Program of Study - Kinesiology (MS)

Graduate Program

The mission of the Department of Health and Kinesiology’s graduate program is to prepare graduate students to function professionally in a diverse and changing society, improve quality of life, and promote healthy lifestyles through the understanding and delivery of physical activity and wellness concepts.

For the Master of Science degree in Kinesiology, courses may be taken on-campus or online. The choice of courses in the major and minor fields, as well as the nature of the supporting work, will be determined through consultation between the student and graduate program coordinator. 

Obtaining a Master of Science with a major in Kinesiology requires a minimum of 36 hours. Prospective master’s candidates should realize that the required courses in the on-campus program cycle every two years and that missing a course may delay their graduation. Check with the online program to determine if the needed course is available. Once the program is begun, the candidate has seven years to complete the requirements.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the graduate program in Kinesiology, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology or related field from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field.
  2. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
  3. Two letters of recommendation or reference checklists
  4. Statement of purpose in pursuing degree
  5. Resume

Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.

If an applicant does not meet the minimum undergraduate GPA criterion of 3.0 but has a GPA of at least 2.5, a personal interview is required for consideration of conditional admission.

Applicants who do not have their undergraduate training in Kinesiology or related areas, will be required to complete 9-12 hours of undergraduate leveling work. Leveling work must be completed with a “B” - GPA of 3.0 or higher (based upon a 4.0 system) before acceptance into the program.

Leveling Courses

Required

BIOL 2401

 

BIOL 2402

Or

Equivalent Kinesiology Anatomy and Physiology courses

 

KINE 3353

Or

KINE 3370

 

KINE 4310

Or

KINE 4375

Program Requirements

Required Courses (12 Credits)

KINE 6310History and Philosophy of Kinesiology

3

KINE 6315Research Methods

3

KINE 6320Applied Test and Measurements in Kinesiology or Statistics

3

KINE 6325Advanced Exercise Physiology

3

Electives (18-21 Credits)

Chosen from the following:

KINE 5345Health Seminar

3

KINE 6330Workshop in Kinesiology

3

KINE 6335Curriculum for the Students with Special Needs

3

KINE 6340Curriculum Construction

3

KINE 6345Planning and Use of Facilities

3

KINE 6350Motor Learning

3

KINE 6355Current Readings in Kinesiology

3

KINE 6360Organizations and Administration of Sport Programs

3

KINE 6365Legal Issues in Sport

3

KINE 6370Governing Agencies for Sport

3

KINE 6375Ethics in Sport

3

KINE 6380Advanced Biomechanics

3

KINE 6385Determinants and Perspective of Health and Illness

3

KINE 6390Kinesiology Internship

3

KINE 6395Internship in Sport

3

Capstone Requirement

Project (3 Credits)

KINE 7320Independent Study

3

Total Credit Hours: 36

Graduate Online Advisor

Please consult with the graduate program advisor to determine the best coursework in which to enroll to achieve your goals and objectives as outlined in your degree plan. Make your selection with assistance from the Graduate Program Coordinator. By viewing the entire course offerings, you can see that there are several tracks or interest areas you may pursue.