Academic Programs Catalog

The Master of Science degree in Athletic Training prepares students to provide healthcare to physically active patients in coordination with other allied health professionals. Athletic trainers provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions in a variety of healthcare settings. Athletic trainers work under the direction of a physician as required by state licensure statutes.

The Michigan State University athletic training degree blends clinical and academic learning experiences. Athletic training students are exposed to foundational and advanced clinical reasoning, state-of-the-art health care equipment, and patient-oriented research. Students who complete this degree will be eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. The Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is designed to prepare students for job opportunities in professional, collegiate, high school, clinical, industrial settings, military and performing arts.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science degree in Athletic Training, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Admission into the program is based on a combination of the following factors:

1. Have completed an application for graduate study.
2. Previous academic experience and performance as indicated by transcripts from previous degrees including a competitive cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
3. Personal goals statement of up to 500 words, covering the following items: academic background, the development of your interest in athletic training, reasons for wanting to enter this program, qualities you possess which will enhance your athletic training skills and aid in achieving your career objective(s).
4. Competitive scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (for international students).
5. Three letters of recommendation.
6. Minimum of 75 observation hours under supervision of a certified Athletic Trainer.
7. Interview with the Michigan State University Athletic Training Admissions Board.
8. The following prerequisite or equivalent courses with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher: Introduction to Athletic Injury (3 credits); Exercise Physiology and Laboratory (3 credits); Biomechanics (3 credits); Anatomy with Laboratory (3 credits); Physiology (3 credits); Chemistry (3 credits); Physics (3 credits); Research Methods or Statistics (3 credits); Biology (3 credits); and Psychology (3 credits). 

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training
The Master of Science degree in Athletic Training is available only under Plan B (without thesis). Students must complete 51 credits for the degree.

1.	All of the following courses (51 credits):
	KIN	800	Pathophysiology and Functional Anatomy						3
	KIN	801	Emergency Procedures for Athletic Trainers						3
	KIN	802	Athletic Training Practicum I						2
	KIN	803	Athletic Training Practicum II						2
	KIN	804	Athletic Training Practicum III						2
	KIN	805	Athletic Training Practicum IV						1
	KIN	806	Athletic Training Practicum V						2
	KIN	807	Athletic Training Practicum VI						3
	KIN	832	Lower Body Physical Assessment						3
	KIN	833	Therapeutic Interventions I						3
	KIN	834	Evidence Based Practice in Athletic Training						3
	KIN	835	Pharmacology of Athletic Trainers						3
	KIN	836	Upper Body Physical Assessment						3
	KIN	837	Therapeutic Interventions II						3
	KIN	838	General Medical Conditions for Athletic Trainers						3
	KIN	883	Health Care Administration for Athletic Trainers						3
	KIN	884	Spine Evaluations and Advanced Rehabilitation						3
	KIN	886	Psychology of Sports Injury and Rehabilitation						2
	KIN	887	Performance Enhancement in Sport						1
	KIN	888	Seminar in Athletic Training						3
2.	Completion of a final examination or evaluation.

 

Graduate study in kinesiology provides opportunities for students to specialize in areas leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The programs are designed to prepare individuals for professional positions as educators, researchers, and consultants in a variety of sports, health, and educational contexts. Collaborative course work, laboratory and field experiences, clinical placements, and research are available with other departments and schools both at Michigan State University and at other universities, as well as with various community agencies.

The primary objective of the master's degree program in kinesiology is to help students to acquire a breadth of knowledge grounded in theory, to gain expertise in one or more areas of specialization, and to develop competence in methods of inquiry.  The program follows the guidelines that were adopted by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

A range of relevant courses and experiences can be incorporated into the student's program to satisfy individual needs and interests.

Five major areas of study within the discipline of kinesiology are available to master's  students:
    Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience
    Exercise Physiology
    Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity
    Strength and Conditioning
    Student Athlete Development

For each student, one of these five areas of study is designated as the concentration.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission into the master’s program, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree. Factors considered in admissions decisions include (a) clarity of applicant’s professional goals; (b) relationship between the program and the applicant’s goals; c) previous academic experience and performance as indicated by transcripts from previous degrees including a competitive cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale; (d) Test of English as a Foreign Language for international students; (e) three letters of recommendation.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology

Breadth requirement. Students who have not completed an undergraduate degree in kinesiology (or similarly named program such as physical education or exercise science) must complete a minimum of 6 credits of Kinesiology courses representing at least two of nine different disciplinary areas (adapted physical activity, athletic training, biomechanics, coaching, exercise physiology, growth and motor development, psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity, sport administration, student athlete development) outside of the student’s major area/concentration, as approved by the student’s guidance committee. Credits earned in 200 or 300 level courses may be used to fulfill the breadth requirement, but will not count toward the master’s degree.

The program is available under both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).  Students must complete 30 credits and meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Plan A and Plan B (18 credits):
1.	Required core course (3 credits):
	KIN	871	Research Methods in Kinesiology				3
2.	A minimum of 9 credits of kinesiology graduate level courses in the student’s concentration as approved by the student’s guidance committee.
Additional Requirements for Plan A (12 credits):
1.	Both of the following courses (9 credits):
	One additional research methods course at the 400–900 level approved by the student's guidance committee  (3 credits).
	KIN	899	Master's Thesis Research				6
2.	Additional credits in courses approved by the student's guidance committee (3 credits).
Additional Requirements for Plan B (12 credits):
1.	Additional credits in courses approved by the student's guidance committee (12 credits). One of the following courses is recommended:
	KIN	893	Internship in Kinesiology				4 to 6
	KIN	897	Project in Kinesiology				4
2.	Final certifying examination.
	Students who complete Kinesiology 893 or 897 are required to pass an oral certifying examination.
	Students who do not complete Kinesiology 893 or 897 are required to pass a written certifying examination.

The Master of Science degree in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in learning and using scientific knowledge and best practices related to coaching and developing athletes and leading sports programs at the intercollegiate, interscholastic, community sports, and university levels. It facilitates interdisciplinary knowledge in various issues related to coaching across the lifespan. Practical experiences are available at high schools, within the university athletic department, and in other sports-related organizations and agencies. The program is available only online.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science degree in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration students must:

1. have completed a bachelor’s degree in the United States or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
2. have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.
3. submit three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a professional source (colleague, supervisor), and one from an academic source (instructor, advisor).
4. submit an academic statement of 750 words that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the master’s degree and the goals that the degree will help them attain.

Upon acceptance, students must submit evidence of current CPR, first-aid, and blood borne pathogen training and maintain such certification throughout their enrollment in the program.

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of high probability of success. Factors that are significant in determining admission are:

1. A grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
2. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the master’s program.
3. Evidence of a philosophical understanding of developmentally appropriate sport experiences.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration

The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis) and only available online. The student must complete 30 credits distributed as follows:

1.	All of the following courses (6 credits):
	KIN	852	Ethics in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration						1
	KIN	872	The Science of Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration						3
	KIN	896	Integrative Capstone in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration						2
2.	Complete one of the following courses (3 credits):
	KIN	880	Sport and Leadership Practicum						3
	KIN	893	Internship in Kinesiology						3
3.	Complete 21 credits from one of the following concentrations:
	Coaching
	a.	Two of the following Physical Cognate courses (6 credits):
		KIN	829	Safety and Injury Control					3
		KIN	856	Physical Bases of Coaching Athletes					3
		KIN	865	Stages of Athlete Development					3
		KIN	868	Skill Development in Athletes					3
	b.	Two of the following Psychosocial Cognate courses (6 credits):
		KIN	846	Sociocultural Issues for Sport Practitioners					3
		KIN	849	Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leadership					3
		KIN	855	Psychosocial Bases of Coaching Athletes					3
		KIN	857	Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sport					3
	c.	One of the following Administration Cognate courses (3 credits):
		KIN	851	The Sport Enterprise					3
		KIN	853	Athletic Administration and Governance					3
		KIN	854	Legal Aspects of Sport					3
	d.	Complete one additional 3-credit Physical Cognate or Psychosocial Cognate course.
	e.	Complete one additional 3-credit Kinesiology course approved by the student's academic advisor.
	Sport Administration
	a.	One of the following Physical Cognate courses (3 credits):
		KIN	829	Safety and Injury Control					3
		KIN	856	Physical Bases of Coaching Athletes					3
		KIN	865	Stages of Athlete Development					3
		KIN	868	Skill Development in Athletes					3
	b.	The following course (3 credits):
		KIN	849	Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leadership					3
	c.	One of the following Psychosocial Cognate courses (3 credits):
		KIN	846	Sociocultural Issues for Sport Practitioners					3
		KIN	855	Psychosocial Bases of Coaching Athletes					3
		KIN	857	Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sport					3
	d.	All of the following Administration Cognate courses (9 credits):
		KIN	851	The Sport Enterprise					3
		KIN	853	Athletic Administration and Governance					3
		KIN	854	Legal Aspects of Sport					3
	e.	Complete one additional 3-credit Kinesiology course approved by the student's academic advisor.
4.	Completion of a final examination or evaluation.

The Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in learning and using scientific knowledge and best practices related to coaching and developing athletes and leading sports programs at the intercollegiate, interscholastic, and community sports levels. It facilitates interdisciplinary knowledge in various issues related to coaching across the lifespan. The certificate is available only online.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching students must:

1. have completed a bachelor’s degree.
2. complete the Intent to Enroll form if you are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at Michigan State University.

Students who are not enrolled at Michigan State University must:

1. submit a university application and application fee.
2. provide transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education.
3. submit an academic statement of 750 words that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the certificate and the goals that the certificate will help them attain.
4. submit a current resume of no more than two pages.
5. a test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.

Upon acceptance, students must submit evidence of current CPR, first-aid, and blood borne pathogen training and maintain such certification throughout their enrollment in the program.

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of high probability of success. Factors that are significant in determining admission are:

1. A grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of  all undergraduate and graduate course work.
2. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the graduate certificate.
3. Evidence of a philosophical understanding of developmentally appropriate sport experiences.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching

Students must complete 10 credits from the following courses:

1.	The following course (1 credit):
	KIN	852	Ethics in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration						1
2.	At least one of the following courses (3 to 6 credits):
	KIN	829	Safety and Injury Control						3
	KIN	856	Physical Bases of Coaching Athletes						3
	KIN	865	Stages of Athlete Development						3
	KIN	868	Skill Development in Athletes						3
3.	At least one of the following courses (3 to 6 credits:
	KIN	846	Sociocultural Issues for Sport Practitioners						3
	KIN	849	Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leadership						3
	KIN	855	Psychosocial Bases of Coaching Athletes						3
	KIN	857	Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sport						3

The Graduate Certificate in Sport Leadership and Administration provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in the operational and administrative functions required for careers in sport organizations at the intercollegiate, interscholastic, and community sports levels. It exposes students to knowledge of the legal, financial, managerial, governance and ethical aspects of sport. The certificate is available only online.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Sport Leadership and Administration students must:

1. have completed a bachelor’s degree.
2. complete the Intent to Enroll form if you are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at Michigan State University.

Students who are not enrolled at Michigan State University must:

1. submit a university application and application fee.
2. provide transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education.
3. submit an academic statement of 750 words that clearly describes the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the certificate and the goals that the certificate will help them attain.
4. submit a current resume of no more than two pages.
5. take a test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language. 

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of high probability of success. Factors that are significant in determining admission are:

1. a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
2. professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the graduate certificate.
3. evidence of an understanding of the fundamentals of the sport industry.
4. relevant career experiences, including employment, internships, or field experiences.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Sport Leadership and Administration

Students must complete 13 credits from the following:

KIN	849	Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leadership							3
KIN	851	The Sport Enterprise							3
KIN	852	Ethics in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration							1
KIN	853	Athletic Administration and Governance							3
KIN	854	Legal Aspects of Sport							3

 

The primary objective of the doctoral degree program in kinesiology is to develop scholars who are competent in teaching, conducting research, and serving in leadership roles in various educational, governmental, public, or private agencies.  In addition to developing expertise in an area of specialization, students must be able to interpret and integrate information from related academic disciplines.  Individualized programs of study may be developed, taking into consideration students' academic needs and professional goals.

Each doctoral student in kinesiology chooses one of four areas of concentration:
    Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation
    Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience
    Exercise Physiology
    Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity

While enrolled in the doctoral degree program in kinesiology, students are expected to present at least one paper at a professional meeting.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Ordinarily, to be considered for admission into the doctoral program, a master’s degree is required; however, in cases of exceptional scholarly promise, a student may enter the doctoral program following the completion of the undergraduate degree. Factors considered in admissions decisions include (a) clarity of applicant’s goals and research interests; (b) relationship between the program and the applicant’s goals and research interests; (c) previous academic experience and performance as indicated by transcripts from previous degrees (a competitive cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale); (d) TOEFL for international students; (e) evidence of research competence such as a master’s thesis, senior research project, or other research experience; and (f) three letters of recommendation. An interview with a committee of faculty members is strongly recommended.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Kinesiology

Breadth requirement. Students who have completed a previous degree in kinesiology, or similarly named program such as physical education or exercise science, must complete a minimum of 6 credits of kinesiology courses at the 800-900 level outside of the student’s area of concentration.  Students who have not completed a previous degree in kinesiology must complete a minimum of 9 credits of kinesiology courses at the 800-900 level representing at least two different disciplinary areas (adapted physical activity, athletic injury and rehabilitation, biomechanics, exercise physiology, growth and motor development, psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity) outside of the student’s major area of concentration. Courses used to satisfy the breadth requirement must be approved by the student’s guidance committee. Courses that are used to satisfy the requirements referenced in the area below titled Educational Inquiry and Research may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

The student must complete a minimum of 60 credits and meet the requirements specified below:

1.	Educational Inquiry and Research
	a.	The following courses:
		KIN	995	Research Practicum in Kinesiology			1 to 3
	b.	Complete 9 credits of 800-900 level research methods courses approved by the student's guidance committee.
2.	Area of Concentration
	A minimum of four courses at the 800–900 level totaling at least 12 credits in one of the four concentrations approved by the student's guidance committee referenced above.  At least 6 of the 12 credits must be in Kinesiology courses. Courses that are used to satisfy the requirements referenced in item 1. above may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
3.	Related Studies
	A cognate that consists of a minimum of three courses at the 400–900 level totaling 9 credits.  All 9 of the credits must be in courses outside the Department of Kinesiology and must be related to the student's concentration.  Both the cognate and the related courses must be approved by the student's guidance committee.
4.	Successful completion of the research practicum.
5.	Successful completion and defense of the dissertation. The dissertation must be in the student's concentration. Students may not earn more than 30 credits in KIN 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
6.	Teaching
	Competency in teaching the subject matter of the student's concentration to undergraduate students or to an outreach audience, as judged by the student's guidance committee.  This requirement may be met as part of a graduate teaching assistantship assignment.