Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, M.S.
Dr. Lindsay Spindler, Program Director
The Master of Science (MS) in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, guided by Christian faith and values, is designed to provide theoretical learning that is integrated into real life experiences of students. Courses within the degree use evidence based research to 1) enhance the careers of students who are currently working in the field, and 2) prepare students for future educational endeavors and professional growth in the field of kinesiology, sport, and recreation.
This degree requires a minimum of 30 credits for completion and is delivered in an online format. Courses are offered in two 8 weeks sessions during the long semesters (Fall, Spring) and two 7 week sessions during the summer (Summer 1, Summer 2). Students taking 6 hours (3 hours the 1st 8 weeks, 3 hours the 2nd 8 weeks, or 6 hours in one of the 8 week sessions) are considered full time.
Post-Graduate Career Opportunities
The KSPR degree prepares graduates for careers in areas of wellness, sport performance enhancement/strength and conditioning, health, fitness and recreation, facilities and programs, athletic administration, sport marketing, recreation, professional sport management, and coaching.
Admission Criteria
All applicants for the Master of Science degree must hold a bachelor’s degree from a accredited college or university. All candidates are evaluated on an individual basis. The evaluation criteria include but are not limited to undergraduate GPA (2.75 or 3.0 last 60 hours), undergraduate academic record, resume, career goal statement, letters of recommendation, personal interview, and GRE scores (upon request).
Departmental faculty approval of all new student admissions may be required. Submission of a resume, three letters of recommendation (HSU students applying must have at least one of the three letters of recommendation from a faculty member in their major department), a career goal statement of professional purpose and goals, and a personal (or telephone) interview with the program director are required of all prospective graduate students in KSPR.
Applicants who do not meet admission criteria may still be eligible for provisional admission. Those admitted as provisional status may be limited to taking 6 hours, one course per 8-week session during the long semesters (Fall, Spring), or 3 hours during either Summer 1 or Summer 2. If a student who is on provisional admittance fails to attain a 3.0, they may be dismissed from the program. Upon achieving a 3.0 while on provisional admittance, a student will then be moved to full admission. Subsequent to the personal interview and a review of previously completed academic work, prospective students may be recommended for admission. Positive recommendation by the program director or designated representative is required for admission.
Official notification of admission (or denial of admission) will be communicated by the Office of Admission. Upon approval and recommendation of the program director, students who do not completely meet the criteria above may be assigned additional hours to take, above and beyond the minimum required for degree completion. These semester-hours must be determined and approved by the program director and the dean of the school or college that houses the academic program.
University Financial Aid Policies
Students in the Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation Program are considered full-time for federal financial aid purposes when enrolled in six hours; three hours qualifies for half-time in a fall or spring semester. Students who take a minimum of three hours during Summer I and/or Summer II are eligible for federal financial assistance. Contact Mrs. Monica Smart at 325-670-1595; HSU Box 16050, Abilene, Texas 79698 or monica.j.smart@hsutx.edu.
Graduation Requirements
Successful completion of 30 hours of course work (3.0 GPA), 80% or higher on the comprehensive exam, and an exit interview. Students cannot make a D in any course. If a D is made the student is required to retake the course, this could delay graduation.
The MS in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation allows students to enter into the program at various points throughout the year. The degree is offered completely online.
Courses
By action of the Graduate Council and graduate faculty, all students must have a minimum of 50% of their curriculum in 6000 level courses.
Table 1. Rotation of online courses
| Fall 1 online |
|
Concentration |
| KSPR 6314 |
Sport Law |
RecsprtAdm / Multi/Sport Coaching |
| KSPR 6328 |
Sport & Exercise Psych & Counseling |
ExHp / Multi /Sport Coaching |
| KSPR 6350 |
Training for Fitness and Performance |
ExHp / Multi |
| |
|
|
| Fall 2 online |
|
|
| KSPR 6391 |
Applied Prof Experience |
|
| KSPR 6305 |
Research Methods & Stats |
Required |
| KSPR 6301 |
Advanced Exercise Physiology |
ExHp / Multi |
| KSPR 6312 |
Aspects of Rec. Sports Program |
RecsprtAdm / Multi |
| |
|
|
| Spring 1 online |
|
|
| KSPR 6391 |
Applied Prof Experience |
|
| KSPR 6300 |
Evidence Based Research |
required |
| KSPR 6361 |
Adv. Strength & Conditioning |
ExHp / Multi / Sport Coaching |
| KSPR 6313 |
Financial Resources of Rec. Sport & Fitness |
RecsprtAdm / Multi /Sport Coaching |
| |
|
|
| Spring 2 online |
|
|
| KSPR 6307 |
Org. and Admin of Athletics |
RecsprtAdm / Multi / Sport Coaching |
| KSPR 6326 |
Sports & Exercise Nutrition |
ExHp / Multi / Sport Coaching |
| KSPR 6325 |
Philosophy & Foundations of Coaching |
RecsprtAdm / Multi / Sport Coaching |
| |
|
|
| Summer 1 online |
|
|
| KSPR 6360 |
Sport Performance Enhancement |
ExHp / Multi / Sport Coaching |
| KSPR 6391 |
Applied Prof Experience |
|
| KSPR 6305 |
Research Methods & Stats |
required |
| KSPR 6316 |
Principles of Sport & Rec. Management |
RecsprtAdm / Multi |
| |
|
|
| Summer 2 online |
|
|
| KSPR 6309 |
Biomechanics |
ExHp / Multi / Sport Coaching |
| KSPR 6300 |
Evidence Based Research |
required |
| KSPR 6315 |
Facilities Design |
RecsprtAdm /Multi / Sport Coaching |
| KSPR 6310 |
Adv. Motor Learning and Control |
RecsprtAdm / Multi / Sport Coaching |
*ExHP = Exercise Science & Human Performance concentration
*RecsprtAdmin = Recreation & Sport Administration concentration
*Multi = multidisciplinary option
Curriculum
Students are required to complete the following 6 hours and the comprehensive exam (taken the last semester):
Core Courses
| KSPR 6300 | Evidence Based Research, In Sport and Recreation | 3 |
| KSPR 6305 | Research Methods and Statistical Analysis | 3 |
| COMP 6000 | Comprehensive Exam | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Students have 24 hours of electives to choose from to complete the degree. Those 24 hours can be 1) a combination of any KSPR courses listed below, or 2) if students desire a concentration they will need to complete 24 hours from the concentration areas listed below.
Exercise Science and Human Performance Concentration
This concentration allows for students to be recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association under the Education Recognition Program (pending acceptance of the application for school recognition). This concentration prepares students to sit for the national exam certifying them in Strength and Conditioning.
| KSPR 6361 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| KSPR 6350 | Training for Fitness and Performance | 3 |
| KSPR 6301 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| KSPR 6328 | Exercise and Sport Psychology/Counseling | 3 |
| KSPR 6360 | Sport Performance Enhancement | 3 |
| KSPR 6309 | Biomechanical Analysis | 3 |
| KSPR 6326 | Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 3 |
| KSPR 6391 | Applied Professional Experience | 3 |
| | Or | |
| | KSPR Elective (3) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Recreation and Sport Administration Concentration
In this concentration students would pick 24 from the course listings below:
| KSPR 6307 | The Organization and Administration of Athletes | 3 |
| KSPR 6312 | Aspects of Recreational Sport, Programming | 3 |
| KSPR 6314 | Governing Agencies & the Law of Sport, And Recreation | 3 |
| KSPR 6315 | Facilities Design and Management | 3 |
| KSPR 6316 | Principles of Sports and Recreation, Management | 3 |
| KSPR 6313 | Financial Resources of Recreation, Sport, Programming | 3 |
| KSPR 6391 | Applied Professional Experience | 3 |
| | Or | |
| | KSPR Elective (3) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Multidisciplinary
This is not a concentration but allows students to select 24 hours from any of the courses listed in the concentrations or from courses listed below:
| KSPR 6310 | Advanced Motor Learning and Sport Skills Performance | 3 |
| KSPR 6319 | Outdoor Education, Recreation, and Camp, Management | 3 |
| KSPR 6308 | Global Sport | 3 |
| KSPR 6304 | Instructional Strategies and Techniques | 3 |
| KSPR 6316 | Principles of Sports and Recreation, Management | 3 |
| KSPR 6361 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| KSPR 6312 | Aspects of Recreational Sport, Programming | 3 |
| KSPR 6314 | Governing Agencies & the Law of Sport, And Recreation | 3 |
| KSPR 6315 | Facilities Design and Management | 3 |
| KSPR 6325 | Philosophy & Foundations of Coaching in Society | 3 |
| KSPR 6313 | Financial Resources of Recreation, Sport, Programming | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Sport Coaching
This concentration is designed to enhance the knowledge base of individuals who are in the coaching field or desire to pursue a career in coaching. In this concentration students would pick 24 hours from the course listings below:
| KSPR 6314 | Governing Agencies & the Law of Sport, And Recreation | 3 |
| KSPR 6328 | Exercise and Sport Psychology/Counseling | 3 |
| KSPR 6305 | Research Methods and Statistical Analysis | 3 |
| KSPR 6300 | Evidence Based Research, In Sport and Recreation | 3 |
| KSPR 6325 | Philosophy & Foundations of Coaching in Society | 3 |
| KSPR 6360 | Sport Performance Enhancement | 3 |
| KSPR 6315 | Facilities Design and Management | 3 |
| | | |
| KSPR 6313 | Financial Resources of Recreation, Sport, Programming | 3 |
| | Or | |
| KSPR 6361 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| | | |
| KSPR 6307 | The Organization and Administration of Athletes | 3 |
| | Or | |
| KSPR 6326 | Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 3 |
| | | |
| KSPR 6310 | Advanced Motor Learning and Sport Skills Performance | 3 |
| | Or | |
| KSPR 6309 | Biomechanical Analysis | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Total Credit Hours: 30