The Master of Arts in Kinesiology includes a wide variety of graduate courses in biomechanical analysis, teacher education, exercise physiology, coaching, adapted physical activity, and sport and exercise psychology, which will guide graduates to become leaders, teachers and researchers.
The mission of the graduate program in kinesiology at California State University, Chico is to provide students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical basis of human movement and to develop the skills, knowledge and research experience to become leaders in education and research. An outstanding graduate faculty and state-of-the-art laboratories enhance graduate student learning in kinesiology at Chico State and the graduate core curriculum gives students a cross-disciplinary exposure to the study of human movement. Along with classroom studies, involvement in original laboratory and field research constitutes a major means by which students gain a broad understanding of their specialty area.
The Master of Arts in Kinesiology is oriented toward professional training for those interested in obtaining terminal degrees with areas such as teaching, coaching, adult fitness and rehabilitation. The program emphasizes a common core/knowledge base, the interdisciplinary nature of kinesiology, a focus on applied professionals, and a culminating experience that is individualized to meet each student's professional needs and interests.
Graduate Advising Requirement
Students should consult the Graduate Coordinator for advisor assignment. No later than the end of the first semester of graduate study, students must identify a graduate faculty member who agrees to serve as their graduate advisor. This advisor must be in the student's area of specialization.
Requirements for the MA in Kinesiology
Completion of all requirements as established by the Department graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and Graduate Studies, to include:
Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses as follows:
At least 18 units must be in the discipline of Kinesiology, including the following core courses for all students:
At least 21 of the units required for the degree must be in 600-level courses.
In addition to core courses required above, completion of requirements for one of the following courses of study (consult the Graduate Coordinator for specific courses required):
Adapted Physical Education
Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology
Pedagogy
Sport and Exercise Psychology
At least nine units of the program must be completed after advancement to candidacy.
At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Professional & Continuing Education. (Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer).
Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697) and Master's Thesis (699T) or Master's Project (699P); not more than six units of Master's Thesis (699T), three units of Master's Professional Paper (697P), or three units of Master's Project (699P).
Completion and final approval of one of the following plans:
Thesis, Professional Paper, or Project Plan: Students will select six units of KINE 699T, three units of KINE 697P, or three units of KINE 699P, and will complete a thesis or project as specified by the graduate advisory committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the departmental graduate committee. An oral defense of the thesis or project is required.
Comprehensive Examination Plan: In place of KINE 699T, KINE 697P, or KINE 699P, students will substitute additional units of 400/500/600-level coursework that fits the curriculum track they have chosen to bring the total units for the degree to 30. In addition, they will satisfactorily complete a written comprehensive examination on the program of study.
Approval by the departmental graduate committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Graduate Council on behalf of the faculty of the University.
Graduate Grading Requirements
All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, Master's Professional Paper - 697P, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 696, 697, 697P, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all coursework taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all coursework taken at California State University, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.
Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Professional & Continuing Education.
Graduate Time Limit
All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements.
Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency
All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Kinesiology majors will demonstrate their writing competence through the successful completion (grade of B or higher) of KINE 600 Seminar in Kinesiology.
Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status
A major or minor in Kinesiology from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by Graduate Studies and the Graduate Coordinator or, in absence of a degree in Kinesiology, completion of relevant undergraduate courses determined by the Graduate Coordinator in consultation with a faculty advisor in the student's desired concentration area. In general, these courses may include:
adapted physical education: BIOL 103 Human Anatomy or KINE 202 Structural and Anatomical Kinesiology; KINE 315 Introduction to Adapted Physical Activity
biomechanics: BIOL 103 Human Anatomy or KINE 202 Structural and Anatomical Kinesiology; BIOL 104 Human Physiology; KINE 322 Biomechanics
coaching: BIOL 103 Human Anatomy or KINE 202 Structural and Anatomical Kinesiology
exercise physiology: BIOL 103 Human Anatomy; BIOL 104 Human Physiology; KINE 323 Exercise Physiology
pedagogy: BIOL 103 Human Anatomy or KINE 202 Structural and Anatomical Kinesiology; KINE 305 Philosophy of School Based Teaching Physical Education
sport and exercise psychology: BIOL 103 Human Anatomy or KINE 202 Structural and Anatomical Kinesiology; KINE 320W Foundations of Exercise and Sport Psychology (W)
These courses must be satisfactorily completed before advancement to candidacy.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 units of undergraduate work.
Article critique.
Two letters of recommendation.
A letter of intent.
Advancement to Candidacy
In addition to any requirements listed above:
Completion at the University of the following 600-level courses:
KINE 600 Seminar in Kinesiology (Should be taken in the first semester)
KINE 601 Statistical Methods in Kinesiology Research
