COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s degree in Kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire is a structured 30-credit graduate program designed to prepare students for advanced professional roles in exercise science, sport studies, and related health and performance fields. Students begin by completing a core requirement in graduate-level statistics, choosing either Introduction to Statistics: Inquiry, Analysis, and Decision Making (EDUC 881) or Data Analysis and Statistics (SW 962), which provides essential quantitative skills for research and applied practice. From there, students select a concentration in either Exercise Science or Sport Studies, each offering specialized training aligned with distinct career paths. The Exercise Science track includes foundational and advanced coursework such as Research Methods in Kinesiology (KIN 870), Advanced Research in Exercise Science (KIN 896), and additional electives in areas like biomechanics, exercise metabolism, cardiopulmonary physiology, electrocardiography, neurology, and strength training. These courses prepare students for careers in clinical exercise settings, rehabilitation, athletic performance, and health sciences by emphasizing physiology, human movement, and applied laboratory skills. The Sport Studies track focuses on the social, organizational, and psychological aspects of sport and includes courses such as Athletic Administration, Social Issues in Contemporary Sports, Sport Marketing, Coaching, and Sport Psychology, along with supporting electives tailored to student interests. Students complete their degree through one of three pathways: a thesis plan involving 6 credits of independent research and an oral defense, a non-thesis plan requiring advanced coursework and applied study credits, or an advanced research plan that emphasizes independent investigation and presentation in exercise science. Across all options, students develop analytical, research, and leadership skills through classroom learning, laboratory work, and applied experiences. The program ultimately prepares graduates for careers in healthcare, sport organizations, fitness and wellness industries, or further doctoral-level study.The Adapted Physical Education (APE) option at the University of New Hampshire is a graduate program designed to prepare professionals to support students with disabilities in accessing and succeeding in K–12 physical education settings through individualized instruction, assessment, and inclusive programming. The program requires a minimum of 32 credits combining coursework, field-based learning, and a culminating capstone experience in either a research thesis or an applied research project. Students begin with a required foundation in research methods, selecting from courses such as Research Methods in Recreation Management and Policy (RMP 992), Research Evaluation and Data-Driven Decisions (RMP 824), or Research Methods in Kinesiology (KIN 870), which develop the analytical and evidence-based skills needed for professional practice. Core specialization courses include Introduction to Adapted Physical Education or Adapted Physical Education Service Delivery Models, followed by Adapted Physical Education Connecting Research to Practice, which bridges theory with practical application in school and community settings. Additional required coursework includes Advanced Assessment in Adapted Physical Activity, which focuses on evaluating student needs and abilities, and courses in adaptive sport facilitation or therapeutic recreation service delivery, which prepare students to design inclusive physical activity programs. Students also complete coursework in disability and inclusive education, such as Introduction to Disability in Inclusive Schools and Communities or Special Education Law, ensuring an understanding of legal, ethical, and educational frameworks. Supporting electives allow students to deepen their expertise in areas such as inclusive education planning, behavior supports, social justice in education, coaching, assistive technology, and community collaboration. Courses like Advanced Studies provide additional flexibility for specialization. Overall, the program integrates research, pedagogy, policy, and applied practice to prepare graduates for careers as adapted physical educators, inclusion specialists, or related professionals working in schools and community-based settings supporting individuals with disabilities.