The Master of Science 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 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, 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 Science in Kinesiology is oriented toward professional training for those interested in obtaining terminal degrees in 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.
Graduates of this program also gain these lifelong skills:
Content Knowledge: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of kinesiology subdisciplines.
Research: Interpret, evaluate, and design research to advance the field of kinesiology through scientific inquiry.
Communication: Communicate interdisciplinary knowledge of kinesiology in varied formats to scientific and nonscientific audiences.
Application: Apply evidence-based practices to address problems or research questions in kinesiology.
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 MS in Kinesiology
Completion of all requirements as established by the department graduate committee, the student's 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 program coordinator for specific courses required):
Adapted Physical Education
Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology
Pedagogy
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Sports Coaching
At least nine units of the program must be completed after advancement to candidacy.
Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697) and Master's Thesis (699T), Master's Project (699P), or Master’s Professional Paper (695) combined; not more than six units of Master's Thesis (699T), three units of Master's Professional Paper (695), 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 select three units of KINE 695, three units of KINE 699P, or six units of KINE 699T, and complete a professional paper, project, or thesis as specified by the graduate advisory committee, the graduate coordinator, and the departmental graduate committee. An oral defense of the professional paper, project, or thesis is required.
Portfolio Plan:
In place of KINE 695, KINE 699P, or KINE 699T, students complete KINE 489 and satisfactorily complete a written portfolio including the components outlined in the kinesiology graduate student handbook. An oral defense of the portfolio is required.
Approval by the department 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 Comprehensive Examination - 696, Independent Study - 697, 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, 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 Chico State subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses in the approved master's degree program. Failure to maintain a 3.0 average in any category will result in academic notice in the master's program. Failure to remedy the deficiency within one semester with appropriate courses approved by the program coordinator may result in disqualification from the master's program. See Graduate Education Policies for more information.
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. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.
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:
