Kinesiology

Master’s Degree Program

Graduate opportunities

In the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation at the University of North Texas, the focus of our graduate Kinesiology program is to provide you an in-depth understanding of:

• Basic research methodology
• Professional literature, trends and research being conducted in kinesiology

We offer course work leading to a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology with concentrations in exercise physiology or sport and exercise psychology.

Career opportunities for graduates are generally found in the private sector with health clubs, wellness centers, corporations, rehabilitation centers, athletic groups and other private groups; or within the education profession as teachers, coaches, athletic trainers and administrators. It may also lead to advancement within your current career field.

Our faculty members, in addition to being outstanding teachers, are recognized scholars and active researchers in their fields. They have expertise in:

• Biomechanics
• Health/fitness management
• Human performance
• Kinesiology/sport administration
• Motor development
• Motor learning
• Psychosocial aspects of sport
• Teacher preparation

Examples of current research projects include the study of physical activity; social and psychological factors associated with physical fitness and body composition; effective coaching behavior; mental skills related to performance success; physiology of resistance exercise related to hormones, nutrition, health and performance; and concurrent feedback and practice organization on the learning of motor skills.

The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500; Washington, D.C. 20036; telephone 202-466-7496). This distinction means the college meets or exceeds strict academic standards for excellence in education. The college is also one of the top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors, health professionals and other school professionals in Texas.

Research centers and laboratories

The Applied Physiology Laboratory specializes in research and education in physiology, health and nutrition related to exercise. It is comprised of several specialized units including the Exercise Metabolism Laboratory, the Neuromuscular Exercise Laboratory, the Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, the Body Composition Laboratory, and aerobic exercise training and teaching areas.

Each laboratory houses state-of-the-art equipment used for the measurement of oxygen uptake, anaerobic capacity and muscle activation, as well as other areas of related research.

Our Center for Sport Psychology and Performance Excellence is a multidisciplinary center that combines the expertise of faculty in psychology and kinesiology. It produces the most comprehensive and cutting-edge sport psychology services available to individuals, coaches and leaders, and teams and groups.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You will need to meet the admission requirements for the Toulouse Graduate School as well as the following program requirements:

• Minimum 3.25 GPA on the last 60 undergraduate semester hours or 3.0 on all undergraduate work
• Completed GRE
• Typed candidate statement that includes career objectives, goals, area of interest and why you want to attend UNT

The admission requirements for the graduate school are outlined at gradschool.unt.edu and www.unt.edu/catalog.

Degree requirements

Thesis option

• 15 credit hours of core kinesiology courses
• 15 to 21 credit hours of electives (no more than 6 credit hours may be taken outside of kinesiology)
• 6 credit hours of a master’s thesis course (KINE 5950)

Nonthesis option

• 15 credit hours of core kinesiology courses
• 15 to 21 credit hours of electives (no more than 6 credit hours may be taken outside of kinesiology)
• Comprehensive exam or graduate project

Financial assistance

Teaching fellowships

Recipients of a teaching fellowship may serve as a teaching fellow, teaching assistant, research assistant or graduate services assistant. Opportunities exist across a variety of instructional and research activities in health related fitness, physical activity, health promotion and recreation.

Teaching fellows are paid a stipend of approximately $12,000 to $15,000 for nine months (20-hour per week appointment). Summer appointments are often available. Teaching fellows must be formally admitted to one of our department’s graduate programs and enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours each fall and spring semester.

Scholarships

The department, college and university award many graduate scholarships each year. These scholarships typically apply to tuition and fees for two semesters. The award amounts depend on the scholarship. More scholarship information is available at www.coe.unt.edu or financialaid.unt.edu.