Kinesiology Graduate Program Description

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 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 human movement and health.

The Department of Kinesiology offers programs of study leading to the masters of science degree. Students typically choose one of two specialization tracks. The first one is the Physiological Basis of Movement (e.g. exercise physiology, pathophysiology). The second area of focus is Public Health Aspects of Physical Activity (e.g. exercise psychology, physical activity epidemiology, health promotion). In some instances, students choose to design programs that integrate both areas of focus. Individual programs of study are determined by the major professor, the student's supervisory committee, and the student. Students choose from one of two degree options: thesis or course work.

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.

Graduate teaching assistantships are available each year for qualified candidates. Duties consist of teaching and related activities associated with the lifetime sports program and
undergraduate laboratories. The total time commitment per week is approximately 20 hours.

Admission to the program is secured upon the basis of satisfactory preparation for graduate work and demonstrated potential for scholarly achievement and include the following

• At least a 3.0 GPA during the last two years of undergraduate work
• Satisfactory scores on the GRE examination
• Three letters of reference

To receive a paper application and information packet, contact:

Dr. Thomas Barstow
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Kinesiology
Natatorium 1A
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506
Phone: (785) 532-3365
tbarsto@ksu.edu

Required application materials:

• K.S.U. Graduate School Application/Information Form completed in full on-line or hard copy and signed at the bottom of the front page. (http://www.k-state.edu/grad/application/index.htm)
• One Official copy(s) of your transcript(s) from each college or university which you have attended. (Copies of transcripts furnished directly to you cannot be accepted by the Graduate School. Please have your schools send your transcripts directly to our office.)
• A written statement (approximately 300 words) of professional/career objectives and research interests, and a copy of their vita. The Statement of Professional/Career Objectives should consist of describing your background, why you want to join our program and what you expect to do with your degree.
• Three letters of recommendation from former/current instructors, employers, or other professionals in a position to evaluate your potential for graduate study.
• Official scores on the Graduate Record Exam. Please include a duplicate copy of your scores in your application materials.
• Application fee:
  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents - $30.00
  • International - A 55 U.S. dollar application fee in the form of a money order or cashier's check made payable to: Kansas State University Graduate School.

Deadlines: 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 Assistantship 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.

All materials should be sent to:

Dr. Thomas Barstow
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Kinesiology,
Natatorium 1A,
Kansas State University,
Manhattan, Kansas 66506.