Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation
The Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation (KSPR), guided by Christian faith and values, is designed to provide theoretical learning that is integrated into real life experiences of students. Courses within the degree use evidence based research to 1) enhance the careers of students who are currently working in the field, and 2) prepare students for future educational endeavors and professional growth in the field of kinesiology, sport, and recreation.
This degree requires a minimum of 30 credits for completion and is delivered as an online format. Courses are offered in two 8 weeks sessions during the long semesters (Fall, Spring) and two 7 week sessions during the summer (Summer 1, Summer 2). Students taking 6 hours are considered full time.
Why HSU?
- Fully online
- Can be completed in one year – 8 or 16 week semesters
- Customizable to fit career goals, 21 elective hours
- $495 per credit hour – affordable, high-quality education
- Financial aid available
- Connect to faculty, peers, and course work
- Faculty and staff walk alongside you in developing a deeper relationship with God
The KSPR program at Hardin-Simmons University is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association Education Recognition Program. The “ERP” logo is a trademark of the National Strength and Conditioning Association in the United States and/or other countries.
Contact Us
Dr. Lindsay Edwards
Graduate Program Director for Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Program, Associate Professor of KSPRRequest Information
Degrees
- Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation (KSPR)
Why earn a Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation at HSU?
Variety of Perspectives
“My KSPR experience provided me with a variety of perspectives and endless career applications for the education I received
from Hardin-Simmons University.” Madison Ryals, Dec. ’14 – Exercise Physiologist at Baylor Scott & White
Career Training
“After going through the KSPR Program at HSU, I realize how valuable the education was as it has prepared me to start off my career in the human performance and athletic development realm.” Drew Cuffee, Dec. ‘13 – Performance Specialist at Michael Johnson Performance
Fully Online
The KSPR degree is fully-online, but also designed to connect students to faculty, peers, and course work. Faculty and staff also walk alongside you in developing a deeper relationship with God.
Sarah Nielsen's Story
- Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation
"Even though the classes were online, the professors still cared about me."
Read full storyProgram Details
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 6304 Instructional Strategies
- KSPR 6308 Global Sport
- KSPR 6319 Outdoor Education
- KSPR 6325 Philosophy & Foundations of Coaching
- KSPR 6341 Sports Ministry
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.
Dr. Lindsay Edwards, assistant professor of fitness and sport sciences, 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.
During her tenure at the University of Houston, she served as a research assistant at the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, working with veterans with physical disabilities. She also consults with Intelligen, a non-profit organization that aims to improve the health and function of those who are disabled.