Kinesiology, M.S.
The Master of Science in Kinesiology (MS-KIN) is designed to prepare highly knowledgeable and career-focused professionals for the dynamic and rapidly growing fields of exercise science, integrative wellness, sport management, and sport performance. The MS-KIN program develops graduates who integrate the current best research evidence with professional practice to solve relevant problems in the disciplines related to Kinesiology. Students collaborate with faculty and professional colleagues to improve outcomes in clients, patients, or business systems related to healthcare, sport, and fitness. Students will also gain advanced specialization and/or certification in a discipline of their choice through focused study in a concentration.
The MS-KIN is a 30-unit accelerated graduate program designed especially for professionals and recent graduates of a baccalaureate degree program. The program has a common core and the choice of a concentration. Upon completing the core, all students will choose from one of four areas of concentration: Exercise Science, Integrative Wellness, Sport Management, or Sport Performance.
The concentrations in Integrative Wellness and Sport Management are fully online tracks. The concentration in Integrative Wellness has 27 units of concentration requirements and 3 units of concentration electives. The concentration in Sport Management has 21 units of concentration requirements and 9 units of concentration electives.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the core curriculum of the MS-KIN, students will be able to:
- Appraise current research data in Kinesiology and integrate it into professional practice to solve relevant problems and make effective decisions.
- Work independently and with a team to persuasively communicate essential information in their discipline.
- Demonstrate appropriate breadth of knowledge of the background and principle research in their specialization in order to conduct an independent research project.
- Serve various populations, integrating compassionate care and the Christian faith with their professional practice.
- Pursue an active and growing involvement in their discipline by achieving advanced certification and/or membership in a related professional organization.
Upon completing an area of concentration, students are expected to attain the following outcomes:
Exercise Science
- Incorporate current best evidence to make effective decisions about the optimal care of patients and clients.
- Apply knowledge of the metabolic and physiologic benefits of exercise toward creating effective exercise interventions to treat and prevent metabolic diseases.
- Work with a team of colleagues to perform common laboratory assessments to determine health, fitness, and disease states in a series of patients.
Integrative Wellness (Online Program)
- Apply evidence-based coaching skills and behavior change strategies to facilitate meaningful lifestyle changes and improved health outcomes
- Collaborate with colleagues in a wide variety of settings to provide a whole-person approach to healthcare, health education, and health promotion
- Evaluate the influence of social determinants on health, healing, and well-being to inform the design and delivery of lifestyle interventions to prevent and treat chronic diseases.
Sport Management (Online Program)
- Demonstrate essential knowledge of basic management and prioritization principles in the business of sport.
- Work with a team of colleagues to construct and present an effective risk management plan and operating budget for a sport, fitness, or physical education setting.
- Develop technical knowledge, effective leadership, and decision-making skills related to sport management.
Sport Performance
- Integrate clinical experience with the use of the current best evidence to make effective decisions about the optimal care of patients and clients.
- Develop and apply technical knowledge in sports performance and/or sports medicine through direct patient care and client interaction that improves health outcomes.
- Work with a team of colleagues to construct and present a critical appraisal of a current topic to enhance professional practice in sport performance.
Program Eligibility
To be reviewed for acceptance into this program, the following must be in place:
- Completed application for admission to the PLNU Graduate programs and Master of Science in Kinesiology program, including a $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Personal essay that describes why the candidate desires to participate in the Master of Science in Kinesiology and outlines professional goals for the future
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution, as evidenced on an official transcript with a posted degree.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.000 or higher.
- Two references (e.g., professors or employers ) who have current knowledge of the applicant’s character, academic ability, and professional potential.
- Special Undergraduate course prerequisites:
- Exercise Science concentration - courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology and Exercise Physiology
- Integrative Wellness (online program) - no prerequisite courses are required. However, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in a health, wellness or fitness related program OR a non-health related baccalaureate degree and a reputable health, fitness, or wellness certification (or equivalent) and a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience in the field of health, wellness, or fitness is required.
- Sport Management (online program) - no prerequisite courses are required. However, students enrolling in elective courses in the Fermanian School of Business will need to meet any prerequisites for those courses.
- Sport Performance concentration - Human Anatomy and Physiology; BOC-Certified Athletic Trainers or Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (NSCA) will be looked upon favorably for graduate assistantships.
Concentrations
- Exercise Science
- Integrative Wellness Online Program
- Sport Management Online Program
- Sport Performance
Exercise Science Concentration
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| KIN 6000 | Foundations in Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN 6005 | Research Methods | 3 |
| KIN 6010 | Evidence-Based Practice and Decision Making in Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN 6060 | Directed Readings | 1 |
| KIN 6088 | Internship or Practicum in Kinesiology (or Approved Elective) | 1-3 |
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | 2 | |
| Research Project Seminar in Kinesiology (if choosing Thesis or Capstone Project) | ||
| Seminar in Kinesiology (if choosing Comprehensive Exam) | ||
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | 0-3 | |
| Comprehensive Examination | ||
| Capstone Project | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| KIN 6025 | Special Topics in Health, Well-Being, Exercise, and Sports Science | 3 |
| KIN 6036 | Clinical Exercise Testing and Interpretation | 3 |
| KIN 6046 | Clinical Exercise Physiology and Metabolism | 3 |
| KIN 6056 | Clinical Exercise Prescription | 3 |
| Total Units | 25-30 | |
Integrative Wellness Online Program Concentration
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KIN 6007 | Research Methods and Statistics for Health Professionals | 1 |
| KIN 6010 | Evidence-Based Practice and Decision Making in Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN 6017 | Lifestyle Medicine and Integrative Health | 3 |
| KIN 6019 | Health Equity and Social Justice | 3 |
| KIN 6027 | Behavior Change Models, Methods, and Theories | 3 |
| KIN 6037 | Exercise and Nutrition for Health and Healing | 3 |
| KIN 6047 | Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching | 3 |
| KIN 6059 | Devising Well-Being Projects and Initiatives | 1 |
| KIN 6077 | Advanced Health and Wellness Coaching | 2 |
| KIN 6087 | Mind-Body Medicine | 3 |
| KIN 6096 | Lifestyle Medicine Board Review | 0 |
| KIN 6097 | Capstone Project in Integrative Wellness | 2 |
| Elective Courses | 3 | |
| Choose three (3) units from the following: | ||
| Special Topics in Health, Well-Being, Exercise, and Sports Science | ||
| Sport and Exercise Nutrition for Peak Performance | ||
| Lifestyles of Longevity | ||
| Seminar in Kinesiology | ||
| Clinical Exercise Prescription | ||
| Wellness Entrepreneurship | ||
| Internship or Practicum in Kinesiology | ||
| Total Units | 30 | |
Sport Management Online Program Concentration
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KIN 6000 | Foundations in Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN 6011 | Managing Personnel, Facilities, and Events in Sports | 3 |
| KIN 6020 | Marketing, Promotion, and Public Relations in Sports | 3 |
| KIN 6025 | Special Topics in Health, Well-Being, Exercise, and Sports Science | 3 |
| KIN 6030 | Leadership in Sports | 3 |
| KIN 6040 | Finance and Economics of Sports | 3 |
| KIN 6051 | Seminar in Kinesiology | 2 |
| KIN 6060 | Directed Readings | 1 |
| Elective Courses 1,2 | 6-9 | |
| Organizational Behavior | ||
| Global Business and Leadership | ||
| Agile Project Management | ||
| Evidence-Based Practice and Decision Making in Kinesiology | ||
| Special Topics in Health, Well-Being, Exercise, and Sports Science | ||
| Wellness Entrepreneurship | ||
| Sport and Tactical Strength and Conditioning | ||
| Disruptive Health Technologies | ||
| Internship or Practicum in Kinesiology | ||
| Strategic Leadership | ||
| Culminating Experience | 3 | |
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | ||
| Comprehensive Examination (+ Elective) | ||
| Capstone Project | ||
| Total Units | 30-33 | |
- 1
A minimum of six (6) units required if choosing Capstone Project.
- 2
A minimum of nine (9) units required if choosing Comprehensive Exam.
Sport Performance Concentration
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| KIN 6000 | Foundations in Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN 6005 | Research Methods | 3 |
| KIN 6010 | Evidence-Based Practice and Decision Making in Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN 6060 | Directed Readings | 1 |
| KIN 6088 | Internship or Practicum in Kinesiology (or Approved Elective) | 1-3 |
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | 2 | |
| Research Project Seminar in Kinesiology (if choosing Thesis or Capstone Project) | ||
| Seminar in Kinesiology (if choosing Comprehensive Exam) | ||
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | 0-3 | |
| Comprehensive Examination | ||
| Capstone Project | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| ANA 6002 | Gross Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System (or Approved Elective) | 3 |
| KIN 6015 | Biomechanical and Neurological Basis of Human Movement | 3 |
| KIN 6035 | Advanced Practice in Movement Interventions and Corrective Exercise | 3 |
| KIN 6065 | Sport and Tactical Strength and Conditioning (or Approved Elective) | 3 |
| Total Units | 25-30 | |
Graduation Requirements
In order to earn and receive a Master of Science in Kinesiology degree, a student must satisfy all of the following:
- Successful completion of all core requirements, an area of concentration, and the project or thesis.
- A completed application for degree candidacy conveyed to the Office of Records.
- Payment in full of all tuition, fees, and other financial obligations owed to the university, including a degree processing fee, and
- All requirements completed within five years from the time of initial enrollment.