The primary purposes of the program in kinesiology are to provide students with an understanding of basic research methodology; to acquaint students with the professional literature, trends and research being conducted in kinesiology; and to enable students to take electives in an area of interest, such as sport psychology, exercise physiology, health/fitness management and motor behavior.

Career opportunities for graduates are generally found in the private sector with health clubs, wellness centers, corporations, rehabilitation centers, athletic groups and other private groups; or within the teaching profession as teachers, coaches, athletic trainers and administrators.

Research

Current research in kinesiology includes the study of overtraining and burnout, mental health benefits of physical activity, and exercise and fitness in special populations. Other projects include the study of anxiety and motor performance, mental preparation strategies and maximum performance, central versus peripheral cardiovascular adjustments to exercise, measurement and evaluation of physical fitness, age and physical activity and fitness, sociological profiles of sport consumers, regional commercial sport development, gender-sport issues in the 21st century, job characteristics and work production of sport/fitness personnel, and professional preparation of high school and college teachers.

Financial support for the research programs comes from internal faculty research grants and instructional grants, as well as external funding agencies.

Master of Science

The Master of Science 36-hour degree includes a 15-hour core curriculum of courses in kinesiology. The student takes 21 hours of additional course work (which may include thesis) that allow development of an interest area such as sport psychology, exercise physiology, health/fitness management, motor behavior and sport sociology.