Program Overview

Master of Science - Kinesiology

The Master of Science in Kinesiology enables students to choose an Athletic Training, Biomechanics, or Motor Control and Learning emphasis. The programs are designed to provide students with the theoretical foundations of the movement-based sciences. Through involvement in directed research projects, students obtain an in-depth understanding of laboratory equipment and research applications.

Available Options

• Thesis Track
• Non-Thesis Track
• Accelerated BS-MS Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please refer to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the biological foundations of motor control, explain information processing and learning theories, and evaluate current theories and research related to motor behavior.
• Explain biomechanical concepts related to human performance and evaluate current research related to biomechanics.
• Specify physiological responses to exercise for a variety of populations and conditions, and evaluate current exercise physiology research related to human performance.
• Explain sports medicine concepts and their relationship to human performance, and evaluate current research in sports medicine.
• Design and implement a research study.
• Interpret empirical data and communicate effectively in a professional meeting.

Career Possibilities

Graduates are prepared for continued education in pursuit of a doctoral degree or other Allied Health field (e.g., Physical Therapy) as well as work in a wide range of enterprises that include:

• Commercial fitness
• Health and wellness programs
• Public/private or non-profit health agencies
• Teaching/coaching at the community college level

Requirements

Plan Description

The Master of Science Kinesiology is designed for students interested in the study of health and human performance. Students learn the theoretical foundations of the movement-based sciences and select an emphasis in biomechanics, exercise physiology, or other areas. Through involvement in directed research and/or scholarly projects, students obtain an in-depth understanding of laboratory equipment, research, and applications in health and sports sciences. Graduates are prepared to apply movement sciences in research, clinical, or athletic settings, and for entrance into doctoral programs in kinesiology, health, and sports sciences.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Application deadlines: Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
• Students are admitted in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• Applicants for admission must have an undergraduate major in kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, athletic training, biology, nutrition, or a related academic discipline.
• Students who do not have an undergraduate major listed above must take the following UNLV remediation courses (or equivalent at another university): KIN 245 (Anatomical Kinesiology), KIN 312 (Motor Control and Learning) KIN 346 (Biomechanics), KIN 391 (Exercise Physiology).
• Applicants must have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 (A=4.0), or 3.00 (A=4.0) in the last two years.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional but may be used by the student toward admission (as evidence of quantitative abilities, and/or evidence of verbal abilities).
• Interested applicants must upload the following information into the Grad Rebel Gateway system:
  1. Applicants must have an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university or international equivalent. Unofficial or official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities will need to be submitted in the online application. Official transcripts are required once given an offer of admission into the program.
  2. A resume or curriculum vitae that highlights: clinical, field, research, and/or teaching experience, all specific to kinesiology.
  3. Evidence of quantitative abilities: This may include, but are not limited to the quantitative portion of the GRE, a project that required the systematic handling of data, grade in an upper-level statistics course, or an assignment in which data was collected and analyzed.
  4. Evidence of verbal abilities: This may include, but are not limited to the verbal portion of the GRE, a review of literature, a culminating experience document, or an end-of-semester assignment.
  5. A letter of intent that addresses: Preferred faculty mentor(s) (aligned with the students' research direction). Further explanation of clinical, field, research, or teaching experience noted in the resume, if desired. Motivation for attending UNLV. Summary of educational goals. Summary of intended research activities and interests.
  6. Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic record and potential for graduate study.

Accelerated BS-MS Subplan Admission Requirements

• The Accelerated BS-MS degree program is designed to provide high-achieving UNLV Kinesiology undergraduate students with the opportunity to enroll in graduate courses that can be used toward both the undergraduate and the MS Kinesiology degree.
• Up to nine credits of approved graduate-level coursework, with a grade of B or better, can be taken as 600-level electives in their senior year and those credits can be counted toward the graduate degree.
• Students admitted into this subplan have taken 3, 6 or 9 credits of graduate-level courses that can be applied toward their MS Kinesiology degree at UNLV. These credits reduce the total needed to complete the MS degree. Only KIN 656, KIN 657, KIN 611 or KIN 692 may be used toward the 9 total possible credits with a B or better.
• Students must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Accelerated BS-MS Subplan:
  1. Completion of KIN 346 and KIN 391 with a minimum grade of B for both courses.
  2. Submission of a completed UNLV Graduate College Approval for an Undergraduate to Enroll in a Graduate-Level Course form to the Graduate College, no less than two weeks before the beginning of the semester for which they would like to register for the graduate course(s).
• For a student to be admitted into the Accelerated BS-MS Subplan, they must submit an application for an MS Kinesiology. The student must follow the normal application procedures found on the UNLV Graduate College website.
• Students must meet all departmental and Graduate College application deadlines.
• Students should indicate in their application materials that they are participating in the Accelerated Subplan. Students must choose the Accelerated Subplan.

Plan Requirements

Subplan 1: Thesis

• Total Credits Required: 33

Course Requirements

• Biomechanics Course Credits: 3
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • KIN 656 - Biomechanics of Endurance Performance
    • KIN 736 - Biomechanical Applications in Kinesiology
    • KIN 737 - Biomechanics of Strength
    • KIN 743 - Research Techniques in Biomechanics
• Motor Learning/Motor Control Course Credits: 3
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • KIN 760 - Motor Skill Learning and Performance
    • KIN 761 - Human Motor Control
    • KIN 762 - Motor Learning Applications
    • KIN 765 - Neurophysiology of Movement
• Exercise Physiology Course Credits: 3
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • KIN 657 - Physiology of Endurance Performance
    • KIN 740 - Advanced Exercise Physiology
• Research Courses Credits: 6
  • Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:
    • KIN 750 - Research Methods in Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Research
    • KIN 751 - Selected Application of Statistical Techniques I
• Specialization Courses Credits: 9
  • Complete 9 credits of advisor-approved coursework. Research opportunities and course work are available in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning/motor control, and sports medicine.
• Elective Courses Credits: 3
  • Complete 3 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework.
• Thesis Credits: 6
  • KIN 749 - Thesis

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 33 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
2. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion.

Graduation Requirements

• The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
• After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest.

Subplan 2: Non-Thesis

• Total Credits Required: 33

Course Requirements

• Biomechanics Course Credits: 3
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • KIN 656 - Biomechanics of Endurance Performance
    • KIN 736 - Biomechanical Applications in Kinesiology
    • KIN 737 - Biomechanics of Strength
    • KIN 743 - Research Techniques in Biomechanics
• Motor Learning/Motor Control Course Credits: 3
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • KIN 760 - Motor Skill Learning and Performance
    • KIN 761 - Human Motor Control
    • KIN 762 - Motor Learning Applications
    • KIN 765 - Neurophysiology of Movement
• Exercise Physiology Course Credits: 3
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • KIN 657 - Physiology of Endurance Performance
    • KIN 740 - Advanced Exercise Physiology
• Research Courses Credits: 6
  • Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:
    • KIN 750 - Research Methods in Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Research
    • KIN 751 - Selected Application of Statistical Techniques I
• Specialization Courses Credits: 9
  • Complete 9 credits of advisor-approved coursework. Research opportunities and course work are available in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning/motor control, and sports medicine.
• Elective Courses Credits: 6
  • Complete 6 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework.
• Professional Paper Credits: 3
  • KIN 748 - Professional Paper

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 33 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
2. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion.

Graduation Requirements

• The student must successfully complete a professional paper.
• Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 3: Accelerated BS-MS

• Total Credits Required: 24-30

Course Requirements

• High-achieving UNLV Kinesiology undergraduate students may enroll in up to three graduate courses (9 credits) that can be used toward the MS Kinesiology degree: only KIN 656, KIN 657, KIN 611 or KIN 692 may be used toward the 9 total possible credits with a B or better.
• Biomechanics Course Credits: 3
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • KIN 656 - Biomechanics of Endurance Performance
    • KIN 736 - Biomechanical Applications in Kinesiology
    • KIN 737 - Biomechanics of Strength
    • KIN 743 - Research Techniques in Biomechanics
• Motor Learning/Motor Control Course Credits: 3
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • KIN 760 - Motor Skill Learning and Performance
    • KIN 761 - Human Motor Control
    • KIN 762 - Motor Learning Applications
    • KIN 765 - Neurophysiology of Movement
• Exercise Physiology Course Credits: 3
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • KIN 657 - Physiology of Endurance Performance
    • KIN 740 - Advanced Exercise Physiology
• Research Courses Credits: 6
  • Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:
    • KIN 750 - Research Methods in Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Research
    • KIN 751 - Selected Application of Statistical Techniques I
• Specialization Courses Credits: 9
  • Complete 9 credits of advisor-approved coursework. Research opportunities and course work are available in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning/motor control, and sports medicine. KIN 611 or KIN 692 may be applied as specialization courses. Only a total of 9 credits of the following courses taken as an undergraduate may be applied to the MS degree (KIN 656, 657, or 611 or KIN 692).
• Elective Courses Credits: 6
  • Complete 6 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework.
• Professional Paper Credits: 3
  • KIN 748 - Professional Paper

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 24-30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
2. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion.

Graduation Requirements

• The student must successfully complete a professional paper.
• Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.