and Issues in Physical Education and Recreation 3 hrs.

KIN 550 Introduction to Research in Health and Physical Education 3 hrs.

KIN 585 Research and Statistical Analysis in Health and Physical Education 3 hrs.

KIN 553 Physiology of Exercise 3 hrs.

Pedagogy Emphasis: Select 12 hours from the following courses.

KIN 511 Organization and Administration of Physical Education 3 hrs.

KIN 515 Adapted Physical Education 3 hrs.

KIN 520 Advanced Instructional Strategies in Physical Education 3 hrs.

KIN 525 Curriculum Construction in Physical Education 3 hrs.

KIN 562 Motor Learning 3 hrs.

Scientific Emphasis: Select 12 hours from the following courses.

KIN 502 Computer Videography 3 hrs.

KIN 540 Development of Nontraditional Fitness Programs 3 hrs.

KIN 560 Biomechanics 3 hrs.

KIN 562 Motor Learning 3 hrs.

KIN 565 The Role of Sports in Society 3 hrs.

KIN 568 Sport Psychology 3 hrs.

Thesis Option:

Students selecting the thesis option will complete the 12 hour core, a 12 hour emphasis track, and KIN 589 Thesis Research and 590 Thesis Writing for a 30 hour program. For steps in writing a thesis download the following document: Thesis Flow Chart

Non-Thesis Option:

Students selecting the non-thesis option will complete the 12 hour core, a 12 hour emphasis track, and 12 hours of approved electives or a 12 hour minor for a 36 hour program.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate teaching assistantships are available each academic year. The stipend for nine months is $9,225 plus medical insurance (at 50%). Graduate teaching assistants usually teach 3 classes and take 9-12 hours of course work. Assistantships carry out-of-state tuition waiver for the fall and spring semesters. Graduate assistants are required to pay in-state tuition and fees for all coursework. To inquire about the availability of graduate assistantships, contact Dr. Finkenberg, Chair.

Facilities

Research and learning facilities in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science include a fully equipped Human Performance Laboratory with bicycle ergometers, computerized treadmill, computerized metabolic analysis system, computerized blood pressure assessment and other equipment designed to conduct research and learning experiences in the area of exercise physiology. A Biomechanics Laboratory with a Peak 2D motion analysis system is also housed in the department. A networked computer laboratory is housed in the department and is available for student use.

The general physical education activity facilities are housed in the multi-million dollar Lucille Norton Health and Physical Education Complex and are considered to be among the finest.

Requirements for Admission

Students wishing to pursue a master's degree in physical education should have a bachelor's degree with a major or minor in kinesiology.

For clear admission into the graduate program an applicant must have an overall grade-point average of 2.5 and a grade-point average of 2.8 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, each on a 4.0 scale. For complete information regarding admission, see the graduate bulletin.

Admission Information: A candidate for graduate school must submit the following:

completed application form to the Graduate School
official transcript of academic work to the Graduate School

A Graduate Bulletin including an application for admission to the Graduate School may be obtained by writing to the Graduate School at

P.O. Box 13024
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3024

For further information, contact the Department of Kinesiology & Health Science.

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