Master of Science: Applied Kinesiology
STU’s Master of Science in Applied Kinesiology offers two specialized concentrations designed to elevate your career and catapult you to the forefront of the field. The Concentration in Sports Coaching hones your skills to mentor and lead athletes to their peak potential, while the Concentration in Human Performance equips you with cutting-edge techniques to enhance individual physical capabilities. Both concentrations will prepare you to take the next step in your kinesiology and human performance journey.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
A degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology is preferred, but it is not required*. - Preferred minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (4.0 scale)
Note: The admissions process is competitive and applicants that meet the requirements described above are not guaranteed admission. Achievement of the minimum admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and requirements of the graduate program does not guarantee admission to the graduate degree program
Specialization in Sports Coaching
Career Opportunities
- Athletic Director
- Health and Wellness Coach
- Recreation Director
- Youth Sports Programming
- High School/Collegiate Coach
Improve Career Skills For
- Strength and Conditioning (CSCS)
- Nutrition Coach
- Personal Trainer
- ACSM and NSCA certifications
Course Requirements: 30 Credit hours
- SCI 604 – Coaching the Athlete
- SCI 507 – Prevention & Recognition of Athletic Injuries
- SCI 500 – Sports Nutrition
- SPO 548 – Sports Psychology
- SCI 606 – Motor Learning
- SPO 546 – Facility Event Management
- SCI 508 – Current Topics in Exercise & Human Performance
- SCI 509 – Interpersonal Communication & Psychosocial Skills
Select either Internship OR Thesis Track:
Internship Core: 6 credit hours
- SCI 701 – Internship I
- SCI 702 – Internship II (Project or Cumulative Exam)
Thesis Core: 6 credit hours
- SCI 703 – Thesis I
- SCI 704 – Thesis II
Specialization in Human Performance
Career Opportunities
- Strength and conditioning coach (CSCS)
- Performance enhancement specialist
- Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
- Corrective exercise specialist
- Health and Wellness Director
- Personal Trainer
Improve Career Skills For
- Athletic Directors
- Nutrition Coach
- High School/Collegiate Coaches
- ACSM, ISSA, NSCA and Precision Nutrition certifications
Course Requirements: 30 Credit hours
- SCI 600 – Biomechanics
- SCI 601 – Research Methods
- SCI 500 – Sports Nutrition
- SCI 602 – Advanced Strength & Conditioning
- SCI 603 – Advanced Clinical Exercise Physiology
- SCI 507 – Prevention & Recognition of Athletic Injuries
- SCI 508 – Current Topics in Exercise & Human Performance
- SCI 509 – Interpersonal Communication & Psychosocial Skills
Select either Internship OR Thesis Track:
Internship Core: 6 credit hours
- SCI 701 – Internship I
- SCI 702 – Internship II (Project or Cumulative Exam)
Thesis Core: 6 credit hours
- SCI 703 – Thesis I
- SCI 704 – Thesis II
* Prerequisite coursework may be required of candidates that have not completed any exercise science courses. Contact the Program Director for the M.S. Applied Kinesiology program, for more information.
**Eligible students would complete all the core and major requirements as well as most elective course requirements for their BS degree in Health Sciences with their first 108 credits, leaving eleven or twelve credits, all of which are for elective courses. During the fourth year of study, students would matriculate into the MS in Applied Kinesiology Program at St. Thomas. They would then take three graduate courses each semester and the summer term to complete requirements for the MS in Applied Kinesiology. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in each semester in the undergraduate program. Additional information on this program and its specific admission requirements are available in the current undergraduate catalog.
