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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 30 credits for completion and is delivered in 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
- $595 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 Exercise Science and Human Performance concentration in 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.
Program Contact

Dr. Lindsay Spindler
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
“The program as a whole is amazing and very challenging. It challenged me to question my own thinking and methods and taught me how to grow on my own once I have graduated from HSU.” – Leo Simonetti, December 2018, M.S.

Career Training
“I think that overall the KSPR program is a great program! I learned a wide variety of information that is extremely useful for my professional career and I look forward to applying it.” – Allison Kuster, August 2020, M.S.

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
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.