Master of Science in Kinesiology
The Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology at Lamar University is designed to enhance your professional competence in exercise science and related fields of study and to prepare you for a rewarding career within the field of kinesiology, as a researcher, or for preparation to enter a PhD program in kinesiology.
Admission Requirements
Candidates for admission to the Master of Science in Kinesiology program must meet all admission requirements for the College of Graduate Studies.- Candidates also must have a 2.5 or greater GPA on a 4.0 scale or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of their undergraduate degree program. Candidates with a 3.0 or greater GPA are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
- Candidates required to complete the GRE must have a score of 146 or higher on the verbal section. Full admission to the program is based on the following formula: (GPA*50)+(GRE verbal + GRE Quantitative) > or = 428
- Candidates must satisfy the necessary undergraduate prerequisites as prescribed for a particular area of specialization. All applicants to master's programs will receive a review of their prior coursework. In some instances, leveling course work may be required before full admission to the program is granted. Leveling courses may be required if undergraduate course transcripts do not provide sufficient evidence for successful mastery of cognitive or practical applied skills and abilities.
- Each prospective student should petition the department for a transcript review early on in the application process to ensure a timely admissions response. Students are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all credentials for admission are sent to the graduate school for inclusion in their application packet. The department only receives applicant notification once all materials are in receipt at the graduate school.
Degree Requirements
Candidates for the Master of Science degree in kinesiology must meet all of the College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements and specific departmental requirements including:
- Fifteen semester hours of required curriculum core courses
- Nine semester hours of exercise science or sport studies track courses.
- Six semester hours of thesis or 12 additional hours of research and/or track courses.
Students also must complete one of two degree options:
- Thesis (30 hours) to include 24 hours of course work and a minimum of six hours of thesis.
- Non-thesis (36 hours) to include a minimum of 36 hours of course work. At least three hours of course work (independent study) will be devoted to a capstone experience culminating in a professional paper suitable for publication, as well as a formal presentation and defense of the topic and conclusions resulting from the scholarly pursuit. Each student will be assigned a major professor no later than their second semester in the program of study. This faculty member will mentor the student in their scholarly efforts along with the graduate coordinator.
Students are encouraged to present their research at state and national meetings of the following organizations: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
The M.S. degree, combined with supervised clinical experience, will assist students in their preparation for national certification exams.