Students in this program explore the scientific basis of strength and motor skill development as well as conditioning and fitness capabilities at all stages of life. Through coursework, practicums, and internships, students learn the knowledge and skills needed to earn certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, or the American College of Sports Medicine—a requirement of completing the program.
Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Ginny Frederick Ginny.Frederick@uga.edu Graduate Program Administrator Samantha Murphy sjmurphy@uga.edu kins@uga.edu
30 hours – Thesis 36 hours – Non-thesis
Apply to the UGA Graduate School and include the following: 3 Letters of recommendation CV Statement of Purpose (emphasizing goals, objectives, and research ideas) Statement of Purpose should summarize your career goals and how the degree program would help you attain those identified goals. If applying to an MS-thesis program, ensure you describe your research interests and how your interests fit with a specific faculty member within the Department of Kinesiology. Unofficial transcript (3.0 minimum GPA)
Previous coursework and training should reflect preparation for advanced study in exercise science. A bachelor’s degree with a major in athletic training, exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education is recommended. Undergraduate courses in biomechanics, exercise physiology, anatomy and physiology are required prior to admission International students: For students whose primary language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required. Students need to submit official university documents according to the UGA Graduate School requirements. Students will also have to show certificate of finances upon acceptance to the program. Application deadline is January 10th for the following fall.
| KINS 7300 (3-9 hours) | Master's Thesis | 1-9 |
| KINS 8310 * | Research Methods in Human Movement Science | 3 |
| KINS 8990 (9 hours max.) | Research Seminar in Kinesiology | 1-3 |
Choose 3 credit hour(s) from the following:
| ERSH 4300/6300 * | Applied Statistical Methods in Education | 3 |
| ERSH 8310 | Applied Analysis of Variance Methods in Education | 3 |
| QUAL 8400 | Qualitative Research Traditions | 3 |
Equivalent courses can be approved by advisor
*KINS 8310 and one additional research course (a course in statistics or qualitative research methods) appropriate for the student’s research
| KINS 8320 | Advanced Motor Control and Learning | 3 |
| KINS 8330 | Advanced Exercise Psychology | 3 |
| KINS 8350 | Advanced Biomechanics | 3 |
| KINS 8530 | Seminar in Exercise Psychology | 1-9 |
| ERSH 4200/6200 | Methods of Research in Education | 3 |
| KINS 5140/7140 (2 hours)* | Current Problems in Kinesiology | 1-3 |
| KINS 5660/7660 * | Athlete Development | 3 |
| KINS 7450 ** | Internship in Kinesiology | 1-12 |
| KINS 7610 * | Therapeutic Exercise | 3 |
| KINS 8630 * | Program Design in Kinesiology | 3 |
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| NUTR(KINS) 4220/6220 | Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport | 3 |
| NUTR(KINS) 8230 | Advanced Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport | 3 |
*Minimum of 12 hours of “Grad Only” coursework, i.e. not split-level. **Preceptor-supervised (they must be CSCS if planning to sit for CSCS exam) experience in a clinical setting arranged by student & approved by Advisor.
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| KINS 8350 * | Advanced Biomechanics | 3 |
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| KINS 4400/6400 | Exercise and Sport Psychology | 3 |
| KINS 8330 * | Advanced Exercise Psychology | 3 |
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| KINS 4630L/6630L | Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| KINS 8370 * | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| KINS 4760/6760 | Motor Skill Behavior | 3 |
| KINS 8320 * | Advanced Motor Control and Learning | 3 |
*Minimum of 12 hours of “Grad Only” coursework, i.e. not split-level.
Students may use these courses, or others approved by their Major Advisor, to fulfill the program total of at least 30 hours of coursework.
| KINS 4300/6300 | Exercise Epidemiology | 3 |
| KINS 4310/6310 | Exercise Prescription for Special Populations | 3 |
| KINS 4600/6600 | Measurement and Surveillance of Physical Activity | 3 |
| KINS 4670/6670 | Disparities in Cardiometabolic Health | 3 |
| KINS 4690/6690 | Neuromuscular Physiology | 3 |
| KINS 4780/6780 | Neural Control of Human Movement and Skill Learning | 3 |
| KINS 5680/7680 | Adapted Sport and Physical Activity | 3 |
| KINS(HPRB)(NUTR) 7600 | Public Health Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions | 4 |
| KINS 7605 | Motivation in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport | 3 |
| KINS 8210 | Neural Foundations of Human Motor Control and Learning | 3 |
| KINS 8220 | Exercise, Nutrition, and Bone Health | 3 |
| KINS 8410 | Neuromuscular Mechanisms in Exercise | 3 |
| KINS 8420 | Muscle Energetics and Oxygen Transport During Exercise | 3 |
| KINS 8520 | Seminar in Motor Control and Learning | 1-3 |
| KINS 8530 | Seminar in Exercise Psychology | 1-9 |
| KINS 8540 | Seminar in Exercise Physiology | 1-3 |
| KINS 8550 | Seminar in Biomechanics | 1-3 |
| NUTR(KINS) 4220/6220 | Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport | 3 |
| NUTR(KINS) 8230 | Advanced Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport | 3 |
| VPHY(KINS) 5690/7690 | Skeletal Muscle and Mitochondria Physiology | 3 |
| VPHY(KINS) 5690L/7690L | Mitochondrial Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
Choose 6 to 12 credit hours from the following:
| KINS 4150/6150 | Global Issues in Sports Medicine | 3 |
| KINS 4300/6300 | Exercise Epidemiology | 3 |
| KINS 4310/6310 | Exercise Prescription for Special Populations | 3 |
| KINS 4350/6350 | European Perspectives in Kinesiology | 4 |
| KINS 4600/6600 | Measurement and Surveillance of Physical Activity | 3 |
| KINS 4630/6630 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| KINS 4670/6670 | Disparities in Cardiometabolic Health | 3 |
| KINS 4690/6690 | Neuromuscular Physiology | 3 |
| KINS 4750S/6750S | Service Learning in Kinesiology | 1-3 |
| KINS 5190/7190 (a) | Research in Coaching and Coach Education | 3 |
| KINS 5320/7320 | Intercollegiate Athletics and Higher Education | 3 |
| KINS 5620/7620-5620L/7620L | Pediatric Adapted Physical Activity | 3 |
| KINS 5660/7660 | Athlete Development | 3 |
| KINS 5680/7680 | Adapted Sport and Physical Activity | 3 |
| KINS 5930E/7930E | Research Literature in Sport Coaching and Coaching Education | 3 |
| KINS 6000 | Directed Study in Kinesiology | 1-3 |
| KINS 7440 | Performance-Enhancement Drugs in Sports | 3 |
| KINS 7450 *** | Internship in Kinesiology | 1-12 |
| KINS(HPRB)(NUTR) 7600 (a) | Public Health Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions | 4 |
| KINS 7605 | Motivation in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport | 3 |
| KINS 8320 (a) | Advanced Motor Control and Learning | 3 |
| KINS 8520 (a) | Seminar in Motor Control and Learning | 1-3 |
| KINS 8530 (a) | Seminar in Exercise Psychology | 1-9 |
| KINS 8540 (a) | Seminar in Exercise Physiology | 1-3 |
| KINS 8550 (a) | Seminar in Biomechanics | 1-3 |
| NUTR(KINS) 4220/6220 | Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport | 3 |
| VPHY(KINS) 5690/7690 | Skeletal Muscle and Mitochondria Physiology | 3 |
| VPHY(KINS) 5690L/7690L | Mitochondrial Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
(a) Minimum of 12 hours of “Grad Only” coursework, i.e. not split-level. ***Preceptor-supervised (they must be CSCS if planning to sit for CSCS exam) experience in a clinical setting arranged by student & approved by Advisor.
| GRSC 7001 | GradFIRST: First-year Research and Scholarship Training Seminar | 1 |
Students selected for teaching assistantships must complete one of the following:
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| GRSC 7770 | Graduate Teaching Seminar | 1-3 |
| KINS 7005 | Graduate Student Seminar | 3 |
Thesis students are required to take 30 hours of face-to-face coursework approved by their faculty advisor and advisory committee, AND at least 21 hours must be of graduate coursework exclusive of 7000 (master’s research) and 7300. Twelve of these 21 hours must be courses that are restricted to graduate students. 12 credit hours must be completed in the Department of Kinesiology, not including independent study.
National Certification Exam: (most require current CPR certification) Certification Prior to Graduation: Passing a national exam (e.g. ACSM Exercise Physiologist (EP-C), CIFT, NSCA CSCS, etc.) is required as a culminating experience (final written exam). Student must pass the national exam -or- schedule their oral defense at least 2 weeks prior to the end of their final semester.
Select additional courses, as needed, in consultation with an advisor to meet the minimum number of required credit hours for this program.
The thesis program prepares you for doctoral studies in the field or careers in allied health, corporate laboratory research, and university teaching and research. Graduates also pursue careers in allied health professions, adult fitness/health promotion, teaching, coaching and research.
Non-thesis graduates pursue professional careers as (1) a strength and conditioning specialist or coach who trains athletes for improvement of athletic performance; (2) a group exercise instructor, personal trainer, or health-fitness specialist who works with individuals to improve health and fitness or who manages a health club, YMCA, university recreational, corporate or community exercise/fitness program; or (3) an exercise specialist who works with individuals with special needs or disabilities to provide adapted or therapeutic exercise programs.
Qualified students will be nominated by the Graduate Program Committee for Graduate School awards, as well as departmental awards. Students are also encouraged to seek outside fellowships and scholarships.
Students are encouraged to pursue research opportunities outside of Athens, when appropriate and in consultation with their committees.
Sports Medicine and Physical Performance in Ireland: Our study abroad program to Ireland is designed for strength/conditioning graduate students, focusing on global issues in sports medicine and performance-based training programs.
This program is offered in association with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and is available to graduate students in strength, conditioning & fitness. The academic program focuses on sports medicine techniques and sports performance programming typically used in Gaelic sports
Students are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities in consultation with their advisor when they will facilitate their professional development.
Students are required complete an internship with UGA Athletics or an external facility that they will work with their faculty advisor to set up.
Students are encouraged to present their research at conferences, professional meetings, and symposia. The department (and Graduate School) have funds available to defray travel expenses for students who present.
Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is the primary group that organizes and represents graduate students in the Department of Kinesiology.
Other programs in the Department of Kinesiology include: PhD Kinesiology Masters of Science in Athletic Training