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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND KINESIOLOGY

Health Program

This program of study aims to prepare qualified individualss

for positions as health education specialists with public schools, as well as a variety of community health settings. The qualified health educator has a good understanding of (1) people and factors which influence their learning; (2) purposes, principles, methods, and techniques of the communicative arts (writing, speaking, teaching, group work); and (3) community organization. The goal of the health education specialist is more effective interpretation of health activities and health information so that greater understanding, more intelligent participation, and better attitudes and behavior will result among people.
While the primary purpose of this program is to prepare students to function as teachers or as staff members, experienced individuals in the field of public health may qualify for positions such as health education coordinators in medical services (health maintenance organization, nursing homes, hospitals, physicians’ offices, etc.), comprehensive health planning, communication, and administrators of public health education.

The student’s knowledge in all areas of course work, exclusive of thesis, will be evaluated during the comprehensive examination. Scores for either the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test must be submitted before students are admitted to Graduate Studies.

A student majoring in Health may choose from: Master of Arts, Plan I; Master of Arts, Plan II; and Master of Education, Plan II.

Master of Arts, Plan I (thesis option)
Under this thirty-six semester hour plan, the student will take thirty semester hours of course work in Health (or approved electives) and six semester hours of thesis work. The work will be divided as follows:
1. Twelve hour core curriculum including three hours of research and three hours of statistics.
2. Six hours of field work preparation and field work experience with an approved health agency or organization.
3. Six hours of thesis work.
4. Additional graduate work to complete thirty-six hours.

Master of Arts, Plan II (non-thesis option)
Under this thirty-six semester hour plan, the student will take all course work in Health (or approved electives). These hours will be divided as follows:
1. Twelve hour core curriculum including three hours of research and three hours of statistics.
2. Six hours field work preparation and field work experience with an approved health agency or organization.
3. Additional graduate work to complete thirty-six hours.

Master of Education, Plan II. This plan is designed specifically for secondary school teachers and the course work should be distributed as follows: (1) eighteen to twenty-four hours in a teaching field(s) for secondary school teachers for which the student has eighteen or more undergraduate hours and the University offers sufficient graduate course work, (2) twelve to eighteen hours of Education.
The Health courses taken under this plan should consist of three hours of research, three hours of statistics, and additional courses approved by a graduate advisor.

SENIOR COURSES OPEN TO GRADUATE STUDENTS

Selected 400-level offerings may be applied toward graduate degree with prior approval from the coordinator of the Health Program. Consult the undergraduate catalogue for course descriptions.

GRADUATE COURSES

HEALTH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

HED 531 FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY HEALTH. The epidemiological and biostatistical method of investigating health problems. Includes historical and philosophical foundations of community health with an orientation to current health programs and problems.

HED 532 HUMAN ECOLOGY. A study of the major factors which determine health or illness, including how populations respond to various determinants of health including lifestyle, heredity, environment, and health care resources.

HED 533 COLLOQUIUM IN HUMAN SEXUALITY. A study of all the factors influencing growth and development. Consideration of the special problems of developing family life and sex education programs in the schools.

HED 534 COLLOQUIUM IN THE USE AND ABUSE OF DRUGS. Value education approach to the prevention of drug use and abuse. Personal, family, community and school factors influencing drug use. Origins and derivations of drugs. The mental, emotional, physical, social and genetic results from the use of drugs will be analyzed.

HED 538 COLLOQUIUM IN CONSUMER HEALTH EDUCATION. The study of consumer goods and services as related to the health of individuals, their family and their community. Also includes marketing principles for health promotion and current health care bioethical issues.

HED 560 COMMUNICATION THEORY AND PRACTICE FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATORS. A laboratory experience built around research on motivation concepts, the influence of perception, attitudes and values on behavior, on directing change, diffusion patterns, group discussion and decision making, and interviewing techniques. Attention given to the selection, use, and evaluation of media, materials, visual aids, press, radio, mass media, etc.

HED 561 THEORY AND PRACTICE IN HEALTH EDUCATION. A study of the history, philosophy, and practices of Health Education. Exploration and application of behavioral science concepts and methodologies to community health education and inservice training of health professionals. Case studies and other practice models will be used.

HED 563 LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND SPORT MANAGEMENT. This course is designed for the individual who will assume some type of supervisory position in health promotion or sport management. The focal point of this course involves exposure to administrative skills which need to be improved in order to complete the necessary act of leadership.

HED 565 AGING AND HEALTH PROMOTION. A discussion of health promotion issues for the elderly including physical assessment, chronic care, health care maintenance, psychological adaptation, nutrition, and other current topics.

HED 574 RESEARCH SEMINAR. A study is made of research techniques, identification of problems, research designs and data gathering procedures pertinent to the field of health.

HED 575 STATISTICAL DESIGN IN HEALTH AND KINESIOLOGY. Principles of advanced statistical techniques and measurement theory with emphasis upon their application to health, kinesiology, and related areas will be presented.

HED 577 INDEPENDENT STUDIES. The student with specific interest and background experience in a specialized area will have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in a laboratory situation. He/she may have practical experiences in a clinic, agency, special school or other types of institutions. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Chair.

HED 696 HEALTH PROGRAM PLANNING: PRE-INTERNSHIP. A comprehensive review of the components of health program planning with emphasis on the socioeconomical, cultural, and political factors that influence the health status of a community. Emphasis is focused on a comprehensive approach to health program planning models.

HED 697 INTERNSHIP IN HEALTH EDUCATION. Field experience in an approved setting for health education: medical, community, school, or workplace under the supervision of a qualified health educator or approved preceptor.

HED 698 THESIS. This phase of the thesis investigation includes the completion of the review of the related literature, formulation of the research design and procedures and related pilot studies. Some data collection may also occur, and the thesis symposium must be completed to the satisfaction of the advisor and members of the thesis committee.

HED 699 THESIS. This phase of the thesis work includes the completion of the data collection, as well as the actual writing and defense of the thesis.

Kinesiology Program

The graduate program in Kinesiology is designed to enhance the professional expertise of teachers and coaches, to prepare students for positions in corporate, commercial, hospital health promotion, and sport management settings, and for entry into doctoral programs.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS. Admission into the Kinesiology Master’s Program requires that a student must:
1. submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
2. have completed an undergraduate degree with a Kinesiology major or minor, and have completed coursework equivalent to KIN 321, 322, 362, 373, and 469. See the undergraduate catalog for a description of these classes.
3. complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score at least 550, if that individual is from a non-English speaking country.
Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may be conditionally admitted, and are allowed to complete a maximum of 6 graduate hours.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The Master of Arts, Plan I is a 30-hour program designed to prepare individuals for college teaching and for students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in the future. The option requires student to complete a thesis (KIN 698 and KIN 699)
The Master of Arts, Plan II is a 36-hour program designed to prepare teachers, coaches, managers of commercial or corporate fitness programs, and administrators in recreationally-based activity settings.

The Master of Education, Plan I is designed for majors in Elementary Education who wish to minor in Kinesiology. The 36-hour program is divided as follows:
(1) a major of 18-24 hours in Education, and
(2) a minor of 12-18 hours in Kinesiology.
The Master of Education, Plan II is designed for those who desire to focus their coursework in Kinesiology and Education, while gaining greater knowledge in a second teaching field. Within this 36-hour degree, the student may take 12-24 hours in Kinesiology, 6-12 hours in a second teaching field, and 12-18 hours in Education.

Other Guidelines. All coursework falling under one of the following considerations must have the approval of the Graduate Coordinator in Kinesiology.
For a 30-hour program, a maximum of 6-hours of coursework can be transferred from another institution, or applied to the graduate program from an area of study outside of Kinesiology. For a 36-hour program, a maximum number of 12-hours can be transferred from another institution, or applied from disciplines outside of Kinesiology.
For any of the graduate degree options, only one independent study (KIN 577), and a maximum of two pre-approved 400-level offerings, may be applied toward the coursework. Consult the undergraduate catalogue for course descriptions.
Application of workshops (KIN 599) is limited to 6-hours for a 36-hour degree plan, and 3-hours for a 30-hour program.
All graduate students must complete the following Core Classes:
KIN 563 – Leadership in Health Promotion and Sport Management
KIN 574 – Research Methods (within the first 12 hours), and
KIN 575 – Statistical Design in Health and Kinesiology.

Comprehensive Examinations
At the conclusion of the program, all students are required to pass a comprehensive oral examination covering all coursework exclusive of the thesis, if applicable. Those selecting the thesis option will also need to successfully complete an oral defense of that research study. The comprehensive examination can be taken when the student is within his/her final 6-hours of coursework, and must be completed at least three-weeks prior to the graduation date.
The oral defense must be completed at least four-weeks prior to graduation to allow sufficient time for review of the thesis by various administrative offices. Student should consult the calendar that appears at the beginning of the Graduate Catalogue for the specific date the manuscript must be submitted to the Dean’s office.

GRADUATE COURSES

KINESIOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

KIN 534 PRACTICUM. An internship experience in a personal working environment or organizational setting. Supervisory assistance by project staff occurs at frequent intervals.

*KIN 562 LEGAL ISSUES IN SPORTS. An examination of legal factors affecting Physical Education, amateur athletics and professional sport. Analysis will involve teachers, coaches, officials, spectators, medical personnel, owners of sports teams, and commercial suppliers of equipment and products used within an activity setting.

KIN 563 LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND SPORT MANAGEMENT. This course is designed for the individual who will assume some type of supervisory position in health promotion or sport management. The course’s focal point of this course involves exposure to administrative skills required of those who serve in a leadership capacity.

KIN 567 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE. Advanced content reflecting the scientific principles underlying exercise is coupled with an emphasis on laboratory experiences. Students will be required to conduct an applied research project on a topic of their choice. Prerequisite: KIN 373 or permission of instructor.

KIN 574 RESEARCH SEMINAR. A study is made of research techniques, identification of problems, research designs and data gathering procedures. Students will develop a proposal for a research project.

KIN 575 STATISTICAL DESIGN IN HEALTH AND KINESIOLOGY. Principles of advanced statistical techniques and measurement theory with emphasis upon their application to Health, Kinesiology, and related areas will be presented.

KIN 577 INDEPENDENT STUDIES. This course is adaptable to the needs and interests of the individual student. Students with specific interests are provided the opportunity to investigate and make application in theoretical, laboratory, or field experience approaches to their area of concentration. May be repeated provided the repetition is in a different area of study. Prerequisites: KIN 574. A proposal is submitted to the Independent Studies Committee in the Department of Health and Kinesiology the semester before the student plans to register for this course.

KIN 579 MANAGEMENT OF ADULT FITNESS PROGRAMS. An analysis of factors associated with the management of commercial, corporate and hospital-based wellness programs. Special attention will be given to the purpose, development and maintenance of such programs.

KIN 589 SPORTS IN AMERICAN CULTURE. This course explores North American sports from a viewpoint that sport is a microcosm of society. Social structures, sub-cultures, and ethics are explored.

KIN 592 A DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM OF KINESIOLOGY FOR EARLY AND MIDDLE CHILDHOOD. This course is designed to provide an understanding of the sequence and relationship of motor development and perceptual activity throughout the pre-school years. It includes experiences related to readiness for learning physical skills, movement education approaches, and curricular content for early childhood.

KIN 593 ADVANCED STUDIES IN THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT. An advanced study of the psychological factors that affect, and are influenced by, sports participation. Both the coach and the athlete are considered in this analysis.

KIN 595 ADVANCED BIOMECHANICS. The mechanical analysis of motion as it applies to the human musculoskeletal system. The course stresses advanced concepts of functional anatomy, linear and angular kinetics and kinematics, and application of those concepts in a laboratory/research setting. Emphasis is placed on data collection and evaluation in a semester research project. Prerequisite: KIN 362 or permission of instructor.

KIN 598 SIGNIFICANCE OF MOTOR LEARNING. This course will present the theoretical and experimental bases for the acquisition and control of movement. Areas of study include feedback manipulation, motor programming, dynamic systems theory, generalizability of schema, forgetting, and compatibility analysis. Students are required to plan and conduct a research study testing a motor learning postulate of their own choosing. Prerequisite: KIN 322 or permission of instructor.

KIN 599 WORKSHOP IN KINESIOLOGY, RECREATION, AND SPORT. An intensive laboratory-oriented experience for practitioners seeking to upgrade teaching, coaching, or leadership competencies in areas related to Kinesiology, Coaching, and Athletics. May be repeated for credit with approval of the Graduate Coordinator in Kinesiology.

KIN 698 THESIS. This phase of the thesis investigation includes the completion of the review of the related literature, formulation of the research design and procedures and related pilot studies. Some data collection may also occur, and thesis symposium must be completed to the satisfaction of the advisor and members of the thesis committee.

KIN 699 THESIS. This phase of the thesis work includes the completion of the data collection, as well as the actual writing and defense of the thesis.