| 253.535.8570 | www.plu.edu/master-of-science-kinesiology/ | gradadmission@plu.edu |
| Mallory Mann, Ph.D., Chair |
Admission
The Master of Science in Kinesiology program is on hiatus for the 2024-25 academic year.
Admission to the MS in Kinesiology is based on several criteria including academic preparation, work experience, and potential contribution to the classroom experience. The Graduate Admissions Committee bases decisions on a holistic assessment of the individual merits of each applicant. Academic preparation will be evaluated holistically by the program admission team with consideration given to the applicant’s previous formal education and relevant professional certifications or experience. Students may be given conditional admission based on gaps in previous knowledge. Conditional admission may require the completion of necessary prerequisite coursework prior to the start of the program.
To be eligible for admission applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
To apply, submit the following:
Official transcripts from all universities attended
Two letters of recommendation, either academic or professional
A current resume
A letter of application not to exceed a total of five double spaced pages
Application processing fee
Master of Science - Kinesiology (M.S.)
34 semester hours
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- KINS 500: Research Methods and Applications (4)
- KINS 505: Inclusive Leadership (4)
- KINS 510: Mentorship and Leadership (2)
- KINS 515: Applied Sport Psychology I (4)
- KINS 520: Adapted Training for Special Populations (4)
- KINS 592: Special Topics (4)
- KINS 595: Project + Defense (4)
- KINS 500: Research Methods and Applications (4)
- Select one focus area from the following
- Applied Sport Psychology
8 semester hours- KINS 530: Current and Social Issues in Sport (4)
- KINS 540: Applied Sport Psychology II (4)
- Applied Exercise Science
8 semester hours- KINS 525: Applied Exercise Science I (4)
- KINS 535: Applied Exercise Science II (4)
- Applied Sport Psychology
Master of Science - Kinesiology (M.S.) - Graduate Courses
KINS 500 : Research Methods and Application in Kinesiology
The course will introduce basic concepts in research methods and experimental design relevant to the area of Kinesiology. The course is designed to create a better understanding of the principles, concepts, terminology, and instruments used in measurement and analysis in the various sub-domains of Kinesiology. The course will focus on the scientific method, addressing both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Emphasis will be placed on developing evidence-based practitioners that critically utilize the scientific literature in their professional endeavors in Kinesiology. (4)
KINS 505 : Inclusive Leadership
The course is designed to explore cultural factors that influence people and human interaction. Specifically, students will study the role of diversity and the experiences of people with marginalized identities in United States sport organizations. The various ways that people may differ and how this diversity can impact experiences and outcomes in sport and exercise settings will be examined. Students will be challenged to critically think about the concept of diversity and its impact on individuals within the sport and society and critically reflect on how their own cultural biases, values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors influence their professional practice and interactions with clients. Research-driven best practices for developing inclusion in sport and exercise will be provided. Students will gain an understanding of the knowledge, skills and competencies of inclusive leaders in sport and exercise. Evidence-based strategies for integrating the diverse talents of all contributors in order to develop high functioning and effective teams, organizations, classrooms, and exercise communities will be discussed. (4)
KINS 510 : Mentorship and Leadership
This course is designed to provide independent mentoring between a faculty member and a graduate student. The experience provides opportunities for leadership development and professional development appropriate to the student's interests and abilities. This is a Pass/Fail class only. A general outline of the student's final project is also expected to be developed as a function of the mentoring process. Can be repeated once for credit up to four semester hours. (2)
KINS 515 : Applied Sport Psychology I
Examination and analysis of theory and research relating to social psychological factors and group dynamics affecting sport and exercise behavior. This course will focus on theory, research and application related to individual and group factors (e.g., motivation, communication, feedback, attribution, leadership) that affect cognitions, behavior and performance in sport and physical activity. Current issues in exercise psychology including exercise adherence and behavioral change strategies will also be examined. (4)
KINS 520 : Adapted Training for Special Populations
The course will emphasize designing exercise programs for special populations, including adapted training, younger and older adults, and individuals with specific conditions and limitations. Emphasis will be placed on modifications and application of training programs. (4)
KINS 525 : Applied Exercise Science I
The course will address the physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic training. Additionally, students will understand how the energy systems impact design of training programs. Emphasis will also be placed on periodization and yearlong design in relation to development of training programs to improve or maintain agility, power, cardiovascular endurance, and balance. (4)
KINS 530 : Current and Social Issues in Sport
This course serves as a comprehensive introduction to current topics facing practitioners in sport and exercise psychology. The focus of the course will be to critically examine the challenges and opportunities facing athletes, exercisers, and non-sport performers as well as teams, franchises, leagues, national governing bodies (NGBs) and others with a vested interest in performance excellence. Given the seminar style of the course, topics will focus on the interests of each unique cohort. The purposes of the course is to help students develop the ability to make constructive, evidence-based, practical decisions regarding contemporary issues they may face in their profession. (4)
KINS 535 : Applied Exercise Science II
This course will address theoretical and practical bases of program design in weight training. Additionally, the course will cover functional anatomy and proper lifting techniques. Emphasis is placed on the design of individual and group exercise programs. The main goal after successfully completing this course is for the student to be able to perform safe and appropriate exercise testing and develop a safe and effective strength training program. (4)
KINS 540 : Applied Sport Psychology II
Examines theory, research, and professional practice related to psychological interventions in sport and physical activity. This course focuses on the use of educational psychological interventions to facilitate personal development, performance, and injury rehabilitation in a variety of physical activity settings. Students will learn evidence-based strategies and techniques aimed at enhancing psychological enjoyment, performance, and well-being commensurate with their age, skill level, and personal goals. Students will gain an understanding of existing best practices and literature with the purpose of integrating practical performance psychology applications in a variety of professional settings. Scope of professional capabilities, education and training and how those variables impact ethical professional practice will be explored. (4)
KINS 591 : Independent Study
To provide individual graduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as "IS:" followed by the specific title designated by the student. Prerequisite: departmental approval and consent of mentor. Can be repeated up to three times for credit for a total of eight semester hours. (2)
KINS 592 : Special Topics
A seminar-style course focused on a particular topic of relevance to the field or a current issues, challenge, or trend in the discipline. (4)
KINS 595 : Final Project and Defense
This course encompasses the completion of the final written project and the public defense of the project. (4)