Academic Programs Catalog

The major in kinesiology places emphasis on the multi dimensional study and application of physical activity to enhance health and well-being. Kinesiology explores not only anatomical, biological, biomechanical, and neurological aspects of physical activity; but also psychological, social-humanistic, and medical perspectives.

The bachelor’s degree program in kinesiology is designed to prepare students to enter a variety of fields associated with sport, exercise, and allied health, including professional graduate schools in medicine, physician assistant, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, athletic training, and chiropractic medicine.  Students who graduate from this program often enter professional exercise science programs or graduate programs in the applied health sciences.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology

1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology.
   
   Students enrolled in the Kinesiology major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Kinesiology may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses: Chemistry 141 and 161, Kinesiology 251, and Physiology 250. The completion of Chemistry 161 and Kinesiology 251 satisfies the laboratory requirement. Chemistry 141 and 161, Kinesiology 251, and Physiology 250 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 2.a. below.
   
   The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Kinesiology major is met by completing Kinesiology 345 or 445. Those courses are referenced in item 2.d. below.
2. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course (11 credits):
   	CEM	141	General Chemistry						4
   	MTH	103	College Algebra						3
   	PSL	250	Introductory Physiology						4
   b.	All of the following with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course (16 credits):
   	KIN	210	Principles of Exercise Physiology						3
   	KIN	216	Applied Human Anatomy						3
   	KIN	220	Principles of Sports Medicine						3
   	KIN	240	Principles of Biobehavioral Health						3
   	KIN	251	Principles of Human Movement						4
   c.	All of the following courses with a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 (12 credits):
   	KIN	310	Physiological Bases of Physical Activity						3
   	KIN	330	Biomechanics of Physical Activity						3
   	KIN	345	Sport and Exercise Psychology (W)						3
   	KIN	360	Physical Growth and Motor Behavior						3
   d.	Both of the following courses (2 credits):
   	CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I						1
   	KIN	190	Frontiers in Applied Health Sciences						1
   e.	Completion of an approved cognate in kinesiology (a minimum of 12 credits).
   f.	Completion of a minimum of 3 credits in Experiential Learning. Completion of this requirement may be fulfilled by enrollment in KIN 492, KIN 493, KIN 494, KIN 495, KIN 496, or any approved study abroad, service, research, or internship experience. Students must consult with their academic advisor for specific details of this requirement.

The Minor in Coaching is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, and experiences that will enable them  to coach effectively and safely in school, community–youth, and adult sports programs.  The Department of Kinesiology administers the minor.

The educational objectives of the Minor in Coaching are for students to acquire:

1. Knowledge and understanding of the growth and development of athletes.
2. Knowledge and understanding of the medical, legal, psychological, social, biological, physical, theoretical, and technical aspects of coaching.
3. Practical experience in coaching.

With the approval of the department and college that administer the student's degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree.

Requirements for the Minor in Coaching

The student must complete:

1.	All of the following courses (20 credits):
	KIN	210	Principles of Exercise Physiology				3
	KIN	220	Principles of Sports Medicine				3
	KIN	345	Sport and Exercise Psychology (W)				3
	KIN	360	Physical Growth and Motor Behavior				3
	KIN	400	Principles of Coaching I				4
	KIN	401	Principles of Coaching II				4
2.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
	ANTR	350	Human Gross Anatomy for Pre-Health Professionals				3
	KIN	216	Applied Human Anatomy				3
3.	One of the following courses (2 credits):
	KIN	300A	Coaching Baseball				2
	KIN	300C	Coaching Soccer				2
	KIN	300D	Coaching Basketball				2
	KIN	402	Coaching for Strength, Conditioning and Fitness				2
	KIN	490	Independent Study				2
	KIN	494	Fieldwork				2
	To be counted toward the requirements for the Minor in Coaching, the content of Kinesiology 490 must focus on coaching.  An academic advisor in the Department of Kinesiology must approve in writing the content of this course before the student enrolls in the course.
4.	Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Certification. Students must obtain these two certifications through a reputable source for CPR and first aid. Reputable sources include but are not limited to the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and the National Safety Council. The certification must be current at the time of the student's date of graduation. These certifications involve additional costs to the student.

The Minor in Health Promotion is designed to assist students in understanding health issues that will serve as a basis for personal and professional growth and positive lifestyle changes.  The minor, which is multidisciplinary, is administered by the Department of Kinesiology.

With the approval of the department and college that administer the student's degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree.

Requirements for the Minor in Health Promotion

The student must complete (21 credits):

1.	All of the following courses (12 credits):
	HNF	150	Introduction to Human Nutrition				3
	KIN	210	Principles of Exercise Physiology				3
	KIN	240	Principles of Biobehavioral Health				3
	PSY	320	Health Psychology				3
2.	At least 9 credits from the following courses:
	AFRE	260	World Food, Population and Poverty				3
	ANP	270	Women and Health:  Anthropological and International Perspectives				3
	ANP	370	Culture, Health, and Illness				3
	CEP	260	Dynamics of Personal Adjustment				3
	CEP	261	Substance Abuse				3
	EPI	390	Disease in Society: Introduction to Epidemiology and Public Health				4
	GEO	435	Geography of Health and Disease				3
	HDFS	225	Lifespan Human Development in the Family				3
	HDFS	444	Interpersonal Relationships in the Family				3
	HDFS	445	Human Sexuality				3
	HM	101	Introduction to Public Health				3
	HNF	102	Dietary Supplements: Evidence vs. Hype				3
	HNF	310	Nutrition in Medicine for Pre-Health Professionals				3
	HNF	385	Public Health Nutrition				3
	HNF	406	Global Foods and Culture				3
	HNF	415	Global Nutrition				3
	HNF	457	Sports and Cardiovascular Nutrition				3
	PHL	344	Ethical Issues in Health Care				4
	PHL	453	Ethical Issues in Global Public Health				3
	PSY	333	The Neurobiology Food Intake and Overeating				3
	SOC	475	Health and Society				3

The Master of Science degree in Athletic Training prepares students to provide healthcare to physically active patients in coordination with other allied health professionals. Athletic trainers provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions in a variety of healthcare settings. Athletic trainers work under the direction of a physician as required by state licensure statutes.

The Michigan State University athletic training degree blends clinical and academic learning experiences. Athletic training students are exposed to foundational and advanced clinical reasoning, state-of-the-art health care equipment, and patient-oriented research. Students who complete this degree will be eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. The Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is designed to prepare students for job opportunities in professional, collegiate, high school, clinical, industrial settings, military and performing arts.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science degree in Athletic Training, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Admission into the program is based on a combination of the following factors:

1. Have completed an application for graduate study.
2. Previous academic experience and performance as indicated by transcripts from previous degrees including a competitive cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
3. Personal goals statement of up to 500 words, covering the following items: academic background, the development of your interest in athletic training, reasons for wanting to enter this program, qualities you possess which will enhance your athletic training skills and aid in achieving your career objective(s).
4. Competitive scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (for international students).
5. Three letters of recommendation.
6. Minimum of 75 observation hours under supervision of a certified Athletic Trainer.
7. Interview with the Michigan State University Athletic Training Admissions Board.
8. The following prerequisite or equivalent courses with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher: Introduction to Athletic Injury (3 credits); Exercise Physiology and Laboratory (3 credits); Biomechanics (3 credits); Anatomy with Laboratory (3 credits); Physiology (3 credits); Chemistry (3 credits); Physics (3 credits); Research Methods or Statistics (3 credits); Biology (3 credits); and Psychology (3 credits). 

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training
The Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is available only under Plan B (without thesis). Students must complete 51 credits for the degree.

1.	All of the following courses (51 credits):
	KIN	800	Pathophysiology and Functional Anatomy						3
	KIN	801	Emergency Procedures for Athletic Trainers						3
	KIN	802	Athletic Training Practicum I						2
	KIN	803	Athletic Training Practicum II						2
	KIN	804	Athletic Training Practicum III						2
	KIN	805	Athletic Training Practicum IV						1
	KIN	806	Athletic Training Practicum V						2
	KIN	807	Athletic Training Practicum VI						3
	KIN	832	Lower Body Physical Assessment						3
	KIN	833	Therapeutic Interventions I						3
	KIN	834	Evidence Based Practice in Athletic Training						3
	KIN	835	Pharmacology of Athletic Trainers						3
	KIN	836	Upper Body Physical Assessment						3
	KIN	837	Therapeutic Interventions II						3
	KIN	838	General Medical Conditions for Athletic Trainers						3
	KIN	883	Health Care Administration for Athletic Trainers						3
	KIN	884	Spine Evaluations and Advanced Rehabilitation						3
	KIN	886	Psychology of Sports Injury and Rehabilitation						2
	KIN	887	Performance Enhancement in Sport						1
	KIN	888	Seminar in Athletic Training						3
2.	Completion of a final examination or evaluation.

 

Graduate study in kinesiology provides opportunities for students to specialize in areas leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The programs are designed to prepare individuals for professional positions as educators, researchers, and consultants in a variety of sports, health, and educational contexts. Collaborative course work, laboratory and field experiences, clinical placements, and research are available with other departments and schools both at Michigan State University and at other universities, as well as with various community agencies.

The primary objective of the master's degree program in kinesiology is to help students to acquire a breadth of knowledge grounded in theory, to gain expertise in one or more areas of specialization, and to develop competence in methods of inquiry.  The program follows the guidelines that were adopted by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

A range of relevant courses and experiences can be incorporated into the student's program to satisfy individual needs and interests.

Five major areas of study within the discipline of kinesiology are available to master's  students:
    Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience
    Exercise Physiology
    Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity
    Strength and Conditioning
    Student Athlete Development

For each student, one of these five areas of study is designated as the concentration.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission into the master’s program, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree. Factors considered in admissions decisions include (a) clarity of applicant’s professional goals; (b) relationship between the program and the applicant’s goals; c) previous academic experience and performance as indicated by transcripts from previous degrees including a competitive cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale; (d) Test of English as a Foreign Language for international students; (e) three letters of recommendation.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology

Breadth requirement. Students who have not completed an undergraduate degree in kinesiology (or similarly named program such as physical education or exercise science) must complete a minimum of 6 credits of Kinesiology courses representing at least two of nine different disciplinary areas (adapted physical activity, athletic training, biomechanics, coaching, exercise physiology, growth and motor development, psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity, sport administration, student athlete development) outside of the student’s major area/concentration, as approved by the student’s guidance committee. Credits earned in 200 or 300 level courses may be used to fulfill the breadth requirement, but will not count toward the master’s degree.

The program is available under both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).  Students must complete 30 credits and meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Plan A and Plan B (18 credits):
1.	Required core course (3 credits):
	KIN	871	Research Methods in Kinesiology				3
2.	A minimum of 9 credits of kinesiology graduate level courses in the student’s concentration as approved by the student’s guidance committee.
Additional Requirements for Plan A (12 credits):
1.	Both of the following courses (9 credits):
	One additional research methods course at the 400–900 level approved by the student's guidance committee  (3 credits).
	KIN	899	Master's Thesis Research				6
2.	Additional credits in courses approved by the student's guidance committee (3 credits).
Additional Requirements for Plan B (12 credits):
1.	Additional credits in courses approved by the student's guidance committee (12 credits). One of the following courses is recommended:
	KIN	893	Internship in Kinesiology				4 to 6
	KIN	897	Project in Kinesiology				4
2.	Final certifying examination.
	Students who complete Kinesiology 893 or 897 are required to pass an oral certifying examination.
	Students who do not complete Kinesiology 893 or 897 are required to pass a written certifying examination.

The Master of Science degree in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in learning and using scientific knowledge and best practices related to coaching and developing athletes and leading sports programs at the intercollegiate, interscholastic, community sports, and university levels. It facilitates interdisciplinary knowledge in various issues related to coaching across the lifespan. Practical experiences are available at high schools, within the university athletic department, and in other sports-related organizations and agencies. The program is available only online.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science degree in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration students must:

1. have completed a bachelor’s degree in the United States or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
2. have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.
3. submit three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a professional source (colleague, supervisor), and one from an academic source (instructor, advisor).
4. submit an academic statement of 750 words that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the master’s degree and the goals that the degree will help them attain.

Upon acceptance, students must submit evidence of current CPR, first-aid, and blood borne pathogen training and maintain such certification throughout their enrollment in the program.

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of high probability of success. Factors that are significant in determining admission are:

1. A grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
2. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the master’s program.
3. Evidence of a philosophical understanding of developmentally appropriate sport experiences.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration

The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis) and only available online. The student must complete 30 credits distributed as follows:

1.	All of the following courses (6 credits):
	KIN	852	Ethics in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration						1
	KIN	872	The Science of Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration						3
	KIN	896	Integrative Capstone in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration						2
2.	Complete one of the following courses (3 credits):
	KIN	880	Sport and Leadership Practicum						3
	KIN	893	Internship in Kinesiology						3
3.	Complete 21 credits from one of the following concentrations:
	Coaching
	a.	Two of the following Physical Cognate courses (6 credits):
		KIN	829	Safety and Injury Control					3
		KIN	856	Physical Bases of Coaching Athletes					3
		KIN	865	Stages of Athlete Development					3
		KIN	868	Skill Development in Athletes					3
	b.	Two of the following Psychosocial Cognate courses (6 credits):
		KIN	846	Sociocultural Issues for Sport Practitioners					3
		KIN	849	Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leadership					3
		KIN	855	Psychosocial Bases of Coaching Athletes					3
		KIN	857	Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sport					3
	c.	One of the following Administration Cognate courses (3 credits):
		KIN	851	The Sport Enterprise					3
		KIN	853	Athletic Administration and Governance					3
		KIN	854	Legal Aspects of Sport					3
	d.	Complete one additional 3-credit Physical Cognate or Psychosocial Cognate course.
	e.	Complete one additional 3-credit Kinesiology course approved by the student's academic advisor.
	Sport Administration
	a.	One of the following Physical Cognate courses (3 credits):
		KIN	829	Safety and Injury Control					3
		KIN	856	Physical Bases of Coaching Athletes					3
		KIN	865	Stages of Athlete Development					3
		KIN	868	Skill Development in Athletes					3
	b.	The following course (3 credits):
		KIN	849	Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leadership					3
	c.	One of the following Psychosocial Cognate courses (3 credits):
		KIN	846	Sociocultural Issues for Sport Practitioners					3
		KIN	855	Psychosocial Bases of Coaching Athletes					3
		KIN	857	Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sport					3
	d.	All of the following Administration Cognate courses (9 credits):
		KIN	851	The Sport Enterprise					3
		KIN	853	Athletic Administration and Governance					3
		KIN	854	Legal Aspects of Sport					3
	e.	Complete one additional 3-credit Kinesiology course approved by the student's academic advisor.
4.	Completion of a final examination or evaluation.

The Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in learning and using scientific knowledge and best practices related to coaching and developing athletes and leading sports programs at the intercollegiate, interscholastic, and community sports levels. It facilitates interdisciplinary knowledge in various issues related to coaching across the lifespan. The certificate is available only online.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching students must:

1. have completed a bachelor’s degree.
2. complete the Intent to Enroll form if you are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at Michigan State University.

Students who are not enrolled at Michigan State University must:

1. submit a university application and application fee.
2. provide transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education.
3. submit an academic statement of 750 words that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the certificate and the goals that the certificate will help them attain.
4. submit a current resume of no more than two pages.
5. a test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.

Upon acceptance, students must submit evidence of current CPR, first-aid, and blood borne pathogen training and maintain such certification throughout their enrollment in the program.

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of high probability of success. Factors that are significant in determining admission are:

1. A grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of  all undergraduate and graduate course work.
2. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the graduate certificate.
3. Evidence of a philosophical understanding of developmentally appropriate sport experiences.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching

Students must complete 10 credits from the following courses:

1.	The following course (1 credit):
	KIN	852	Ethics in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration						1
2.	At least one of the following courses (3 to 6 credits):
	KIN	829	Safety and Injury Control						3
	KIN	856	Physical Bases of Coaching Athletes						3
	KIN	865	Stages of Athlete Development						3
	KIN	868	Skill Development in Athletes						3
3.	At least one of the following courses (3 to 6 credits:
	KIN	846	Sociocultural Issues for Sport Practitioners						3
	KIN	849	Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leadership						3
	KIN	855	Psychosocial Bases of Coaching Athletes						3
	KIN	857	Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sport						3

The Graduate Certificate in Sport Leadership and Administration provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in the operational and administrative functions required for careers in sport organizations at the intercollegiate, interscholastic, and community sports levels. It exposes students to knowledge of the legal, financial, managerial, governance and ethical aspects of sport. The certificate is available only online.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Sport Leadership and Administration students must:

1. have completed a bachelor’s degree.
2. complete the Intent to Enroll form if you are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at Michigan State University.

Students who are not enrolled at Michigan State University must:

1. submit a university application and application fee.
2. provide transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education.
3. submit an academic statement of 750 words that clearly describes the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the certificate and the goals that the certificate will help them attain.
4. submit a current resume of no more than two pages.
5. take a test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language. 

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of high probability of success. Factors that are significant in determining admission are:

1. a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
2. professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the graduate certificate.
3. evidence of an understanding of the fundamentals of the sport industry.
4. relevant career experiences, including employment, internships, or field experiences.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Sport Leadership and Administration

Students must complete 13 credits from the following:

KIN	849	Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leadership							3
KIN	851	The Sport Enterprise							3
KIN	852	Ethics in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration							1
KIN	853	Athletic Administration and Governance							3
KIN	854	Legal Aspects of Sport							3

 

The primary objective of the doctoral degree program in kinesiology is to develop scholars who are competent in teaching, conducting research, and serving in leadership roles in various educational, governmental, public, or private agencies.  In addition to developing expertise in an area of specialization, students must be able to interpret and integrate information from related academic disciplines.  Individualized programs of study may be developed, taking into consideration students' academic needs and professional goals.

Each doctoral student in kinesiology chooses one of four areas of concentration:
    Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation
    Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience
    Exercise Physiology
    Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity

While enrolled in the doctoral degree program in kinesiology, students are expected to present at least one paper at a professional meeting.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Ordinarily, to be considered for admission into the doctoral program, a master’s degree is required; however, in cases of exceptional scholarly promise, a student may enter the doctoral program following the completion of the undergraduate degree. Factors considered in admissions decisions include (a) clarity of applicant’s goals and research interests; (b) relationship between the program and the applicant’s goals and research interests; (c) previous academic experience and performance as indicated by transcripts from previous degrees (a competitive cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale); (d) TOEFL for international students; (e) evidence of research competence such as a master’s thesis, senior research project, or other research experience; and (f) three letters of recommendation. An interview with a committee of faculty members is strongly recommended.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Kinesiology

Breadth requirement. Students who have completed a previous degree in kinesiology, or similarly named program such as physical education or exercise science, must complete a minimum of 6 credits of kinesiology courses at the 800-900 level outside of the student’s area of concentration.  Students who have not completed a previous degree in kinesiology must complete a minimum of 9 credits of kinesiology courses at the 800-900 level representing at least two different disciplinary areas (adapted physical activity, athletic injury and rehabilitation, biomechanics, exercise physiology, growth and motor development, psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity) outside of the student’s major area of concentration. Courses used to satisfy the breadth requirement must be approved by the student’s guidance committee. Courses that are used to satisfy the requirements referenced in the area below titled Educational Inquiry and Research may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

The student must complete a minimum of 60 credits and meet the requirements specified below:

1.	Educational Inquiry and Research
	a.	The following courses:
		KIN	995	Research Practicum in Kinesiology			1 to 3
	b.	Complete 9 credits of 800-900 level research methods courses approved by the student's guidance committee.
2.	Area of Concentration
	A minimum of four courses at the 800–900 level totaling at least 12 credits in one of the four concentrations approved by the student's guidance committee referenced above.  At least 6 of the 12 credits must be in Kinesiology courses. Courses that are used to satisfy the requirements referenced in item 1. above may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
3.	Related Studies
	A cognate that consists of a minimum of three courses at the 400–900 level totaling 9 credits.  All 9 of the credits must be in courses outside the Department of Kinesiology and must be related to the student's concentration.  Both the cognate and the related courses must be approved by the student's guidance committee.
4.	Successful completion of the research practicum.
5.	Successful completion and defense of the dissertation. The dissertation must be in the student's concentration. Students may not earn more than 30 credits in KIN 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
6.	Teaching
	Competency in teaching the subject matter of the student's concentration to undergraduate students or to an outreach audience, as judged by the student's guidance committee.  This requirement may be met as part of a graduate teaching assistantship assignment.