Kinesiology
Department Head: Dr. JohnEric W. Smith
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Adam Knight
299-9 Morrill Road
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Telephone: 662-325-2963
Website: kinesiology.msstate.edu
Master of Science in Kinesiology
The Master of Science program offers four concentrations: Exercise Physiology, Sport Administration, Sport Pedagogy, and Disability Studies. The concentration in Exercise Physiology prepares students for careers in fitness and allied health care professions. The concentration in Sport Administration prepares students for careers in the sport industry, including positions with professional, collegiate, and recreational sport organizations. The concentration in Sport Pedagogy prepares students for leadership roles as coaches and physical educators. Initial license in Physical Education and Coaching is required for the Sports Pedagogy concentration. The concentration in Disability Studies prepares students for careers in physical activity promotion for persons with disabilities. These concentrations also prepare students for advanced study at the doctoral level.
Admission Criteria
The following items are required in applying to the master’s programs in the Department of Kinesiology. The application portal can be found online at the Mississippi State University Graduate School website:
- A completed MSU Graduate School application form
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended since high school
- Three professional letters of recommendation. Ideally, the individuals writing the letters should be in a position to specifically comment about the applicant's academic ability--work ethic, and potential for success in graduate program. At least two letters should come from academic sources (professor, instructor, advisor, lecturer).
- A written statement of purpose, which should reflect a strong sense of career direction and highlight the applicant’s qualifications, skills, and professional experience. The statement of purpose be directly related to the applicant's research interests.
- A résumé or curriculum vitae
Admission is a competitive process. Positions within the programs are limited, and more individuals may apply than are able to be accepted. Competitive applicants will have a GPA of 3.00 or better in their final 60 undergraduate hours as well as a strong statement of purpose and positive letters of recommendation.
An international student applying for admission must score a minimum of 550 PBT (79 iBT) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) in addition to meeting all other admission criteria.
Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology
The Doctor of Philosophy programs offers two concentrations: Exercise Science and Sport Studies. The degree is a research-focused program designed to prepare professionals with the cognitive and research skills needed to be productive scholars. The focus of the Exercise Science concentration is the scientific study of how biological systems function during physical activity, exercise and sports, emphasizing applications to both clinical and healthy populations. The Sport Studies concentrations involves studying sport from an interdisciplinary perspective, encompassing the fields of sport management, sport pedagogy, sport philosophy, and sport sociology, among others.
Admission Criteria
Prior to formally applying to the doctoral program, students should familiarize themselves with the research interests of graduate faculty members in the Department of Kinesiology and identify a faculty member whose research agenda aligns with their interests. A prospective applicant should then contact that faculty member to discuss their "fit" with the faculty member's research interests. If possible, prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the MSU campus. When an informal understanding is reached regarding the student's suitability to enter the doctoral program under the guidance of the faculty member, the student may then formally apply to the Graduate School. This does not guarantee a student admission to the doctoral program, but it is a necessary step prior to the formal application.
The following items are required to formally apply to the doctoral degree programs in the Department of Kinesiology:
- A completed MSU Graduate School application form
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended since high school; students must have completed a master's degree prior to being admitted to the doctoral program
- Three professional letters of recommendation; at least two letters should be from university professors from whom the student has taken courses or worked with in a research capacity that can speak directly about their academic ability, research ability, and potential for success in a doctoral program.
- A written statement of purpose, which should clearly explain the applicant's research interests and highlight how these interests align with faculty members in the department, particularly the faculty member who the applicant wishes to serve as their advisor
- An academic writing sample (e.g., a published research article, thesis, or other academic paper)
- A curriculum vitae
An international student applying for admission must score a minimum of 550 PBT (79 iBT) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) in addition to meeting all other admission criteria.
Application deadlines in the Department of Kinesiology are as follows:
| Fall admission (domestic) | August 1 |
| Fall admission (international) | May 1 |
| Spring admission (domestic) | December 1 |
| Spring admission (international) | October 1 |
| Summer admission (domestic) | May 15 |
| Summer admission (international) | March 1 |
Applications are reviewed periodically each semester, and applicants should generally expect to receive a reply within 30 days of the application deadline. Because of the competitive nature of admissions, it is recommended that individuals apply as far in advance of a deadline as possible. Students who wait until the late application deadline to apply may find there are no remaining spaces available in the program.
Academic Performance
Students in the Department of Kinesiology must meet University and College of Education academic performance requirements in order to remain in good standing. These requirements are found elsewhere in the Mississippi State University Graduate Catalog. Students are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with academic performance requirements.
Master’s Degree Completion Requirements
The Master of Science in Kinesiology degree requires a minimum of 33 hours of graduate credit. The student will develop, in cooperation with the major professor and other committee members, a program of study during the first semester in the program.
The student pursuing Option 1 (Thesis) is required to complete 6 credit hours of thesis work as part of the 33 required hours. A thesis committee, consisting of at least three graduate faculty members, including the student’s major professor and at least one more graduate faculty member from the Department of Kinesiology, must be established. Upon completion of the thesis, the student must provide copies for the department head, major professor, and committee members.
A student pursuing Option 2 or 3 (Non-Thesis) must successfully complete written comprehensive examinations prior to graduation. The student must be within 6 hours of graduation (coursework completion) or in the last semester of study and in good standing to be eligible to apply for comprehensive examinations.
Master of Science in Kinesiology with Exercise Physiology Concentration
| Research Core | 6 | |
| Research in Kinesiology | ||
| Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology | ||
| Exercise Physiology Core | 9 | |
| Advanced Exercise Physiology | ||
| Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology | ||
| Exercise Metabolism | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| Doping and Supplement Use in Sports | ||
| Environmental Exercise Physiology | ||
| Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise | ||
| Biomechanics of Human Movement | ||
| Occupational Physiology | ||
| Select one of the three following concluding options. 1 | 6 | |
| Option 1: Thesis (6 hours) | ||
KI 8000 | ||
| Option 2: Directed Individual Study (6 hours) | ||
| Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology | ||
Additional 3-hour course | ||
| Option 3: Internship (6 hours) | ||
| Internship | ||
Additional 3-hour course | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
- 1
Students who select the Thesis Option must pass a thesis defense. Students in the Directed Individual Study or Internship Option must pass a comprehensive examination.
Master of Science in Kinesiology with Sport Administration Concentration
| Research Core | 6 | |
| Research in Kinesiology | ||
| Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology | ||
| Sport Administration Core | 18 | |
| Sport Management | ||
| Funding of Sport | ||
| Sport Law | ||
| Sport Sponsorships | ||
| Event and Facility Management | ||
| Ethical Issues in Sport | ||
| Electives | 3 | |
| Graduate-level course subject to approval of graduate advisor. | ||
| Concluding Options | 6 | |
| Select one of the three following concluding options. 3 | ||
| Option 1: Thesis (6 hours) | ||
KI 8000 | ||
| Ooption 2: Directed Individual Study (6 hours) | ||
| Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology | ||
Additional 3-hour course | ||
| Option 3: Internship (6 hours) | ||
| Internship | ||
Additional 3-hour course | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
- 3
Student who select the Thesis Option must pass a thesis defense. Students in the Directed Individual Study or Internship Option must pass a comprehensive examination.
Master of Science in Kinesiology with Sport Pedagogy Concentration
| Research Core | 6 | |
| Research in Kinesiology | ||
| Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology | ||
| Sport Pedagogy Core | 12 | |
| Developing Coaching Expertise | ||
| Curriculum Construction in Physical Education | ||
| Seminar in Physical Education | ||
| Psychological Aspects of Sport | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Training Techniques for Exercise and Sport | ||
| Doping and Supplement Use in Sports | ||
| Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise | ||
| Biomechanics of Human Movement | ||
| Funding of Sport | ||
| Sport Law | ||
| Ethical Issues in Sport | ||
| Advanced Planning and Managing of Learning | ||
| Principles of Effective Instruction in Secondary Schools | ||
| Special Education in the Regular Classroom | ||
| Concluding Options | ||
| Select one of the three following concluding options 2 | 6 | |
| Option 1: Thesis (6 hours) | ||
KI 8000 | ||
| Option 2: Directed Individual Study (6 hours) | ||
| Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology | ||
Additional coursework | ||
| Option 3: Internship (6 hours) | ||
| Internship | ||
| Additional coursework | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
- 2
Students who select the Thesis Option must pass a thesis defense. Students in the Directed Individual Study or Internship Option must pass a comprehensive examination.
Master of Science in Kinesiology with Disability Studies Concentration
| Research Core | 6 | |
| Research in Kinesiology | ||
| Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology | ||
| Disabilities Study Core | 12 | |
| Disability, Physical Activity and Health | ||
| Exercise Management for Persons with Disabilities | ||
| Motor Behavior in Special Populations | ||
| Postural and Locomotor Rehabilitation | ||
| Disability Supporting Area | 6 | |
| Students should select 2 courses from the following list in consultation with their advisors. Students interested in Assistive Technology may take only one of the following courses towards the degree: EDX 6353 or COE 6353. | ||
| Introduction to Teaching Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | ||
| Adaptations for Students with Physical/Multiple Disabilities. | ||
| Assistive Technology in Special Education | ||
| Assistive Technology in the Rehabilitation Process | ||
| Psychological Aspects of Disability | ||
| Medical Aspects of Disability | ||
| Electives | 3 | |
| Students should select one elective course in consultation with their advisors. This course should be chosen in a way that fits the intests and career goals of each student. The following is a list of acceptable electives from diverse areas such as Special Education, Counselor Education, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Physical Education, and Sport Studies. Students may pursue other electives not listed below with the approval of their advisor and advisory committee. Students should be aware that prerequisites or restrictions may apply to some courses. Students interested in Assistive Technology may take only one of the following courses towards the degree: EDS 6353 or COE 6353. | ||
| Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology | ||
| Exercise Metabolism | ||
| Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise | ||
| Biomechanics of Human Movement | ||
| Principles and Methods of Secondary School Health and Physical Education | ||
| School Health Education | ||
| Curriculum Construction in Physical Education | ||
| Sport Law | ||
| Event and Facility Management | ||
| Ethical Issues in Sport | ||
| Concluding Options 1 | 6 | |
| Select one of the three following options. | ||
| Option 1 Thesis | ||
KI 8000 | ||
| Option 2: Directed Individual Study | ||
| Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology | ||
Additional coursework approved by advisor (this additional coursework excludes KI 7000) | ||
| Option 3: Internship | ||
| Internship | ||
Additional coursework approved by advisor (this additional coursework excludes KI 7000) | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
- 1
Students who select the Thesis Option must pass a thesis defense. Students in the Directed Individual Study or Internship Option must pass a comprehensive examination.
Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology with Exercise Science Concentration
| College of Education Required Course: University Instruction | 3 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction in Higher Education | ||
| Major Required Courses | ||
| Research Methods and Statistics (Select four courses, at least 12 hours, from the list) | 12 | |
| Nonparametric Methods | ||
| Statistical Methods | ||
| Design and Analysis of Experiments | ||
| Regression Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Survey Sampling | ||
| Advanced Design of Experiments I | ||
| Advanced Design of Experiments II | ||
| Directed Research | ||
| KI 7000 | Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology | 3 |
| KI 9000 | Research in Kinesiology | 21 |
| Exercise Science Concentration Requirements | 3 | |
| Doctoral Seminar in Exercise Science | ||
| Departmental Cognate (choose 12 hours from the following with approval of supervisory committee) | 12 | |
| Advanced Exercise Physiology | ||
| Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology | ||
| Doping and Supplement Use in Sports | ||
| Exercise Metabolism | ||
| Environmental Exercise Physiology | ||
| Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise | ||
| Biomechanics of Human Movement | ||
| Occupational Physiology | ||
| Disability, Physical Activity and Health | ||
| Postural and Locomotor Rehabilitation | ||
| Exercise Management for Persons with Disabilities | ||
| Motor Behavior in Special Populations | ||
| Outside Electives | 9 | |
| Students choose a cognate field of study from an appropriate science-related discipline outside of the Department of Kinesiology. Choice of courses must be approved by the Supervisory Committee. Students may elect to take 3 additional credit hours to fulfill the requirements for a 12-hour minor in a specific area. | ||
| Total Hours | 63 | |
Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology with Sport Studies Concentration
| College of Education Required Course: University Instruction | 3 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction in Higher Education | ||
| Major Required Courses | ||
| Research Methods and Statistics (Select four courses, at least 12 hours, from the list) | 12 | |
| Nonparametric Methods | ||
| Statistical Methods | ||
| Design and Analysis of Experiments | ||
| Regression Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Survey Sampling | ||
| Advanced Design of Experiments I | ||
| Advanced Design of Experiments II | ||
| Students in the Sport Studies Concentration may take the following two courses and two others from the above list for their 12 hours of research and statistics: | ||
| Ethnographic Methods | ||
| Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education | ||
| Directed Research | ||
| KI 7000 | Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology | 3 |
| KI 9000 | Research in Kinesiology | 21 |
| Sport Studies Concentration Requirements | 3 | |
| Doctoral Seminar in Sports Studies | ||
| Departmental Cognate (12 credit hours from the following list with approval of supervisory committee) | 12 | |
| Developing Coaching Expertise | ||
| Curriculum Construction in Physical Education | ||
| Seminar in Physical Education | ||
| Psychological Aspects of Sport | ||
| Gender and Sport | ||
| Sport Management | ||
| Funding of Sport | ||
| Sport Law | ||
| Sport Sponsorships | ||
| Event and Facility Management | ||
| Ethical Issues in Sport | ||
| Disability, Physical Activity and Health | ||
| Outside Electives | 9 | |
| Students choose a cognate field of study from an appropriate discipline outside the Department of Kinesiology. Choice of courses must be approved by the supervisory committee. Students may elect to take 3 additional credit hours to fulfill the requirement for a minor in a specific area. | ||
| Total Hours | 63 | |
EP 6153 Training Techniques for Exercise and Sport: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in EP 3304). Three hours lecture. Training techniques used for exercise and sport and their acute and chronic effects
EP 8243 Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: EP 3304 or equivalent).Three hours lecture. Advanced principles of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology,with special emphasis on the physiological responses of these systems to acute and chronic exercise
EP 8253 Doping and Supplement Use in Sports: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: EP 3304 or equivalent, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Examination of the pharmacological and nutritional agents used to enhance muscular development and athletic performance. Examination of commonly abused recreational drugs
EP 8263 Exercise Metabolism: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:EP 3304) Three hour lecture. An advanced review of exercise metabolism with special emphasis on aerobic processes during muscular effort
EP 8283 Environmental Exercise Physiology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: EP 3304). Three hours lecture.Advanced principles and applications in exercise physiology including responses to acute exercise and chronic training in the heat, cold, and at high and low pressures
EP 8443 Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: EP 3304 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Overview of the neural processes associated with movement with the major focus being the adaptation of the human muscular system to exercise
EP 8453 Biomechanics of Human Movement: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite :EP 3233 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Overview of biomechanical principles/laws and their application to human movements (sport techniques and daily activities)
KI 6990 Special Topics in Kinesiology: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
KI 7000 Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology: 1-9 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
KI 8303 Research in Kinesiology: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Study of the methods and techniques used in kinesiology research. During the course of the semester students prepare a research proposal
KI 8313 Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Statistical interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data in the various disciplines of kinesiology
KI 8710 Internship: 3-6 hours.
Opportunity for practical experience in the sport industry, fitness/wellness programs, or clinical rehabilitation settings
KI 8913 Doctoral Seminar in Exercise Science: 3 hours.
Three hours seminar. Discussions using current research literature in exercise science with in-depth analyses of selected research from exercise physiology, integrative kinesiology, and biobehavioral kinesiology
KI 8923 Doctoral Seminar in Sports Studies: 3 hours.
Three hours seminar. Discussions on current research literature in sport studies with in-depth analyses of selected research from the sport industry and cultural, social and historical studies
KI 8990 Special Topics in Kinesiology: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PE 6883 School Health Education: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education). Three hours lecture. Preparation for prospective teachers in planning, implementing, and evaluating all aspects of comprehensive school health education
PE 8163 Seminar in Physical Education: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. The course gives a complete review of current literature in Physical Education
SS 6403 Gender and Sport: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An exploration of how ideologies and inequalities related to gender may be constructed, perpetuated, and/or challenged in and through sport. (Same as GS 4403/6403)
SS 8123 Sport Management: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Study of principles, problems, human relationships, and procedures in supervision in sports administration. Involves theories of leadership, programs, and philosophies in the sport industry
SS 8203 Funding of Sport: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Overview of fiscal management concepts in the sport and recreation industries, including finance, economics, accounting, and general business practices
SS 8823 Sport Sponsorships: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An examination of the uniqueness of the sport sponsorships and importance of the effective advancement and visibility of the sport brand and positioning
SS 8833 Event and Facility Management: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. The principles and applications of management, design, and maintenance concepts as they apply to indoor and outdoor events and facilities
SS 8883 Ethical Issues in Sport: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Philosophical exploration in the recognition, analysis, and implementation of ethical thought and the ethical decision making process within the multivalued contexts of the sports industry
KI 9000 Research in Kinesiology: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
Graduate study is offered in the Department of Kinesiology leading to the Master of Science degree (concentrations in Disability Studies, Exercise Physiology, Sport Pedagogy, and Sport Administration) and Doctor of Philosophy degree (concentrations in Exercise Science and Sport Studies). Graduate assistant teaching positions are available for Kinesiology students through a competitive application process. To secure additional information, contact the departmental Graduate Coordinator.