Kinesiology, M.S.

Offered by: College of Science, Kinesiology and Health Promotion Department

www.class.csupomona.edu/khp/

Perky Vetter, Chair
Ken Hansen, Graduate Coordinator

The Master of Science in Kinesiology is planned to provide the student with an opportunity to improve professional competencies within a chosen area of specialization. Experiences will be provided to enhance the analytical and critical tools for research and decision-making. The student will be provided with a frame of reference that will aid in understanding today’s problems in the profession.

A candidate for the Master of Science in Kinesiology will be required to choose among three areas of specialization: Adapted Physical Education; Curriculum and Instruction; Exercise Physiology.

The Adapted Physical Education Specialization is directed toward those interested in working with persons with special needs. It combines practical experience with theoretical knowledge of individuals with disabilities. Students in this specialization must complete either a thesis or a comprehensive examination.

The Curriculum and Instruction Specialization focuses on methodology, curriculum development, preparation for college teaching, and evaluation with practical implementation. Students in this specialization must complete either a thesis or a comprehensive examination.

The Exercise Physiology Specialization offers a varied theoretical base including the influence of physical activity on public health issues along with clinical experience in the assessment of human performance. Objectives of the program include the preparation of students for research positions and advanced graduate programs or for careers in the exercise science area such as health fitness specialists and counselors. Students in this specialization must complete a thesis.

All KHP graduate students, regardless of their specialization, have the opportunity to select elective courses from within the department as well as from other graduate programs within the university.

Admission to the Program

An applicant for admission to this program must have received a baccalaureate degree in physical education or a related discipline from an accredited institution. A student with a baccalaureate degree in a major other than physical education may be admitted subject to review of the student’s academic background, performance and interests by the Graduate Coordinator.

An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better, or an undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 or better with a 3.0 grade point average in all upper division work, is required for admission. An applicant not meeting these admission criteria will be reviewed by the KHP Graduate Coordinator. If the Coordinator approves, the applicant will be admitted conditionally.

The conditions, including the time allowed for meeting them, will be stated in writing at the time the applicant is admitted to the university. One condition will be completion of KIN 590, Research Methods, with a grade of B or better.

Each graduate student will select an advisor from the KHP graduate faculty. This should be based upon the student’s area of specialization and the thesis topic so that the advisor’s expertise will coincide with the student’s academic emphasis. The student, with an advisor, will develop a program based on the individual’s interests and preparation. This program (also referred to as a “contract”) will include required core courses, area of specialization courses, and appropriate elective courses. All programs will be reviewed and approved by the student’s advisor, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Graduate Studies Analyst.

Requirements

1. The degree program must include a minimum of 45 quarter units. No more than 18 units may be in approved upper-division courses. An overall 3.0 grade point average in all graduate work attempted is required. Six units of required core courses and 9-11 units in an area of specialization must be included.
2. Students must take a minimum of 6 units outside their chosen area of specialization and still in the KHP Department.
3. No more than 13 units of acceptable graduate credit may be transferred from another institution. No more than 13 units taken through Extended University may be used on a contract. No more than 13 units of acceptable graduate credit may be petitioned by an undergraduate student. A total of not more than 13 transfer, Extended University, or units petitioned for graduate credit may be included in a master’s contract. The stipulated time limit of 7 years applies to all of the above.
4. Advancement to Candidacy is granted upon the recommendation of the graduate coordinator and implies a readiness of the candidate to fulfill the terminal requirement of either a thesis or a comprehensive examination. The Graduation Writing Test (GWT) must have been passed prior to Advancement to Candidacy.
5. The student shall indicate at the time of filing the program the decision as to the manner of fulfilling the terminal requirement. The candidate who chooses to write a thesis must enroll for 9 units of thesis credit. Prior to beginning the collection of data, the candidate must make a formal presentation of the thesis proposal to the thesis committee and receive its approval. Upon completion of the thesis, the candidate must make an oral presentation of the thesis to the KHP graduate faculty. The candidate adopting the option of a comprehensive examination will be tested on material from the core and specialization areas.
6. The candidate must be enrolled in the university during the quarter of graduation.