Graduate Catalog | 2024-2025
Kinesiology, M.S.
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The Master of Science in Kinesiology program prepares graduate students to advance the fields of Kinesiology through evidenced-based patient care and translational research. The program emphasizes basic and clinical interdisciplinary education and research in areas of kinesiology.
The M.S. in Kinesiology offers three concentrations within the program which also include a clinical (thesis optional) and research (thesis required) degree option.
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Admission Requirements
In addition to fulfilling the University’s general requirements for graduate admission at the Master’s level, applicants seeking admission in to the M.S. in Kinesiology program must also:
- Possess an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all college coursework and possess an overall GPA of 3.25 on all upper division coursework (courses completed in the Junior and Senior year of the undergraduate program)
- Present satisfactory grades (C or above) on specific prerequisite courses
- The Applied Physiology concentration requires a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Physiology, and 3 credit hours of Statistics.
- The Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration requires a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Testing, and 3 credit hours of Statistics.
- The Strength and Conditioning concentration requires a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology and 3 credit hours of Exercise Physiology.
- Present satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if the applicant is from a non-English speaking country.
- Demonstrate evidence of sufficient interest, ability, and preparation in Kinesiology to adequately profit from graduate study, as determined by the Kinesiology Graduate faculty.This information should be included in the statement of purpose and specifically speak to the following: a) strengths, b) concentration of interest, c) career aspirations, and d) research interests (if pursuing the Applied Physiology concentration).
Note: GRE scores are not required.
The deadline to change concentrations is April 1 of the first year within the program.
Early Entry Program
Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree. See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements. Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.
Degree Requirements
Select one of the concentrations. Each concentration requires 36 credit hours approved by the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences. A minimum of 15 credit hours presented for the degree must be courses numbered 6000 and above. The concentrations require the same 12 credit hours of core courses, but differ in their specific courses and the number of elective hours. Courses for which undergraduate credit has been awarded may not be repeated for graduate credit. At the time of admission, up to 6 credit hours of graduate transfer credit may be accepted if approved by the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences and the Graduate School.
Applied Physiology Concentration (Thesis required)
The Applied Physiology (AP) concentration is excellent preparation for those planning to continue their education through the Ph.D. level, either in Kinesiology or a related field (Biology, Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiology, etc.). Students selecting this concentration are also well qualified for employment in aspects of the health industry or in research labs.
Core Courses (12 credit hours)
Required Concentration Courses (15 credit hours)
Elective Concentration Courses (9 credit hours)
Acceptable elective courses include any KNES course or GRAD course at or above the 6000 level, as well as any graduate level course at or above the 6000 level offered within the College of Health and Human Services or any of the other colleges.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Concentration (Thesis optional)
The Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) concentration is a CAAHEP-accredited program that is designed to prepare students to become Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologists. Clinical Exercise Physiologists are employed in inpatient and outpatient clinical/rehabilitation settings (e.g., Cardiopulmonary Rehab programs), general wellness/fitness commercial and corporate settings, and industrial settings that provide health care services for both diseased and healthy populations. Through a blend of classroom instruction and clinical experience, the degree program teaches a wide variety of specific health care skills, knowledge, and behaviors within the cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neoplastic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and immunologic practice areas.
Core Courses (12 credit hours)
Required Concentration Courses (18 credit hours)
Note:
Each Practicum credit is equivalent to 200 clinical hours. Clinical practicum usually begins in the third semester of the student’s program and are arranged through the Practicum Coordinator within the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences.
Elective Concentration Courses (6 credit hours)
Acceptable elective courses include any graduate course at or above the 6000 level. CEP students who opt to pursue a thesis take 3 credit hours of KNES 6900 as one of their electives.
Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Concentration
The modern Strength and Conditioning profession relies heavily on evidence-based research in implementing strength and conditioning programs. The curriculum for the active and available sports performance concentration consists of high quality instruction on cutting edge theoretical concepts related to strength and conditioning. The instructors are researchers trained and certified in strength and conditioning from professional organizations, including the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). In addition, students have practical requirements with exposure to innovative programming with Charlotte 49ers Athletics and successful community facilities. Since the majority of strength and conditioning positions require a master’s degree with certifications from reputable organizations including NSCA, the Strength and Condition concentration produces highly qualified and marketable practitioners in career fields related to athletic performance.
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Required Concentration Courses (27 credit hours)
*Note:
KNES 6490 is taken three times. A capstone project and comprehensive examination occurs within the second Practicum.
Elective Concentration Course (3 credit hours)
Select one KNES course at the 6000 level or above.
Comprehensive Examination
All candidates for the degree must pass a comprehensive examination.
Applied Physiology Concentration
Students selecting the Applied Physiology concentration must present credit for at least 6 credit hours of KNES 6900 and pass a thesis defense. Students who fail to maintain a thesis progression schedule as agreed with their thesis advisor may be released by their thesis advisor. If a student is released by their thesis advisor, they will have 1 academic month or until the end of the current term to find a new advisor. If a new advisor cannot be found, the student is removed from the program at the end of the current term.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Concentration
Students selecting the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration have two attempts to pass the comprehensive examination. Students’ first attempt is to pass the Clinical Exercise Physiologist examination (CEP), administered by the American College of Sports Medicine. The opportunity to take that exam will be scheduled. If students do not pass the CEP, their second attempt is the scheduled faculty-driven comprehensive examination. This examination is offered one time during the Fall and Spring semester, and is not offered during the Summer. If CEP concentration students are also doing work for a thesis, then they may present credit for at least 3 credit hours of KNES 6900 and pass a thesis defense. Failing the comprehensive competency exam, students are dismissed from the M.S. in Kinesiology program.
Strength and Conditioning Concentration
Students selecting the Strength and Conditioning concentration have two attempts to pass the comprehensive examination. Students’ first attempt is to pass the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam offered by The National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). The opportunity to take that exam will be scheduled. If students do not pass the CSCS exam, their second attempt is the scheduled faculty-driven comprehensive examination. This examination is offered one time during the Fall and Spring semester, and is not offered during the Summer. Students who enter the program with the CSCS credential will receive two attempts at the faculty-driven comprehensive exam. If S&C concentration students are also doing work for a thesis, then they may present credit for at least 3 credit hours of KNES 6900 and pass a thesis defense. Failing the comprehensive competency exam, students are dismissed from the M.S. in Kinesiology program.
Degree Total = 36 Credit Hours
Academic Standing
The M.S. in Kinesiology program follows all academic standing, suspension, and appeal policies set forth by UNC Charlotte with one exception. The Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences requires that no course listed on a master’s student’s candidacy form be older than six years at the time of graduation. Courses that exceed this time limit must be retaken.
Advising
Each student in the M.S. in Kinesiology program must have a major advisor. Upon acceptance into the program, each student is assigned an advisor. For students in the AP concentration, the Graduate Program Director is the academic co-advisor along with the thesis advisor. Students in the AP concentration work with their major advisor to develop an advisory committee. The advisory committee must have at least 3 members (including the major advisor) and the majority of which must be from the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences. For students in the CEP and S&C concentrations, the Graduate Program Director is listed as the primary advisor. Any course substitutions must be approved by the academic advisor.
Assistantships
Positions as a graduate assistant or teaching assistant may be available. Grant funded assistantships may be available as well. Students seeking assistantships should contact the Graduate Program Director of the Kinesiology program. In general, applications for graduate assistantship awards for the academic year are made by the preceding February 1.
Continuous Registration
Students in graduate degree programs are required to maintain continuous registration (Fall and Spring semesters) for thesis, dissertation, project, or directed study until work is completed.
Financial Aid/Financial Assistance
A wide range of opportunities for financial aid/assistance is available to qualifying students, which may be accessed through the Office of Student Financial Aid. See the Financial Information section for more information on the opportunities that are available, and how to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Grade Requirements
The M.S. in Kinesiology program follows all grading policies set forth by UNC Charlotte. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required on all coursework attempted for the degree. Students who receive two grades of C will be removed from the program and will need to successfully complete the appeal procedure. Please reference the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for specific information related to any grading policy questions. The grade of I is assigned at the discretion of the instructor when a student who is otherwise passing has not, due to circumstances beyond their control, completed all the work in the course. The missing work must be completed within 12 months (exact date determined by instructor) or the I will be changed to a U.
Program Certifications
Completion of the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration qualifies the graduate to take the Clinical Exercise Physiology Examination (CEP) administered by the American College of Sports Medicine. Completion of the Strength and Conditioning concentration qualifies the graduate to take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification administered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Research Opportunities/Experiences
A range of research opportunities exist in the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences for qualified students. Students are encouraged to become engaged in the research focus of the department.
Tuition Waivers
Tuition waivers may be available through a variety of sources. Students interested in pursuing tuition waivers should contact the Graduate Program Director in the semester prior to enrolling for courses.
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