Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation

Enhance your skills and take your career to the next level with a master’s degree in kinesiology, sport, and recreation at Hardin-Simmons University.

This fully online program can be completed in as little as one year, and offers two concentration options: Exercise Science and Human Performance or Recreation and Sport Administration. With 21 elective hours, you can also choose courses from each of these specialization areas to tailor a program to your career goals.

Because most of our students are already working in the health and fitness field, coursework for the online master’s in kinesiology is designed to apply directly to the work you are doing. We also offer internships and other opportunities for real-world learning.

Starting Fall 2023, students can receive their Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation with a concentration in Sport Coaching. 

Recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

National Strength Conditioning Association logo

The “ERP” logo is a trademark of the National Strength and Conditioning Association in the United States and/or other countries.

The Exercise Science and Human Performance concentration of the online master’s in kinesiology at Hardin-Simmons University is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association Education Recognition Program. This means that our program meets the established educational graduate program criteria for strength and conditioning.

Program Contact

Lindsay Edwards-Graduate Program Director for Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Program

Dr. Lindsay Spindler

Professor & Chair, Dept. of Kinesiology, Health and Recreation

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Why Earn Your Online Master’s in Kinesiology at HSU?

Athletic Training students in class

Hands-On Coursework

Courses such as Sport Nutrition and Applied Professional Experience offer unique opportunities to connect classroom lessons with what you’re actually doing in your career. In the Recreation and Sport Management concentration, several classes involve developing a real-world business plan.

Athletic Training student puts bandage on football players hand

Expert Faculty

All M.S. in kinesiology faculty have terminal degrees in the field, hold professional certifications, and bring clinical experience to the classroom. Research interests include strength and conditioning, and human performance. Program Director, Dr. Lindsay Spindler, is a member of both the national and regional American College of Sports Medicine Association (ACSM), as well as the Christian Society for Kinesiology and Leisure Studies (CSKLS). Her interests include the effects of physical activity on learning and the effects of exercise intensity on overall well-being.

Professor delivering lecture via video chat

Flexible and Affordable

Earn your online master’s in kinesiology, sport, and recreation from anywhere you have an internet connection. Our program is an ideal option for students with careers. At $595 per credit hour, this is also one of the best kinesiology master’s programs in terms of value. You can complete your degree in as little as one year, although the average time is about 1.5 years.

Kinesiology professor standing in front of class lecturing and pointing to white board

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology?

The online master’s in kinesiology, sport, and recreation prepares you for a variety of careers in:

  • Wellness
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Sport performance
  • Athletic administration
  • Sport marketing
  • Professional sport management
  • Coaching

The concentration in Exercise Science and Human Performance will also prepare you for National Strength and Conditioning Association certification.

Our graduates have gone on to work with the Dallas Cowboys and various university athletic teams at Abilene Christian University, Baylor University, Weber State University, and Oregon State University. Other organizations that regularly employ our graduates include metropolitan and university recreation departments, and minor league baseball teams. Many students pursue further graduate study in areas such as:

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Chiropractic
  • Athletic training

Track Record of Success

Graduate with confidence you’ll have the skills to succeed in your career. Our online master’s degree in kinesiology has a proven track record of success. A recent survey found that 100% of our graduates successfully completed an internship and all written exams, and 88% are employed or pursuing graduate work in a field related to kinesiology, sport, and recreation.

Program Details

The 30-credit kinesiology, sport, and recreation degree offers a variety of elective options and can be completed in as little as one year.

View a complete list of courses for the online master’s in kinesiology in the HSU Graduate Catalog.

To be eligible for the master’s of kinesiology, you’ll need to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

View all admissions criteria for the kinesiology master’s program in the HSU Graduate Catalog.

Lindsay Edwards-Graduate Program Director for Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Program

Dr. Lindsay Spindler, Professor of Kinesiology, Health and Recreation, is a graduate of Abilene Christian University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science. She completed her Master of Education degree at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. She received her Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology from the University of Houston.

She is a member of both the national and regional American College of Sports Medicine Association (ACSM), as well as the Christian Society for Kinesiology and Leisure Studies (CSKLS).  Her primary interests in Kinesiology are the effects of physical activity on learning and the effects of exercise intensity on overall well-being.

If you’re looking at kinesiology master’s programs, here are other graduate degree options available at Hardin-Simmons University you might be interested in learning more about: