School of Kinesiology

MISSION

The mission of the School of Kinesiology is to prepare our students for careers within the Kinesiology and Sport industry.  We seek to provide quality educational opportunities related to sport, exercise science, human performance, and allied health; offer transformative leadership experiences through service; and enhance the students' optimal wellness through a robust professional development program.  The School of Kinesiology strives to create an atmosphere that embraces a team culture in which we BUILD FEARLESS CHAMPIONS who are prepared to succeed in the diverse field of Kinesiology and Sport.  #TeamKinesiology

VISION

The School of Kinesiology will provide tomorrow’s leaders with purpose-driven educational experiences that will enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence related to their chosen career field within the Kinesiology & Sport industry. We will be the premier BUILDER of FEARLESS CHAMPIONS within the academic disciplines of Kinesiology.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The School of Kinesiology consists of two academic departments - the Department of Health & Human Performance and the Department of Sport Science - one of which offers graduate degrees. 

  • The Department of Sport Science (SPTSCI) offers the following graduate degrees:
    • Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Administration prepares the student interested in administration of athletic programs at the youth sport, high school, collegiate, and professional levels.  
    • Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science prepares students interested in the exercise industry to become certified exercise professionals. 
INFORMATION for the Master of Science in Kinesiology 

The Sport Administration concentration is offered fully online and provides the student with a flexible curriculum to meet specific needs and interests. The Exercise Science concentration is a mix of face-to-face and online courses to provide application based lab experiences. 

  • Admission to the Program
    • Undergraduate GPA Requirement - Students with an undergraduate GPA of 2.50 or greater (last 60 hours) are eligible for admission to the MS in Kinesiology program and are EXEMPT from the standardized entrance exam (GRE or MAT) requirement.  Students with an undergraduate GPA below 2.50 (last 60 hours) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Contact the Kinesiology Graduate Director for more information.
    • Undergraduate Degree - An undergraduate degree in Kinesiology is highly recommended for students seeking admission to the Kinesiology graduate program.  Contact the Kinesiology Graduate Director for more information.
    • Application - All interested students should submit their application online at http://www.tarleton.edu/graduate/ .
  • Degree Plan
    • Faculty members in the School of Kinesiology serve as academic advisors for graduate students.  After completion of at least 12 semester hours and full admission to the graduate program, the student shall select a chairperson of the advisory committee.  In consultation with the chairperson, the remainder of the advisory committee will be selected.  Provided all academic requirements have been met, a degree plan will be filed and admission to candidacy granted. The advisory committee has the responsibility for the degree program and comprehensive portfolio of the student prior to conferral of the degree. 
    • The Master of Science in Kinesiology is a 30 credit hour program (non-thesis) or 30 credit hour program (thesis).  Students must complete a minimum of 18 graduate hours within Kinesiology from Tarleton State.   Subject to approval of the Kinesiology Graduate Advisor, up to 12 hours of graduate credit can be transferred, from an approved institution, towards the degree. 
  • Satisfactory Progress
    • Students must make a “C” or better in all coursework and maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher.
  • Comprehensive Portfolio
    • All Kinesiology graduate students must submit a comprehensive portfolio during the semester in which graduation is anticipated.  Failure to submit a quality portfolio will result in a written exam as well as an oral presentation.  Students who do not pass the written exam and/or the oral presentation will be required to enroll for and pass a 3-hour course during the following semester.  Comprehensive Portfolios are due during the semester in which graduation is anticipated:   Fall - October 15; Spring - March 15; Summer - June 15.

Master of Science in Kinesiology Program Requirements

KINE 5303Research in Kinesiology3
Choose between KINE 5088 or KINE 53993-6
Thesis (Thesis students must complete 6 hours of credit)
Internship
Select 9-12 hours from the following (Thesis students needs to take 9 hours)9-12
Advanced Psychological Aspects of Sports
Principles of Sport Organization
Administration of Athletics
Social Psychology in Sports
Health Trends in Sport Administration
Global Sports
Managing Sport Events
Contemporary Issues in Sports Medicine
Administrative Practices in Sports Medicine
Special Topics in Sports Medicine
Leadership and Professional Development
Exercise Physiology
Contemporary Issues in Sport Management
Sport Ethics
Sport Marketing
Sport Sales
Exercise Prescription Through the Lifespan
Facilities in Kinesiology, Athletics, and Recreation
Adapted Exercise and Sport
Sport Finance
Teaching in Kinesiology
Women in Sports
Sport Media
Theory of Exercise Programming and Evaluation
Laboratory and Research Techniques in Exercise Science
Statistics in Kinesiology
Motor Learning
Advanced Principles of Athletic Coaching
Law for Sport and Recreation
History of Sport
Fitness and Wellness Applications in Athletic Training
Seminar
Problems
Total Hours18
Exercise Science
KINE 5320Exercise Physiology 13
KINE 5330Teaching in Kinesiology 13
KINE 5333Theory of Exercise Programming and Evaluation 13
KINE 5335Laboratory and Research Techniques in Exercise Science 13
Total Hours12

Sport Administration
KINE 5304Principles of Sport Organization 13
KINE 5323Sport Marketing 13
KINE 5329Sport Finance 13
KINE 5343Law for Sport and Recreation 13
Total Hours12

Courses

KINE 5086. Problems. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-6 Hours).

Directed study of selected problems in Kinesiology.

KINE 5088. Thesis. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students are required to successfully complete a thesis under the direction and supervision of their thesis chair and committee members. The thesis will require a minimum of two semesters of work and possibly more depending upon their topic and design, thus students will be allowed to register for three hours each semester. The thesis option is designed for students that want to gain extensive experience in research and/or greater knowledge about a specific topic area. It is also designed for those that anticipate more advanced research (e.g., Ph.D.). Upon completion of their work there is a thesis defense. This course is scheduled when the student begins the thesis. No credit is given until the thesis is completed. Thesis hours only count toward the degree if and only if the thesis is complete and approved by the committee and the College of Graduate Studies. Prerequisite: KINE 5303.

KINE 5301. Readings in Kinesiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of published reports and research in the field of Kinesiology.

KINE 5302. Advanced Psychological Aspects of Sports. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to help students both learn and apply practical and theoretical information as it relates to psychology of sport. Mental training skills that can enhance athletic performance will be included. Additional areas include stress, motivation, goal-setting, leadership, imagery, and self-efficacy.

KINE 5303. Research in Kinesiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course is designed to prepare students for research publication and presentation within the Kinesiology discipline.

KINE 5304. Principles of Sport Organization. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to teach the functions of organization and management in a sport context as well as traditional and contemporary principles and theories thereof.

KINE 5305. Administration of Athletics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the administrative functions of directors of athletic programs. Liability laws, financial administration, personnel, public relations, and state laws governing athletic programs will be explored.

KINE 5306. Health Trends in Sport Administration. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the critical health issues and considerations related to sport administration. Topics include classical and contemporary issues and considerations related to mitigating health risks for sports teams, coaching and support staff, and spectators in sport and ancillary facilities.

KINE 5307. Global Sports. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines sport as a global phenomenon focusing on the influences that sport has over culture, politics, and economics but also by examining how the opposite process influences the development and growth of sport worldwide. This course provides an overview of how sport is organized, managed, funded, and governed across the world. It also examines the economic, cultural, sociological, and political role that sport plays within the broad process of globalization.

KINE 5308. Managing Sport Events. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

It is an essential skill for sport management students to be able to plan, promote, and manage a sporting event at some point, if not regularly, in their career. This course is aimed at tooling the student with the knowledge and ability to effectively manage a sporting event from conception to completion. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with all phases of managing a sport event including bidding, budgeting, promoting, marketing, sponsorship, communication, and administration of the event.

KINE 5310. Social Psychology in Sports. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course gives students a basic overview of sports psychology, covering aspects such as confidence, focus, mental training, visualization, peak performance, and the mind-body connection. It also examines the differences between group and individual sports and the mindsets of the prototypical athletes who engage in them. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

KINE 5312. Contemporary Issues in Sports Medicine. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An overview and study of contemporary issues as related to Sports Medicine.

KINE 5313. Administrative Practices in Sports Medicine. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An examination and application of administrative practices related to Sports Medicine.

KINE 5314. Special Topics in Sports Medicine. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An overview and study of selected special topics as related to Sports Medicine.

KINE 5317. Leadership and Professional Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A course designed to prepare students for the leadership roles related to Kinesiology and Athletics. Issues in Professional development will also be examined.

KINE 5320. Exercise Physiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Physiological responses to exercise are studied. Areas include metabolism, cardiorespiratory components, body composition, neuromuscular concepts, heat stress, applied nutritional aspects, and ergogenic aids.

KINE 5321. Contemporary Issues in Sport Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is an analysis of current issues in management strategies and the body of knowledge associated with pursuing a career in sport management. The course introduces the student to sport management career opportunities, problems within the profession and to sport principles as they apply to management, leadership style, communication, motivation and entrepreneurship.

KINE 5322. Sport Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is dually designed to assist students in self-evaluating and developing their moral and ethical reasoning skills. Students will learn to view situations common to the industry of sport through multiple ethical lenses to assess and understand the perspectives of others. Special consideration will be given to both the macro and micro ethical concepts of competition and fair play, doping and genetic enhancement in sport, gender and sexual equity and issues in the social ethics of sport. Contemporary case studies examining personal, social and organizational examples of application of legal and ethical principles will be utilized.

KINE 5323. Sport Marketing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to be an application of analytical concepts and principles to the development of effective strategies for solving sport marketing issues. Students learn the principles of organizing and promoting events and activities associated with the sport industry.

KINE 5324. Sport Sales. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will create informative and persuasive presentations, improve communication skills, establish alternative solutions for objections, and build strong customer relationships while informing them of the unique aspects and details involved in sports sales. Students will compose needs assessments, analyze prospective clients, gather information, develop effective time management, create customer profiles, and move prospective customers to clients.

KINE 5325. Exercise Prescription Through the Lifespan. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Advanced course in clinical exercise testing and prescription relative to children, healthy adults, and diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and immunologic systems. It is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the pathophysiology and exercise responses in these populations and as related to the American College of Sports Medicine.

KINE 5326. Facilities in Kinesiology, Athletics, and Recreation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Principles, terminology, and standards for planning, constructing, and maintaining kinesiology, athletic, and recreation facilities.

KINE 5328. Adapted Exercise and Sport. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of muscle re-education and the application of exercise to orthopedic, muscular, and neurological disorders. Principles of planning and directing adapted and therapeutic exercise and sport programs.

KINE 5329. Sport Finance. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines the financial tools that sports managers use to run their sport businesses. As such, it explores traditional and innovative methods of revenue acquisition and financial management in sports organizations, the financial business structure of sports organizations, and the financial planning and forecasting processes that make organizations effective. Various other aspects of finance are discussed as they relate to sports organizations, including the time value of money, capital structuring, stocks and bonds, inventory management, and taxation.

KINE 5330. Teaching in Kinesiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to introduce a variety of teaching styles, instructional practices, and pedagogical strategies for use within kinesiology and the higher education setting.

KINE 5331. Women in Sports. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

From the mid-1800s (and before) through the present, women have participated in sport. In each era, women have encountered societal expectations and cultural moments that affect their engagement with sport, influence the terms and conditions under which they play, and shape the way in which female athletes and physically active women are viewed by themselves and others. This course examines the relationship between women and sport, primarily in the United States, from multiple perspectives. Consideration is given to the cultural, economic, educational, legal, physiological, and social influences on women in sport. Situating the ever-evolving roles that women assume in sport within a historical context, emphasis is placed on using the past to advise the present and effect change in the future. The course covers four broad areas: women’s sport in historical context; the benefits and risks of participating in sport and physical activity; women, sport, and social location; and women in the sport industry.

KINE 5332. Sport Media. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Successful media relations and a sound communication strategy are essential for all sport organizations. Any successful manager working in sport must have a clear understanding of how the media works, as well as the practical skills to manage the communication process. It is an essential skill for sport management students to be able to navigate the symbiotic relationship that sports organizations must have with the media. This course focuses on the commercial relationships that exist between key media and sport organizations and how to apply a range of tools and strategies to promote the achievements of sport organizations.

KINE 5333. Theory of Exercise Programming and Evaluation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course is designed to teach students how to apply various theories of training and periodization, to aid in appropriately designing exercise programs. Additionally, students will learn to use modern technologies to track and evaluate athlete/client progress, leading to informed decisions for subsequent programming of exercise.

KINE 5335. Laboratory and Research Techniques in Exercise Science. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This laboratory-based course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of selected research methods used in the quantitative assessment of health, exercise tolerance, muscle metabolism, and training adaptations. Specifically, exercise physiology tests and procedures, laboratory guidelines, and supervision. Emphasis on choice and implementation of proper procedures; calibration; operation and maintenance of exercise physiology equipment. In addition, we will discuss decision making regarding test selection, data collection and organization procedures, and interpretation and reporting of exercise test results.

KINE 5336. Statistics in Kinesiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques used in a variety of health-related and athletic-related tests. Test construction, reliablility, validity, and objectivity methods will be studied.

KINE 5340. Motor Learning. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the theories and practical applications of human motor performance and achievement.

KINE 5342. Advanced Principles of Athletic Coaching. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course is designed to present knowledge essential for coaching any level (youth, recreational, club, elite, and professional) athlete in any sport. Emphasis is on a comprehensive approach to the foundations and theories of coaching including development of a coaching philosophy, determining coaching objectives, coaching for character, coaching diverse athletes, motivational techniques, as well as, principles of teaching, physical training, and management.

KINE 5343. Law for Sport and Recreation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines legal issues related to the administration and management of athletic, and recreation programs. Issues include the area of tort, constitutional, contract, employment, and statutory law. Also discussed are the issues of intellectual property, products liability, and antitrust. Case law is used to illustrate the application of the law in everyday situations.

KINE 5360. Applied Neuromuscular Physiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course focuses on the roles on the central and peripheral mechanisms that regulate human movement. Students will learn the structure and function of the sensory and motor systems, and understand the generation and control of motor tasks. Additionally, the role of fatigue on muscle and neural pathways. The students will learn non-invasive laboratory techniques in the acquisition of various electrophysiological signals, and will be introduced to various processes in their respective analysis.

KINE 5365. Applied Biomechanics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course focuses on the application of mechanical principles in the study of human motion. Specifically, the systematic approach in qualitative and quantitative analysis of the human body as it engages in motor activities. This course focuses on developing application in topics related the sport performance, exercise, and rehabilitation via current peer-reviewed research, advancements technologies, and a scientific approach to diagnostics in prevention and care of skeletal muscle. Prerequisite: Students must have completed an undergraduate course in either biomechanics or physics.

KINE 5370. History of Sport. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of sport from the origins in Ancient Greece to the present. The emphasis on social and cultural developments that contributed to the growth of sport in the modern world.

KINE 5383. Fitness and Wellness Applications in Athletic Training. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course is designed to teach students how to instruct clients/patients in the principles of ergodynamics and their relationship to the prevention of illness and injury. Additionally, students will be exposed to various exercise and wellness programming concepts. Students will also learn how to administer and interpret results of fitness and wellness screenings.

KINE 5385. Seminar. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An overview and study of various topics related to Kinesiology.

KINE 5399. Internship. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 7 Hours).

Supervised experience in related fields in Kinesiology.

Dr. Kayla Peak
Dean - School of Kinesiology
Tarleton State University
Wisdom Gym/ Box T-0370
Stephenville, Texas 76402
254-968-9824
peak@tarleton.edu
www.tarleton.edu/kinesiology

Leadership Team

  • Dr. Kayla Peak, Dean - School of Kinesiology
  • TBA, Head - Department of Health & Human Performance
  • Dr. Tom Tallach, Head - Department of Sport Science

Graduate Faculty

  • Dr. Chet Martin, Director - MS in Kinesiology / Professor
  • Dr. Alejandra Barrera-Curiel, Assistant Professor
  • Dr. Sharon Tiffany Bowers, Associate Professor
  • Dr. Rachel Elms, Assistant Professor
  • Dr. Mike Luera, Assistant Professor
  • Dr. Kayla Peak, Professor
  • Dr. Joe Priest, Professor
  • Dr. Jarrod Schenewark, Associate Professor
  • Dr. Steve Simpson, Professor
  • Dr. Alex Sullins, Assistant Professor
  • Dr. Tom Tallach, Associate Professor
  • Dr. Jim Tennison, Assistant Professor
  • Dr. Christina Villalon, Assistant Professor
  • Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Associate Professor

Professor Emeritus

  • Dr. Joe Gillespie, Professor Emeritus