Kinesiology, M.S. Program
Program Description
The Department of Kinesiology offers programs focusing on fundamental analysis of sport, exercise and physical activity phenomena. The purpose of the Master of Science degree program is to give students a cross-disciplinary knowledge of kinesiology, develop their scholarly skills, and hone their professional application. The program serves as a terminal degree for professionals as well as preparation for those intending to complete a doctorate in Kinesiology or in one of the Allied Health Professions. Because most students are working professionals, graduate courses are offered during the evening hours.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with an M.S. in Kinesiology will be able to:
- Synthesize and apply multiple cognate disciplinary perspectives.
- Design and implement professional applications.
- Make decisions using critical analysis of issues, theories, methods, ideas, and artifacts.
- Communicate persuasively using a contextually-grounded approach.
- Systematically reflect on the practice of social justice.
Career Opportunities
Athletic Director • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist • Community College Teacher • Corporate Fitness Director • Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Coach • Exercise Physiologist • Personal Trainer • Physical Education Administrator • Physical Education Teacher • Sport Psychology Consultant • University Instructor • Wellness Counselor/Educator
Features
Upon acceptance into the program, students are immediately directed to a faculty member who will assist them in developing a course of study.
The department offers a complete range of laboratory facilities and technologies for graduate students. These resources enable comprehensive research opportunities in all areas of study. Motion analysis software, ventilatory gas analysis, biofeedback, coincidence timing, nutritional analysis, bone scanner, body composition analysis and computer statistical packages are examples of available tools.
Other features include the potential for individualized programs of study to meet specific interests and needs, extensive library resources, and an instructional format which stimulates high interaction among students and promotes independent scholarship.
Admission to the Program in “Classified Graduate” Status
Eligibility for admission to the M.S. degree program in “Classified Graduate” status requires a student to have a baccalaureate degree with a major approximately equivalent to the Cal State East Bay B.S. degree in kinesiology. The graduate coordinator or department chair will determine degree equivalencies. Students must also submit 2-3 letters of recommendation from former professors and a statement of purpose to the graduate coordinator, have attained at least a 3.00 grade point average in the major, and have satisfied the University Writing Skills requirement.
The department encourages students to meet university prescribed deadlines for admission into the program beginning in the fall semester, although the department is willing to accept graduate students into the program during spring semester.
“Conditionally Classified Graduate” Status
Students who are judged to be admissible, but who do not meet all of the admission requirements specified above for “Classified Graduate” status, receive “Conditionally Classified Graduate” standing. Such students must submit 2-3 letters of recommendation from former professors and a statement of purpose to the graduate coordinator. Additionally, students may need to complete certain undergraduate prerequisites in preparation for graduate study and/or may have other deficiencies, such as the University Writing Skills requirement, that must be resolved within the first semester of enrollment. Each student will be judged on an individual basis. The department may require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Aptitude Test Score, written essay, and/or the repeat of undergraduate coursework in the case of a below-standard grade. Upon successful completion of all outstanding deficiencies, students will receive “Classified Graduate” status.
Generally, courses taken to resolve deficiencies will not count for credit in the M.S. program. In no case will more than 12 semester units taken in “Unclassified Post-baccalaureate” standing or at another university be counted toward the M.S. degree.
Advancement to Candidacy
“Classified Graduate” students are eligible for Advancement to Candidacy based on the criteria given below:
Kinesiology Degree Requirements (32 units)
Prerequisites or Foundation Requirements
In the absence of an appropriate undergraduate degree, 25-26 units of prerequisite coursework must be completed. Generally, courses taken to resolve deficiencies will not count for credit in the M.S. program. Preparatory work for students with undergraduate degrees in other fields is described below.
Waiver of one or more of these area requirements will be considered if comparable coursework has been completed, or if the student has strong compensating academic strengths in areas related to the graduate program. All requests for such waivers and their justification must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and submitted in writing to the graduate coordinator.
Note: these courses must be completed upon the first attempt with a grade of “B” or higher in each course, prior to enrollment in any graduate class. Students attempting to meet these proficiencies at Cal State East Bay who do not receive a grade of “B” or higher on the first attempt are subject to declassification from the program and dismissal from the University.
Core Courses
The 24 units of core coursework is required:
Elective Courses
Select one (1) course for 4 units from the following:
Capstone Requirement
A capstone experience for 4 units is required:
Other Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the University requirements for graduation as described throughout this catalog. These include the 70% unit residence requirement; the five-year rule on currency of subject matter; the minimum number of units in 600-level courses; the “C” minimum grade for each graduate course; the 3.00 cumulative grade point average; and the University Writing Skills Requirement, if applicable.
Note: For information on meeting the University Writing Skills Requirement, see Graduate Policies or call the Testing Office at (510) 885-3661.
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