MS in Kinesiology Program Overview
If you work as a coach or trainer in sports, exercise, or associated fields, you know movement is key to better health and fitness and athletic performance. Take the next step by mastering kinesiology.
Drawn from fields including anatomy, physiology, and psychology, kinesiology empowers you with a deeper understanding of how the body moves and functions and enables you to elicit better results from your athletes, students, or self. If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree and are in any stage of a related teaching or coaching career, our affordable 30- to 33-credit online Master of Science in Kinesiology program is for you.
Achieve Peak Performance in Your Career
Our MS in kinesiology helps you expand your mastery of concepts, research, and theories associated with the science of human movement, with a curriculum that explores critical topics including advanced psychology and physiology of sports, training and conditioning methods, and teaching and coaching behavior. Equipped with this expertise, you can improve your performance as a physical educator, coach, athlete, sports administrator, fitness program director, or other professions grounded in kinesiology.
Our asynchronous, 100% online format enables you to earn your degree while maintaining your current professional and personal responsibilities. Start our program with no GRE requirement and finish in less than two years! Our experienced faculty collaborates with you to create publishable work from your program research, and our caring advisors provide one-on-one assistance throughout your educational journey.
Choose Your Own Study Track
UTPB’s MS in kinesiology provides the flexibility to choose a track that aligns with your career goals:
Teaching, Coaching, and Administration Track
If you aim to lead or mentor others in an exercise, fitness, or sports environment—or want to see improved outcomes in your current position—this track will help you develop the necessary expertise.
Psychology of Sport Track
Sport isn’t purely a physical endeavor. Here you’ll discover how an individual’s mindset and the involvement of teammates, coaches, and others influence performance and well-being.
Exercise Physiology Track
Broaden your understanding of how exercise and training affect the body’s health and functioning. For this track you can choose:
- Research Project Option
- Research Thesis Option
- Non-Research Option
Graduate Pathways
By the conclusion of your MS in kinesiology program, you’ll be ready to join your fellow UT Permian Basin graduates at respected institutions, organizations, and companies. Our kinesiology graduates are now applying their expertise at employers including:
- The UT System
- Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Texas A&M University
- Endeavor Energy Resources
- IDEA Public Schools
Careers for MS in Kinesiology Graduates
This online UTPB program prepares you to excel in a varied selection of satisfying careers, such as:
Teaching, Coaching, and Administration Track Core Requirements
9 hours.
KINE 6310 - Statistics for Researchers
16 weeks
3
Statistical concepts emphasizing simple and multiple regression, hypothesis testing and analysis of variance. Prerequisite: one year of college level mathematics.
KINE 6312 - Research Methods
16 weeks
3
Research techniques and inferential statistical procedures appropriate to the research process in physical education. Prerequisite: KINE 6310, MATH 6301 or equivalent.
KINE 6340 - Sport and Society
16 weeks
3
Examines opposing points of view related to the role of sport in various American institutions (political, economic, educational, religious) and by diverse socio-cultural groups within these institutions. The impact of sport upon individuals and society will also be scrutinized (racism, sexism, elitism).
Teaching, Coaching, and Administration Track Requirements
9 hours.
KINE 6362 - Training and Conditioning Methods
16 weeks
3
Examines the relevant systems of human physiology in the context of sport specific training and conditioning. Helps develop the students' understanding of the adaptations that the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems undergo during training and conditioning for sports and exercise.
KINE 6380 - Analysis of Teaching and Coaching Behavior
16 weeks
3
Observation, description, coding and analysis of teaching behavior in physical education and coaching.
KINE 6382 - Administration of Physical Education and Athletics
16 weeks
3
An examination of administrative theories and practices in physical education, intramural, and athletic programs.
Teaching, Coaching, and Administration Track Electives
12 hours. Choose 4 courses.
KINE 6320 - Advanced Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Concepts and research methodology in social psychological study of sport and physical activity. Selected theories of sport involvement applied to sport and physical activity analysis.
KINE 6322 - Applied Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Mental training techniques that have been used successfully by athletes and coaches to improve sport performance are studied . The mental training techniques include imagery, arousal regulation, somatic and cognitive stress management, concentration and attention control, positive self-talk, and goal setting.
KINE 6323 - Advanced Psychology of Exercise
16 weeks
3
Theoretical models and research related to the determinants of exercise initiation and adherence are studied. Research studies investigating the effects of exercise on mental health are also reviewed. Additional topics selected by students are covered.
KINE 6360 - Advanced Sports Physiology
16 weeks
3
Functioning of the human body and responses and adaptations of the different systems as a result of physical exercise. Topics include muscle physiology, the cardiorespiratory system, neural control of human movement, nutrition, athletic performance, physiological applications of physical training and preventive health care. Laboratory experiences included.
KINE 6363 - Methods and Procedures for Coronary Heart Disease Risk Detection and Reduction
16 weeks
3
A study of the leading risk factors that contribute to the development of coronary artery heart disease. Laboratory methods and procedures used in assessing the different risk factors including 12-lead EKG and graded exercise stress testing. Implementation of programs aimed at risk reduction and prevention of heart disease.
KINE 6381 - Curricular Innovations
16 weeks
3
Examines current trends and issues in physical education curriculum development. The course content includes examples of program innovations, as well as current international, national (e.g., NASPE national standards), and local curriculum initiatives. Individually or as members of a small group, students will design physical education curricula to be implemented in their own schools.
KINE 6391 - Contract Study
16 weeks
3
For students who are pursuing independent study or research (as described in the contract study format).
KINE 6392 - Practicum
16 weeks
3
A field work experience designed to provide practical, real life education for students. Under the supervision of a professional, students enhance their knowledge and skills in the practice of their selected interest area.
KINE 6389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Graduate courses that will be offered only once, will be offered infrequently, or are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
KINE 6399 - Master’s Thesis
16 weeks
3
Meets the research requirements for the thesis option in master's degree program.
Psychology of Sport Track Core Requirements
9 hours.
KINE 6310 - Statistics for Researchers
16 weeks
3
Statistical concepts emphasizing simple and multiple regression, hypothesis testing and analysis of variance. Prerequisite: one year of college level mathematics.
KINE 6312 - Research Methods
16 weeks
3
Research techniques and inferential statistical procedures appropriate to the research process in physical education. Prerequisite: KINE 6310, MATH 6301 or equivalent.
KINE 6340 - Sport and Society
16 weeks
3
Examines opposing points of view related to the role of sport in various American institutions (political, economic, educational, religious) and by diverse socio-cultural groups within these institutions. The impact of sport upon individuals and society will also be scrutinized (racism, sexism, elitism).
Psychology of Sport Track Requirements
9 hours.
KINE 6320 - Advanced Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Concepts and research methodology in social psychological study of sport and physical activity. Selected theories of sport involvement applied to sport and physical activity analysis.
KINE 6322 - Applied Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Mental training techniques that have been used successfully by athletes and coaches to improve sport performance are studied . The mental training techniques include imagery, arousal regulation, somatic and cognitive stress management, concentration and attention control, positive self-talk, and goal setting.
KINE 6323 - Advanced Psychology of Exercise
16 weeks
3
Theoretical models and research related to the determinants of exercise initiation and adherence are studied. Research studies investigating the effects of exercise on mental health are also reviewed. Additional topics selected by students are covered.
Psychology of Sport Track Electives
12 hours. Choose 4 courses.
KINE 6360 - Advanced Sports Physiology
16 weeks
3
Functioning of the human body and responses and adaptations of the different systems as a result of physical exercise. Topics include muscle physiology, the cardiorespiratory system, neural control of human movement, nutrition, athletic performance, physiological applications of physical training and preventive health care. Laboratory experiences included.
KINE 6362 - Training and Conditioning Methods
16 weeks
3
Examines the relevant systems of human physiology in the context of sport specific training and conditioning. Helps develop the students' understanding of the adaptations that the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems undergo during training and conditioning for sports and exercise.
KINE 6363 - Methods and Procedures for Coronary Heart Disease Risk Detection and Reduction
16 weeks
3
A study of the leading risk factors that contribute to the development of coronary artery heart disease. Laboratory methods and procedures used in assessing the different risk factors including 12-lead EKG and graded exercise stress testing. Implementation of programs aimed at risk reduction and prevention of heart disease.
KINE 6364 - Hostile Environments
16 weeks
3
Enhances the students' understanding of the physiological effects of heat stress and thermoregulatory controls/maintenance in the body. Topics include heat stress and heat illness, the history behind thermoregulatory medicine, the physiology of the renal and thermoregulation systems in the body, and treatment and prevention of heat stress during sports and work.
KINE 6380 - Analysis of Teaching and Coaching Behavior
16 weeks
3
Observation, description, coding and analysis of teaching behavior in physical education and coaching.
KINE 6381 - Curricular Innovations
16 weeks
3
Examines current trends and issues in physical education curriculum development. The course content includes examples of program innovations, as well as current international, national (e.g., NASPE national standards), and local curriculum initiatives. Individually or as members of a small group, students will design physical education curricula to be implemented in their own schools.
KINE 6382 - Administration of Physical Education and Athletics
16 weeks
3
An examination of administrative theories and practices in physical education, intramural, and athletic programs.
KINE 6389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Graduate courses that will be offered only once, will be offered infrequently, or are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
KINE 6391 - Contract Study
16 weeks
3
For students who are pursuing independent study or research (as described in the contract study format).
KINE 6392 - Practicum
16 weeks
3
A field work experience designed to provide practical, real life education for students. Under the supervision of a professional, students enhance their knowledge and skills in the practice of their selected interest area.
KINE 6398 - Master’s Project
16 weeks
3
Meets the research requirements for the non-thesis option in master's degree program.
KINE 6399 - Master’s Thesis
16 weeks
3
Meets the research requirements for the thesis option in master's degree program.
KINE 6356 - Issues of Women and Sport
16 weeks
3
Explores problems, patterns and processes associated with the sport involvement of women in American culture. Topics include the history of women's participation, social stereotypes of sportswomen, institutional influences and performance capabilities.
Exercise Physiology Track Research Project Option Core Requirements
9 hours.
KINE 6361 - Exercise Physiology Laboratory Methods-Procedures
16 weeks
3
Practical applications of the different principles that govern the responses and adaptations of the human body to physical exercise. Laboratory equipment used to collect data and analyze results. Prerequisite: KINE 6360, its equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
KINE 6362 - Training and Conditioning Methods
16 weeks
3
Examines the relevant systems of human physiology in the context of sport specific training and conditioning. Helps develop the students' understanding of the adaptations that the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems undergo during training and conditioning for sports and exercise.
KINE 6363 - Methods and Procedures for Coronary Heart Disease Risk Detection and Reduction
16 weeks
3
A study of the leading risk factors that contribute to the development of coronary artery heart disease. Laboratory methods and procedures used in assessing the different risk factors including 12-lead EKG and graded exercise stress testing. Implementation of programs aimed at risk reduction and prevention of heart disease.
Exercise Physiology Track Research Project Option Requirements
15 hours.
KINE 6364 - Hostile Environments
16 weeks
3
Enhances the students' understanding of the physiological effects of heat stress and thermoregulatory controls/maintenance in the body. Topics include heat stress and heat illness, the history behind thermoregulatory medicine, the physiology of the renal and thermoregulation systems in the body, and treatment and prevention of heat stress during sports and work.
KINE 6389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Graduate courses that will be offered only once, will be offered infrequently, or are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
KINE 6389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Graduate courses that will be offered only once, will be offered infrequently, or are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
KINE 6392 - Practicum
16 weeks
3
A field work experience designed to provide practical, real life education for students. Under the supervision of a professional, students enhance their knowledge and skills in the practice of their selected interest area.
KINE 6398 - Master’s Project
16 weeks
3
Meets the research requirements for the non-thesis option in master's degree program.
Exercise Physiology Track Research Project Option Electives
6 hours.
KINE 6310 - Statistics for Researchers
16 weeks
3
Statistical concepts emphasizing simple and multiple regression, hypothesis testing and analysis of variance. Prerequisite: one year of college level mathematics.
KINE 6312 - Research Methods
16 weeks
3
Research techniques and inferential statistical procedures appropriate to the research process in physical education. Prerequisite: KINE 6310, MATH 6301 or equivalent.
KINE 6320 - Advanced Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Concepts and research methodology in social psychological study of sport and physical activity. Selected theories of sport involvement applied to sport and physical activity analysis.
KINE 6322 - Applied Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Mental training techniques that have been used successfully by athletes and coaches to improve sport performance are studied . The mental training techniques include imagery, arousal regulation, somatic and cognitive stress management, concentration and attention control, positive self-talk, and goal setting.
KINE 6323 - Advanced Psychology of Exercise
16 weeks
3
Theoretical models and research related to the determinants of exercise initiation and adherence are studied. Research studies investigating the effects of exercise on mental health are also reviewed. Additional topics selected by students are covered.
Exercise Physiology Track Research Thesis Option Core Requirements
9 hours.
KINE 6361 - Exercise Physiology Laboratory Methods-Procedures
16 weeks
3
Practical applications of the different principles that govern the responses and adaptations of the human body to physical exercise. Laboratory equipment used to collect data and analyze results. Prerequisite: KINE 6360, its equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
KINE 6362 - Training and Conditioning Methods
16 weeks
3
Examines the relevant systems of human physiology in the context of sport specific training and conditioning. Helps develop the students' understanding of the adaptations that the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems undergo during training and conditioning for sports and exercise.
KINE 6363 - Methods and Procedures for Coronary Heart Disease Risk Detection and Reduction
16 weeks
3
A study of the leading risk factors that contribute to the development of coronary artery heart disease. Laboratory methods and procedures used in assessing the different risk factors including 12-lead EKG and graded exercise stress testing. Implementation of programs aimed at risk reduction and prevention of heart disease.
Exercise Physiology Track Research Thesis Option Requirements
21 hours.
KINE 6310 - Statistics for Researchers
16 weeks
3
Statistical concepts emphasizing simple and multiple regression, hypothesis testing and analysis of variance. Prerequisite: one year of college level mathematics.
KINE 6312 - Research Methods
16 weeks
3
Research techniques and inferential statistical procedures appropriate to the research process in physical education. Prerequisite: KINE 6310, MATH 6301 or equivalent.
KINE 6364 - Hostile Environments
16 weeks
3
Enhances the students' understanding of the physiological effects of heat stress and thermoregulatory controls/maintenance in the body. Topics include heat stress and heat illness, the history behind thermoregulatory medicine, the physiology of the renal and thermoregulation systems in the body, and treatment and prevention of heat stress during sports and work.
KINE 6389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Graduate courses that will be offered only once, will be offered infrequently, or are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
KINE 6389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Graduate courses that will be offered only once, will be offered infrequently, or are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
KINE 6392 - Practicum
16 weeks
3
A field work experience designed to provide practical, real life education for students. Under the supervision of a professional, students enhance their knowledge and skills in the practice of their selected interest area.
KINE 6399 - Master’s Thesis
16 weeks
3
Meets the research requirements for the thesis option in master's degree program.
Exercise Physiology Track Research Thesis Option Electives
3 hours.
KINE 6320 - Advanced Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Concepts and research methodology in social psychological study of sport and physical activity. Selected theories of sport involvement applied to sport and physical activity analysis.
KINE 6322 - Applied Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Mental training techniques that have been used successfully by athletes and coaches to improve sport performance are studied . The mental training techniques include imagery, arousal regulation, somatic and cognitive stress management, concentration and attention control, positive self-talk, and goal setting.
KINE 6323 - Advanced Psychology of Exercise
16 weeks
3
Theoretical models and research related to the determinants of exercise initiation and adherence are studied. Research studies investigating the effects of exercise on mental health are also reviewed. Additional topics selected by students are covered.
Exercise Physiology Track Non-Research Option Core Requirements
9 hours.
KINE 6361 - Exercise Physiology Laboratory Methods-Procedures
16 weeks
3
Practical applications of the different principles that govern the responses and adaptations of the human body to physical exercise. Laboratory equipment used to collect data and analyze results. Prerequisite: KINE 6360, its equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
KINE 6362 - Training and Conditioning Methods
16 weeks
3
Examines the relevant systems of human physiology in the context of sport specific training and conditioning. Helps develop the students' understanding of the adaptations that the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems undergo during training and conditioning for sports and exercise.
KINE 6363 - Methods and Procedures for Coronary Heart Disease Risk Detection and Reduction
16 weeks
3
A study of the leading risk factors that contribute to the development of coronary artery heart disease. Laboratory methods and procedures used in assessing the different risk factors including 12-lead EKG and graded exercise stress testing. Implementation of programs aimed at risk reduction and prevention of heart disease.
Exercise Physiology Track Non-Research Option Requirements
12 hours.
KINE 6364 - Hostile Environments
16 weeks
3
Enhances the students' understanding of the physiological effects of heat stress and thermoregulatory controls/maintenance in the body. Topics include heat stress and heat illness, the history behind thermoregulatory medicine, the physiology of the renal and thermoregulation systems in the body, and treatment and prevention of heat stress during sports and work.
KINE 6389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Graduate courses that will be offered only once, will be offered infrequently, or are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
KINE 6389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Graduate courses that will be offered only once, will be offered infrequently, or are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
KINE 6392 - Practicum
16 weeks
3
A field work experience designed to provide practical, real life education for students. Under the supervision of a professional, students enhance their knowledge and skills in the practice of their selected interest area.
Exercise Physiology Track Non-Research Option Electives
9 hours.
KINE 6310 - Statistics for Researchers
16 weeks
3
Statistical concepts emphasizing simple and multiple regression, hypothesis testing and analysis of variance. Prerequisite: one year of college level mathematics.
KINE 6312 - Research Methods
16 weeks
3
Research techniques and inferential statistical procedures appropriate to the research process in physical education. Prerequisite: KINE 6310, MATH 6301 or equivalent.
KINE 6320 - Advanced Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Concepts and research methodology in social psychological study of sport and physical activity. Selected theories of sport involvement applied to sport and physical activity analysis.
KINE 6322 - Applied Sport Psychology
16 weeks
3
Mental training techniques that have been used successfully by athletes and coaches to improve sport performance are studied . The mental training techniques include imagery, arousal regulation, somatic and cognitive stress management, concentration and attention control, positive self-talk, and goal setting.
KINE 6323 - Advanced Psychology of Exercise
16 weeks
3
Theoretical models and research related to the determinants of exercise initiation and adherence are studied. Research studies investigating the effects of exercise on mental health are also reviewed. Additional topics selected by students are covered.
