2024-25 Academic Catalog

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:

  1. A completed MSU Graduate School application form
  2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended since high school
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. A completed MSU Graduate School application form
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. An academic writing sample (e.g., a published research article, thesis, or other academic paper)
  6. 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 Core6
Research in Kinesiology
Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology
Exercise Physiology Core9
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. 16
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 Hours33
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 Core6
Research in Kinesiology
Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology
Sport Administration Core18
Sport Management
Funding of Sport
Sport Law
Sport Sponsorships
Event and Facility Management
Ethical Issues in Sport
Electives3
Graduate-level course subject to approval of graduate advisor.
Concluding Options6
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 Hours33
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 Core6
Research in Kinesiology
Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology
Sport Pedagogy Core12
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 26
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 Hours33
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 Core6
Research in Kinesiology
Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology
Disabilities Study Core12
Disability, Physical Activity and Health
Exercise Management for Persons with Disabilities
Motor Behavior in Special Populations
Postural and Locomotor Rehabilitation
Disability Supporting Area6
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
Electives3
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 16
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 Hours33
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 Instruction3
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 7000Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology3
KI 9000Research in Kinesiology21
Exercise Science Concentration Requirements3
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 Electives9
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 Hours63

Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology with Sport Studies Concentration

College of Education Required Course: University Instruction3
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 7000Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology3
KI 9000Research in Kinesiology21
Sport Studies Concentration Requirements3
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 Electives9
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 Hours63

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.