| Graduate Program Head | Raffy Luquis |
|---|---|
| Program Code | KINCA |
| Campus(es) | Harrisburg (M.S.) |
| Degrees Conferred | Master of Science (M.S.) |
| The Graduate Faculty |
The graduate programs in Kinesiology are research oriented and are designed to meet the specific goals and interests of the student. The primary goal of the overall program is to provide students the opportunity to study in depth one area of specialization and to develop necessary research skills to enhance their professional competence. The master's program is designed to prepare students for future graduate study. Five areas of study are available at the master's level:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise physiology
- Historical, philosophical, and cultural studies of sport
- Motor control
- Psychology of physical activity
Several well-equipped research facilities are available to support graduate study, including the Biomechanics Laboratory, Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Sensory Motor Lab, and the Center for Fitness and Wellness.
Admission Requirements
Applicants apply for admission to the program via the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.
The minimum requirements for admission to the master's program include:
- a 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale),
- satisfactory recommendations,
- and appropriate background courses in physical, biological, behavioral, humanities, and/or social science, depending on the intended area of specialization.
Applicants from majors other than exercise and sport science/physical education are welcome to apply. Research experience is highly desirable. Admission is competitive and the best-qualified students will be admitted subject to space availability and compatibility of the student with the program's research mission and available faculty mentors. GRE scores are not required for admission.
The language of instruction at Penn State is English. English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) may be required for international applicants. See GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.
Degree Requirements
Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies.
The M.S. program of study in Kinesiology requires a minimum of 30 credits, including:
THESIS Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| 6 credits from the five Kinesiology areas of graduate study 1 | 6 | |
| 6 credits of classes offered outside the Kinesiology program 1 | 6 | |
| KINES 590 | Colloquium (two semesters) | 2 |
| Electives | ||
| 10 credits of electives selected from a list of approved courses maintained by the graduate program office. | 10 | |
| Culminating Experience | ||
| KINES 600 | Thesis Research | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
For all of which the student must receive a quality letter grade.
SCHOLARLY PAPER Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| 6 credits from the five Kinesiology Program areas of graduate study 1 | 6 | |
| 6 credits of classes offered outside the Kinesiology program 1 | 6 | |
| KINES 590 | Colloquium (two semesters) | 2 |
| Electives | ||
| 13 credits of electives selected from a list of approved courses maintained by the graduate program office. | 13 | |
| Culminating Experience | ||
| KINES 596 | Individual Studies | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
For all of which the student must receive a quality letter grade.
Each specialization may require additional, specific courses. At least 18 credits in the 500 and 600 series combined must be included in the program, though 600 series coursework will be limited to individuals pursuing the thesis option. A minimum of 12 credits in course work (400, 500, and 800 series), as contrasted with research, must be completed in the major.
Students may take no more than (6) credits of coursework at the 400 level.
Students may count up to a maximum of six (6) credits (no more) from Independent Studies (KINES 596) toward the 6 Kinesiology credits required for the degree.
M.S. degree students must complete Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) Training (10 hours) and demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
The M.S. degree also requires the formation of a master’s committee, the writing of a satisfactory thesis or scholarly paper accepted by the master’s committee, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School, and the passing of a thesis defense or oral presentation. The final public oral examination or presentation, conducted by the student's committee members, must be scheduled and passed after all other work, including the M.S. thesis or scholarly paper, has been completed. Upon completion and acceptance, scholarly papers and thesis will be submitted to University and College approved repositories.
Minor
A graduate minor is available in any approved graduate major or dual-title program. The default requirements for a graduate minor are stated in Graduate Council policy GCAC-218 Minors.
Student Aid
Graduate assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are described in the Tuition & Funding section of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School’s website. Students on graduate assistantships must adhere to the course load limits set by the Fox Graduate School.
Courses
Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.
Learning Outcomes
- KNOW: Disciplinary Mastery via Analysis - Graduates will analyze core principles, methods, and evidence within their selected kinesiology sub‑discipline to demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth of disciplinary knowledge during course- and research-related activities.
- APPLY/CREATE: Methodological Rigor and Evaluation - Graduates will evaluate the selection of disciplinary methods/techniques, including assumptions and limitations, to address course-, proposal- and/or thesis-related questions in kinesiology.
- COMMUNICATE: Original Inquiry and Creation - Graduates will design an original research project and compose scholarly products (e.g., manuscript, conference presentation) that effectively communicate significance, methods, results, and implications.
- THINK: Critical & Integrative Thinking Across Sub‑Disciplines - Graduates will synthesize theories and empirical findings across kinesiology sub‑disciplines and defend integrative, evidenced-based conclusions for coursework and research.
- PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Ethical, Professional, and Collaborative Practice - Graduates will judge ethical and legal dimensions of professional decisions and develop collaborative plans to work effectively within and across kinesiology sub‑disciplines in both course- and research-related activities