The Master of Arts in Kinesiology

Objectives:

The Department of Kinesiology at CSU, Chico offers the Master of Arts degree in Kinesiology. The objectives of our graduate program are to develop skills, knowledge, and research experience so that students can take their place in the community as leaders, teachers, and researchers.

Course Requirements for the Master's Degree: 30 units

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 Regional and 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 in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:

1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements in the University Catalog.

2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.

3. A major or minor in Kinesiology from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by the Office of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Coordinator or, in absence of a degree in Kinesiology, completion of the following (or their equivalent): KINE 322 (Biomechanics), KINE 323 (Physiology of Exercise); and two additional courses to be determined by the Graduate Coordinator. These courses must be satisfactorily completed before enrollment in graduate-level courses.

4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 units of undergraduate work.

5. Evidence of completion of the Graduate Record Examination is required.

6. Two letters of recommendation.

7. A letter of intent.

Advancement to Candidacy:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

1. Completion at the University of the following 600-level courses:

Note: KINE 600 should be taken in the first semester. KINE 601 should be taken before KINE 602.

2. Formation of the graduate advisory committee.

3. Development of an approved program of course work.

4. Approval of selection of a topic for the thesis or project proposal.

Requirements for the MA in Kinesiology:

Completion of all requirements as established by the Department graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses as follows:

(a) At least 18 units must be in the discipline of Kinesiology, including the following core courses for all students:

(b) At least 21 of the units required for the degree must be in 600-level courses.

(c) 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):

(1) Adapted Physical Education

(2) Athletic Training Education

(3) Biomechanics

(4) Exercise Physiology

(5) Pedagogy

(6) Sport and Exercise Psychology

(d) At least 9 units of the program must be completed after advancement to candidacy.

(e) 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 Regional and Continuing Education. (Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer).

(f) 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 6 units of Master's Thesis (699T) or 3 units of Master's Project (699P).

2. Completion and final approval of one of the following plans:

(a) Thesis or Project Plan:

Students will select 6 units of Master's Thesis (KINE 699T) or 3 units of Master's Project (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.

(b) Comprehensive Examination Plan:

In place of KINE 699T or KINE 699P, students will substitute additional units of 400/500/600-level course work 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.

3. Approval by the departmental graduate committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.

Option in Athletic Training Education

In addition to the admission requirements above, applicants to the Athletic Training Education Option must meet the following prerequisites:

Eligibility for the NATABOC Certification Exam

Eligibility requires:

1. Completion of an undergraduate degree.

2. Completion of required course work, including

(a) human anatomy (BIOL 103)

(b) human physiology (BIOL 104)

(c) beginning athletic training (KINE 316)

(d) human nutrition (NFSC 303 or NFSC 340)

(e) exercise physiology (KINE 323)

(f) biomechanics (KINE 322)

(g) biomechanical analysis (KINE 524)

3. Clinical hours: (a) Curriculum candidates must have completed an entry-level program accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) in no less than two calendar years. The program must include 800 hours of athletic training experience under the supervision of a NATABOC-certified athletic trainer. The athletic training experiences must be obtained from athletic training settings associated with the accredited curriculum.

(b) Internship candidates must present documentation of having at least 1500 hours of athletic training experience under the supervision of a NATABOC-certified athletic trainer. The applicant must show proof that the athletic training experience was gained over a period of at least two calendar years.

Admission to the Athletic Training Education Option:

Admission to this option will be limited. In addition to the requirements for all applicants to the MA in Kinesiology, applicants to this option must:

1. Complete a supplemental application.

2. Submit three letters of recommendation.

3. Have a personal interview with the Athletic Training Option Selection Committee.

7 courses required:

Note: KINE 689 must be taken twice.

9 units selected from:

Note: Supervised clinical assignments may be used as independent study credit, not to exceed 10 units.

OR any 400/500/600-level University course with the approval of the option advisor.

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:

Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.

Kinesiology majors will demonstrate their writing competence through the successful completion (grade of B or better) of KINE 600 (Seminar in Physical Education).

Graduate Grading Requirements:

All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, 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 697, 696, 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 course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.

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.