Kinesiology Graduate Program Description
OVERVIEW
The Department of Kinesiology has assembled a nationally and internationally known group of faculty involved in the study of the importance of physical activity for an individual's physical, social and mental health. Our faculty is engaged in a wide variety of study; from the role of kinetics of muscle oxygen exchange in health and chronic heart failure to the contribution of physical inactivity to the development and maintenance of childhood obesity. Projects range from the use of animal models to study disease states to the testing of novel intervention programs designed to change the health of whole communities. The common theme that binds us together is the study of physical activity and health.
The Department of Kinesiology offers programs of study leading to the Master of Science degree. Students usually choose one of three emphasis tracks. The first is the Physiological Basis of Physical Activity (e.g. exercise physiology, pathophysiology). The second is Public Health Physical Activity Behavior (e.g. exercise psychology, physical activity epidemiology, physical activity promotion). Students completing this emphasis can seek certification by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Public Health Physical Activity Specialist. The third is Clinical Exercise Specialist. The emphasis in clinical Exercise Specialist encourages students to gain expertise in both physiological and behavioral issues related to physical activity promotion. In some instances, students choose to design programs that integrate all areas of focus. Individual programs are determined by the major professor, the student’s supervisory committee, and the student.
The department is also an active participant in the KSU Master of Public Health Program, a University interdepartmental program. Among other areas of emphasis, students can focus their studies on food safety, infectious diseases, human nutrition, physical activity, or a combination of nutrition and physical activity program. In addition, faculty from the kinesiology department participate in the doctoral (Ph.D.) programs housed in both the departments of Human Nutrition, and Anatomy and Physiology. This allows students the opportunity to earn a doctorate while working with one of our faculty members.
Research facilities
Graduate students are provided many opportunities to work and conduct research in laboratory, clinical, and community physical activity service settings. Physical Activity and Public Health Lab, Youth Health Behavior Research Laboratory, Kinesiology Social Epidemiology Laboratory and the Human Exercise Physiology Laboratories and the Cardiovascular and Thermal Physiology Lab are located within the Ahearn complex. The department’s Cardiorespiratory Exercise laboratory laboratories are housed within the Department of Anatomy and Physiology animal research facility, which is located at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Laboratories
Program strengths
The Kinesiology Faculty has emerged as a national leader in the science of health-related physical activity. Graduate education, research and service activities are supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health as well as private corporations and health foundations. Strong collaboration efforts with other academic units on campus such as the Departments of Anatomy and Physiology and Human Nutrition and the Masters in Public Health Program provide valuable research and applied professional preparation opportunities for students.
Financial support
Graduate research and teaching assistantships are available and are renewable for two years. Assignments include assisting with faculty research, teaching laboratory portions of kinesiology courses, and working in adult, corporate, and disease prevention and rehabilitation exercise programs. Applications for assistantships should be made as early as possible. Initial offers for the Fall semester are typically made by March 1. Graduate Assistantships
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION TO PROGRAM
I. Requirements for admission
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0 (the last 60 hours of undergraduate and/or graduate credit will be reviewed and must average 3.0 or higher).
Combined GRE score of 800 or better.
II. Application requirements
Students entering the Kinesiology graduate program must satisfy a minimum number of undergraduate competencies. These competencies are often satisfied with an undergraduate degree in kinesiology. Students without an undergraduate degree in kinesiology may be required to complete additional undergraduate coursework. A complete application file must be received by the Graduate Program Coordinator before the application can be reviewed by the Graduate Faculty for admission. The following items constitute a complete application:
Completed application for admission to the Graduate School (fill out online at: http://ww.k-state.edu/grad/gsprospective/apply/index.htm). REMEMBER to sign and send the signature page, the last page of the online application, to the Program Coordinator as part of your application.
Non-refundable application fee paid to Kansas State University and received by the Graduate School (pay online). Domestic and international fee amounts are posted on the Graduate School’s website. Note there is a different fee amount for domestic and international applicants.
Official record of the GRE scores sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Have scores sent to K-State #6334.
One official copy of transcripts from all universities attended.
Three letters of recommendation from former professors or employers that emphasize the applicant’s potential as a graduate student. Print a copy of the Letter of Recommendation form for each reference. Sign the top waiver portion before giving to them, and have them return the form by separate mail directly to the Graduate Coordinator at the address below.
A Narrative letter describing your objectives in pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology and plans for completion of the degree requirements. Please also indicate if you are more interested in the public health physical activity emphasis or the exercise physiology emphasis. See instructions for Narrative Statement of Objectives below.
For applicants whose native language is not English, an official record of the TOEFL score sent directly from ETS.
For international applicants only, a completed affidavit of financial support dated within nine months of desired entry date. Note that any substitute documentation other than the affidavit cannot be accepted.
III. Deadlines
Domestic students
There are no specific application deadlines for the graduate program. Students are admitted on a space available basis. Normally, the graduate program is limited to approximately 35 students or 4 students per faculty member. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to apply at least one semester in advance of enrollment (e.g. Spring semester application for Fall Semester enrollment). Graduate research assistantships are awarded each semester as grant funding is received. Graduate Teaching Assistantships are normally awarded for students starting the graduate program in the Fall semester. To assure full consideration for a graduate teaching assistantship beginning in the Fall Semester, students should have all application materials in by March 1.
International students
1 February – for Fall semester enrollment
1 August – for Spring semester enrollment
1 December – for Summer enrollment
IV. Narrative Statement of Objectives
Instructions: Prepare a typed narrative statement of two to three pages in length written in the style of a letter. Include the following:
Discuss why you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology, the strengths you have at the time of application for admission, and those areas in which you would like to increase your expertise, competencies, and personal development.
Outline your professional goals, both immediate and long-term.
Describe those experiences that have shaped your interest in kinesiology. Comment on your present area of emphasis or preference for an area of emphasis in either exercise physiology or physical activity public health behavior.
Describe the one academic experience that has meant the most to you in your educational career.
All materials should be sent to:
Dr.
Thomas Barstow
Graduate Coordinator
Department of
Kinesiology,
Natatorium 1A,
Kansas State University,
Manhattan, Kansas 66506.
GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The M.S. degree in kinesiology requires a minimum of 30 hours for students completing a master’s thesis option and 36 hours for students completing a course work option. The specific program of study, designed by the student and supervisory committee, is tailored to meet the individual needs and interests of the student. A maximum of 12 hours of supporting work in other departments may be applied toward the degree. All students are expected to demonstrate a depth and breadth of understanding of kinesiology in a written and/or oral final evaluation.
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HOURS |
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Core |
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Research Core 6 |
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KIN
815 Research Methods in Kinesiology |
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Kinesiology Core 6 |
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KIN
800 Advanced Physiology of Exercise |
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Total Core |
12 |
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Thesis Option |
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Support Work |
12 |
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Kinesiology courses 600 and above; and approved courses outside the department |
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Thesis |
6 |
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Total Thesis (Minimum) |
30 |
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Course Work Option |
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Core |
12 |
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Support Work |
24 |
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Kinesiology courses 600 and above; and approved courses outside the department |
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Total Course Work (Minimum) |
36 |
© 2008 K-State Department of Kinesiology
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