College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Graduate Faculty
Brilla, Lorraine, PhD, exercise physiology/nutrition.
Chalmers, Gordon, PhD, motor control/learning.
Knutzen, Kathleen, PhD, biomechanics/kinesiology.
Martin, LeaAnn, PhD, pedagogy/elementary physical education/curriculum.
Mears, Derrick, PhD, pedagogy/secondary physical education/curriculum.
Row, Brandi, PhD, biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise physiology.
Suprak, David, PhD, motor development, biomechanics.
Vernacchia, Ralph, PhD, applied sport psychology.
Program Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Knutzen, CV 105 360-650-3055
Program Description
Graduate study leading to a Master of Science degree is offered in two areas: exercise science and sport psychology. The purpose of the program is to provide students with the technical and professional knowledge necessary for the assessment and improvement of human movement and performance. Students will be provided with information that will assist them in the design and implementation of programs that enhance human movement and performance. Through independent research and inquiry, students will solve problems associated with human movement and performance.
Goals
The educational mission of the program is to develop individuals who make informed decisions about exercise, human movement, and performance, that foster health and physically active lifestyles. To this end faculty are dedicated to quality teaching, scholarship and service.
Prerequisites
Kinesiology major/minor or equivalent courses from the exercise science, behavioral and cultural and professional activity areas are required prerequisites for the graduate program. An applicant to the exercise science program who does not have a major or minor must take the following equivalency courses: three courses from the exercise science area (KIN 306, 308, 309, 311, 312, 410, 413, 416), one behavioral and cultural foundations course (KIN 320, 321, 323), and two credits from the PE 100-level activity courses. An applicant to the sport psychology program who does not have a major or minor must take the following equivalency courses: two courses from the exercise science area (KIN 306, 308, 309, 311, 312, 410, 413, 416), two behavioral and cultural foundations courses (KIN 320, 321, 323), and two credits from the PE 100-level activity courses. Students applying to the sport psychology program must have a minimum of 15 credits in undergraduate psychology courses.
All applicants must have taken an introductory statistics course. These courses may be taken concurrently with graduate courses but must be completed before submitting a thesis proposal. Equivalent courses taken at other institutions may be applied.
Application Information
Admission: Program faculty will begin reviewing application materials after February 1 and will continue to review materials until the enrollment is reached or June 1, which ever comes first. Because maximum student enrollment in the exercise science and sport psychology programs is limited, all applicants are strongly encouraged to submit application materials by February 1. The exercise science area accepts students every year. For sport psychology, 3-5 applicants are accepted in the fall quarter of odd-numbered years.
Applicants to the sport psychology program are admitted based on specific qualifications that can be found on the department’s website.
Specific Test Requirements: Graduate Record Exam, General Test; applicants with advanced degrees are not required to submit GRE scores.
Deadlines: Please see Graduate School deadlines.
TA Deadlines: To receive full consideration for a graduate teaching assistantship, applicants should have their application materials submitted by February 1.
Supporting Materials:
- Students must submit a written statement of purpose outlining areas of interest, goals for graduate study and future career plans relating to the degree.
