COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Kinesiology is a 30-unit graduate program designed to provide advanced academic and applied training in human movement, exercise science, sport, and physical activity. The program requires a minimum of 15 units at the 200-level and includes core research training courses that are required across all specializations. All students complete KIN 250 (Fundamentals of Quantitative Research, GWAR) and KIN 251 (Fundamentals of Qualitative Research, GWAR), which together provide a strong foundation in both statistical analysis and qualitative inquiry methods used in kinesiology research.Beyond the core requirements, students complete 18 units within a chosen specialization or individualized program of study. The individualized option allows students to design a flexible interdisciplinary pathway in consultation with an academic advisor, often supporting preparation for doctoral study or specialized professional roles. The Exercise Physiology specialization focuses on health, fitness, and clinical applications, including advanced physiology, environmental exercise science, and internship experience, with electives covering topics such as biomechanics, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and clinical assessment. The Movement Science specialization emphasizes biomechanics, motor development, and motor learning, integrating perspectives from neuroscience, psychology, and engineering to study human movement in sport and healthcare contexts. The Sport Management specialization develops leadership and administrative skills in sport organizations, covering areas such as marketing, finance, ethics, communication, and event management. The Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity specialization explores psychological, sociological, and cultural dimensions of sport, including sport psychology, sociology of sport, and critical studies of physical activity and identity.The program concludes with a 6-unit culminating experience, completed through either Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Project). Both options require an oral defense and allow students to demonstrate mastery of their specialization through independent research or applied professional work.Overall, the MS in Kinesiology provides a flexible yet rigorous graduate education that prepares students for careers in health and fitness industries, sport organizations, rehabilitation and clinical settings, and doctoral-level academic study.