Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation

All courses and course descriptions for the Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Required Courses

• KSPR 6391 – Applied Professional Experience
• KSPR 6305 – Research Methods and Statistical Analysis
• KSPR 6300 – Evidence Based Research

Students can then choose the remaining 21 hours from the courses within the areas of human performance, recreation, and sport administration.

Exercise Science & Human Performance Concentration

• KSPR 6361 Advanced Strength and Conditioning
• KSPR 6350 Training for Fitness and Performance
• KSPR 6301 Advanced Exercise Physiology
• KSPR 6327 Sport & Exercise Psychology and Counseling
• KSPR 6360 Sport Performance Enhancement
• KSPR 6309 Biomechanics
• KSPR 6326 Sport Nutrition

Recreation and Sport Administration Concentration

• KSPR 6307 Organization and Administration of Athletics
• KSPR 6312 Aspects of Recreational Sports Programming
• KSPR 6313 Financial Aspects of Sport and Recreation
• KSPR 6314 Sport Law
• KSPR 6315 Facilities
• KSPR 6316 Principles of Sport and Recreation Management
• Elective – 3hrs

Multidisciplinary

This is not a concentration but allows students to select 21 hours from any of the courses listed in the concentrations above or from courses listed below.

• KSPR 6325 Philosophy & Foundations of Coaching

All applicants for the Master of Science degree must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

The evaluation criteria include but are not limited to undergraduate GPA (2.75 or 3.0 last 60 hours), undergraduate academic record, resume, writing sample, letters of recommendation, personal interview, and GRE scores (upon request).

Submission of:

• a resume,
• three letters of recommendation (HSU students applying must have at least one of the three letters of recommendation from a faculty member in their major department),
• a written statement of professional purpose and goals, and
• a personal (or telephone) interview with the program director are required of all prospective graduate students in KSPR.

The KSPR degree prepares graduates for careers in areas of wellness, sport performance enhancement/strength and conditioning, health, fitness and recreation, facilities and programs, athletic administration, sport marketing, recreation, professional sport management, and coaching.

What will I learn from the MS in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation

• Application of material that is integrated into real life experiences
• Interpretation and application of research related to the field
• Greater depth of knowledge in the field
• In the Exercise Science & Human Performance concentration, graduates will be prepared to take the one of the National Strength and Conditioning Association certifications

What opportunities are available for graduates holding a MS in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation

• Coaching
• Strength and Conditioning
• Corporate fitness/wellness
• Teaching in Kinesiology
• Working with professional teams
• Furthering their education in an allied health field such as PT, OT, Chiropractic, Athletic Training

Students who have graduated with a MS in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation have gained employment with the following companies:

• Dallas Cowboys
• Metropolitan Recreation Departments
• University Recreation Departments
• University Athletic Teams – Abilene Christian University, Baylor University, Weber State University, Oregon State University
• Minor league baseball teams

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.