Master of Science in Kinesiology

Program Overview

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Master of Science in Kinesiology Online

The Master of Science in Kinesiology online program broadens your career outlook in sports science, human performance, rehab science, and more.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Kinesiology online program is designed for graduate students who are interested in advancing their careers in the fields of human movement, biomechanics and orthopedics, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, motor learning and control, and skill acquisition. This program will provide you with the skills necessary to work in the field of exercise science, injury prevention, and health and human movement.

In the online master’s in kinesiology, you’ll explore biomechanical processes that affect human health and learn how managing those processes can contribute to overall well-being. If you are aiming to expand your career in rehab science or human performance in sports science, this is the ideal program for you. Graduates of this program are well-suited for teaching, athletic training, allied health, ergonomics, and health and wellness roles.

Kinesiology Career Opportunities

• Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Athletic Trainer or Director
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Sports Coach
• Corrective Exercise Specialist
• Rehab Specialist in chiropractor office
• Fitness Entrepreneur or CEO of fitness company

Tuition

$20,150* Total Tuition

12 months Duration

31 Credit Hours

Personalized Learning Experience

You will receive a personalized learning experience online. Faculty regularly engages in value-added comments and feedback providing the same level of instruction as if you were in person.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• No GRE required

Courses

Leveling Course (if necessary)

This course is only required if a student is provisionally admitted or if they do not have a bachelor's degree in kinesiology or related field.

KN 516: Anatomical Kinesiology

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

A broad introduction to the anatomy and physiology of body systems with an emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.

Required Courses

KN 519: Applied Biomechanics

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

Study of external forces and their effects on the body and its movement.

KN 520: Environmental Physiology

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

Acute challenges from the environment (e.g., ambient temperature, altitude, psychological stressors) activate the body’s stress response to mobilize energy for movement, regulate core body temperature, and deliver oxygen to tissues for the primary purpose of survival.

KN 576: Motor Performance

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

This course combines a conceptual model of motor learning and performance with a principles-to-application learning approach.

KN 581: Exercising Muscle

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

Exercising muscle is the study of how the human body functions.

KN 618: Clinical Kinesiology

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

This course uses a case-based approach organized in three levels of neuromechanical analysis: tissue, single- and multi-joint, and whole body.

KN 627: Evidence-Based Recovery for Performance

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

Recovery from the stressors of training and/or competition is complex and varies according to the demands placed on an individual or team.

KN 639: Advanced Sport Psychology

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

The primary academic objectives of the course include the introduction of the short but rich history of sport psychology, to provide an overview of the specializations within the field, to take a comprehensive and in-depth look at practical applications of sport/positive psychological research and theory to exercise and athletic competition, and to familiarize the student with potential careers and interest areas within sport psychology.

KN 643: Measurement and Evaluation

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

Sport and exercise science practitioners are increasingly asked to measure and evaluate information for individuals and/or teams.

KN 652: Mental Performance Coaching

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

Introduces students to multiple cognitive strategies and psychological approaches in finding meaning through adversity to assist in various practices within the field of Kinesiology.

KN 665: Science and Practice of Strength Training

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 3

The field of strength training continues to advance, but the principles that regulate the development of strength remain constant.

KN 685: Professional Portfolio (Capstone)

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credit Hours: 1

This course is designed to provide direction for students as they complete their electronic Professional Portfolio. Content from all courses in the program will be included. Students will have the opportunity to present their Professional Portfolio to industry experts.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Kinesiology online program at Avila University is designed for individuals aiming to advance their careers in the fields of human movement, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, motor learning and control, and skill acquisition. The program equips students with the necessary skills to work in exercise science, injury prevention, and health and human movement.

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Objectives:

• Enhance students' understanding of biomechanical processes affecting human health and well-being.
• Provide training in managing biomechanical processes to contribute to overall well-being.
• Prepare students for careers in rehab science, human performance, and sports science.
• Equip graduates for roles in teaching, athletic training, allied health, ergonomics, and health and wellness.

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Program Description:

The program utilizes an online format with 8-week courses, allowing students to begin their studies at a time that fits their schedule. The curriculum delves into the biomechanical processes influencing human health and teaches students how to manage these processes for optimal well-being. Students will develop expertise in areas such as:

• Biomechanics: Examining external forces and their effects on the body and its movement.
• Environmental Physiology: Studying the acute and chronic effects of environmental challenges on the body's physiological responses and health.
• Motor Performance: Delving into the neuromuscular control of movement and psychological regulation of behavior to assess and develop motor skills.
• Exercising Muscle: Investigating the functions of the human body, including bioenergetics, exercise metabolism, and neuromuscular control of movement.
• Clinical Kinesiology: Applying movement concepts to reduce movement-related injuries and optimize motor learning and performance.
• Evidence-Based Recovery for Performance: Examining evidence-based recovery strategies to enhance performance and training.
• Advanced Sport Psychology: Exploring the history of sport psychology and its applications in exercise and athletic competition.
• Measurement and Evaluation: Learning to measure and evaluate data for individuals and teams to improve performance.
• Mental Performance Coaching: Discovering cognitive strategies and psychological approaches to overcome adversity and facilitate behavior change.
• Science and Practice of Strength Training: Integrating exercise science knowledge with strength training practices for various populations.
• Professional Portfolio (Capstone): Creating a comprehensive portfolio showcasing knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Biomechanics: KN 519 - Applied Biomechanics (3 credits)
• Environmental Physiology: KN 520 - Environmental Physiology (3 credits)
• Motor Performance: KN 576 - Motor Performance (3 credits)
• Exercising Muscle: KN 581 - Exercising Muscle (3 credits)
• Clinical Kinesiology: KN 618 - Clinical Kinesiology (3 credits)
• Evidence-Based Recovery for Performance: KN 627 - Evidence-Based Recovery for Performance (3 credits)
• Advanced Sport Psychology: KN 639 - Advanced Sport Psychology (3 credits)
• Measurement and Evaluation: KN 643 - Measurement and Evaluation (3 credits)
• Mental Performance Coaching: KN 652 - Mental Performance Coaching (3 credits)
• Science and Practice of Strength Training: KN 665 - Science and Practice of Strength Training (3 credits)
• Professional Portfolio (Capstone): KN 685 - Professional Portfolio (Capstone) (1 credit)

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Structure:

• Format: Online
• Course Duration: 8 weeks
• Start Dates: Multiple start dates available each year
• Credits: 31 credits

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Modules:

• Leveling Course (if necessary): KN 516 - Anatomical Kinesiology (3 credits)
• Required Courses: Listed above under "Program Content"

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Assessment:

The program uses various assessment methods, including:

• Exams: Assessing knowledge and understanding of course material.
• Assignments: Evaluating application of concepts and problem-solving skills.
• Presentations: Demonstrating communication and presentation abilities.
• Case Studies: Applying knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Capstone Project: Showcasing comprehensive knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Online Lectures: Engaging and interactive lectures delivered through an online platform.
• Discussion Boards: Fostering collaborative learning and knowledge exchange among students.
• Assignments and Projects: Providing opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills.
• Personalization: Faculty providing regular feedback and personalized support to students.

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Faculty:

The program features experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of kinesiology. Faculty members are actively involved in research and professional practice, ensuring students receive up-to-date knowledge and insights.

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Unique Approaches:

• Personalized Learning Experience: Students receive individualized attention and feedback from faculty.
• Flexible Schedule: Online format allows students to study at their own pace and convenience.
• Practical Focus: Curriculum emphasizes real-world applications of knowledge and skills.

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Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the following areas:

• Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Athletic Trainer or Director
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Sports Coach
• Corrective Exercise Specialist
• Fitness Entrepreneur or CEO of fitness company

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Other:

• The program is designed for working professionals.
• Graduates are well-suited for teaching, athletic training, allied health, ergonomics, and health and wellness roles.
• The program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application of knowledge.