Kinesiology

Department Head: Dr. Stanley P. Brown
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Adam Knight
216 McCarthy Gym
Box 6186
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Telephone: 662-325-2963
Website: kinesiology.msstate.edu

Graduate study is offered in the Department of Kinesiology leading to the Master of Science degree (concentrations in Exercise Physiology, Sport Pedagogy, and Sport Administration) and Doctor of Philosophy degree (concentrations in Exercise Science and Sport Studies). Graduate assistant positions are available. To secure additional information, contact the departmental Graduate Coordinator.

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:

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 (e.g., former professors or advisors)
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
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 acceptable scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the GRE exam.

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 his/her "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. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores
4. 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
5. 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 his/her advisor
6. An academic writing sample (e.g., a published research article, thesis, or other academic paper)
7. 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:

Grad Application Deadlines

Semester	Date
Fall/Summer admission	March 1
Late Application Deadline for Fall admission	June 1
Spring admission	October 15

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
KI 8303	Research in Kinesiology
KI 8313	Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology
Exercise Physiology Core		9
EP 8203	Advanced Exercise Physiology
EP 8243	Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology
EP 8263	Exercise Metabolism
Electives
Select four of the following:		12
EP 8253	Doping and Supplement Use in Sports
EP 8283	Environmental Exercise Physiology
EP 8443	Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise
EP 8453	Biomechanics of Human Movement
EP 8503	Occupational Physiology
Select one of the three following concluding options. 1		6
Option 1: Thesis (6 hours)
KI 8000	Thesis Research/ Thesis in Kinesiology
Option 2: Directed Individual Study (6 hours)
KI 7000	Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology
Additional 3-hour course
Option 3: Internship (6 hours)
KI 8710	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
KI 8303	Research in Kinesiology
KI 8313	Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology
Sport Administration Core		18
SS 8123	Sport Management
SS 8203	Funding of Sport
SS 8803	Sport Law
SS 8823	Sport Sponsorships
SS 8833	Event and Facility Management
SS 8883	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	Thesis Research/ Thesis in Kinesiology
Ooption 2: Directed Individual Study (6 hours)
KI 7000	Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology
Additional 3-hour course
Option 3: Internship (6 hours)
KI 8710	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
KI 8303	Research in Kinesiology
KI 8313	Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology
Sport Pedagogy Core		12
PE 6533	Developing Coaching Expertise
PE 8113	Curriculum Construction in Physical Education
PE 8163	Seminar in Physical Education
PE 8203	Psychological Aspects of Sport
Electives
Select three of the following:		9
EP 6153	Training Techniques for Exercise and Sport
EP 8253	Doping and Supplement Use in Sports
EP 8443	Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise
EP 8453	Biomechanics of Human Movement
SS 8203	Funding of Sport
SS 8803	Sport Law
SS 8883	Ethical Issues in Sport
EDS 8243	Advanced Planning and Managing of Learning
EDS 8623	Principles of Effective Instruction in Secondary Schools
EDX 8173	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	Thesis Research/ Thesis in Kinesiology
Option 2: Directed Individual Study (6 hours)
KI 7000	Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology
Additional coursework
Option 3: Internship (6 hours)
KI 8710	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
KI 8303	Research in Kinesiology
KI 8313	Interpretation of Data in Kinesiology
Disabilities Study Core		12
KI 8603	Disability, Physical Activity and Health
KI 8553	Exercise Management for Persons with Disabilities
KI 8563	Motor Behavior in Special Populations
KI 8543	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.
EDX 6103	Introduction to Teaching Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
EDX 6623	Adaptations for Students with Physical/Multiple Disabilities.
EDX 6353	Assistive Technology in Special Education
COE 6353	Assistive Technology in the Rehabilitation Process
COE 8363	Psychological Aspects of Disability
COE 8373	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.
EP 8243	Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology
EP 8263	Exercise Metabolism
EP 8443	Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise
EP 8453	Biomechanics of Human Movement
PE 6163	Principles and Methods of Secondary School Health and Physical Education
PE 6883	School Health Education
PE 8113	Curriculum Construction in Physical Education
SS 8803	Sport Law
SS 8833	Event and Facility Management
SS 8883	Ethical Issues in Sport
Concluding Options 1		6
Select one of the three following options.
Option 1 Thesis
KI 8000	Thesis Research/ Thesis in Kinesiology
Option 2: Directed Individual Study
KI 7000	Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology
Additional coursework approved by advisor (this additional coursework excludes KI 7000)
Option 3: Internship
KI 8710	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
HED 8133	Curriculum and Instruction in Higher Education
Major Required Courses
Research Methods and Statistics (Select four courses, at least 12 hours, from the list)		12
ST 6213	Nonparametric Methods
ST 8114	Statistical Methods
ST 8214	Design and Analysis of Experiments
ST 8253	Regression Analysis
ST 8313	Introduction to Survey Sampling
ST 8853	Advanced Design of Experiments I
ST 8863	Advanced Design of Experiments II
Directed Research
KI 7000	Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology	3
KI 9000	Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Kinesiology	21
Exercise Science Concentration Requirements		3
KI 8913	Doctoral Seminar in Exercise Science
Departmental Cognate (choose 12 hours from the following with approval of supervisory committee)		12
EP 8203	Advanced Exercise Physiology
EP 8243	Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology
EP 8253	Doping and Supplement Use in Sports
EP 8263	Exercise Metabolism
EP 8283	Environmental Exercise Physiology
EP 8443	Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise
EP 8453	Biomechanics of Human Movement
EP 8503	Occupational Physiology
KI 8603	Disability, Physical Activity and Health
KI 8543	Postural and Locomotor Rehabilitation
KI 8553	Exercise Management for Persons with Disabilities
KI 8563	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
HED 8133	Curriculum and Instruction in Higher Education
Major Required Courses
Research Methods and Statistics (Select four courses, at least 12 hours, from the list)		12
ST 6213	Nonparametric Methods
ST 8114	Statistical Methods
ST 8214	Design and Analysis of Experiments
ST 8253	Regression Analysis
ST 8313	Introduction to Survey Sampling
ST 8853	Advanced Design of Experiments I
ST 8863	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:
AN 6143	Ethnographic Methods
EDF 9453	Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education
Directed Research
KI 7000	Directed Individual Study in Kinesiology	3
KI 9000	Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Kinesiology	21
Sport Studies Concentration Requirements		3
KI 8923	Doctoral Seminar in Sports Studies
Departmental Cognate (12 credit hours from the following list with approval of supervisory committee)		12
PE 6533	Developing Coaching Expertise
PE 8113	Curriculum Construction in Physical Education
PE 8163	Seminar in Physical Education
PE 8203	Psychological Aspects of Sport
SS 6403	Gender and Sport
SS 8123	Sport Management
SS 8203	Funding of Sport
SS 8803	Sport Law
SS 8823	Sport Sponsorships
SS 8833	Event and Facility Management
SS 8883	Ethical Issues in Sport
KI 8603	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