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    Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Augusta University Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Augusta University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Science with a Major in Kinesiology


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Program Overview

The Master of Science in Kinesiology (M.S.K.) is designed to advance students’ knowledge and experience in exercise science, health, physical activity and sports coaching. The degree is comprised of two distinct tracks/options; non-thesis (comprehensive exams and internship) and thesis (research paper and oral presentation/defense). The non-thesis track is offered 100% online and does not require students to be physically present on the Augusta University campus in order to complete the degree program. The thesis track is offered primarily online; however, it does require students to be physically present on the Augusta University campus for two semesters (typically the last two semesters of the degree program) to complete the applied research courses and related face-to face work.

The M.S.K. degree provides the knowledge and experience to students who have a related degree (e.g. B.S. Ed. in Health and Physical Education, B.S. in exercise science, exercise physiology, health science, allied health, etc.) to enhance their professional expertise. Programs of study will be based upon student career goals and aspirations with emphasis on exercise science-based topics at the advanced level, advanced quantitative and qualitative research classes and other areas of specialization (such as sports coaching) in relation to their academics and experience.

https://www.augusta.edu/education/kinesiology/grad_msk.php

Program Contact
Dr. Graeme Connolly
706-667-4882
 
Admissions Information 

For more information on admissions requirements, please visit the Office of Admissions website. https://www.augusta.edu/admissions/

Progression & Graduation Requirements
  • Comprehensive Written Examinations:Students interested in the sports coaching certificate program and practical hands-on experience would benefit more from the non-thesis option. Students on the non-thesis track will complete comprehensive written exams at the end of their final semester in the program. These exams will be administered by the M.S.K. Graduate Program Director in consultation with the student and selected faculty members in the Department of Kinesiology. Three classes from the core program area of the degree will be selected for the examinations. The test-bank of questions associated with the three core classes will be shared with each student around midterm of their final semester. Questions generated from the test-bank for each exam will be open-ended in nature, with an emphasis on critical thinking and practical application. A pre-determined two-hour window will be strictly adhered to for completion of each of the three exams via the online platform. A total of no more than six hours will be given to complete the comprehensive exams in their entirety. After completion of each exam, the selected faculty member(s) will be asked to evaluate whether the responses to the exam questions demonstrate the required level of expertise to confer completion of the degree. Each exam will be pass/fail in nature, with the student having to pass all three sections of the comprehensive exams to complete the degree requirements. In the event that a student fails any part of the comprehensive exams, the M.S.K. Graduate Program Director, in consultation with the relevant faculty member(s), will debrief the student, clarify the area(s) of weakness to be addressed by the student, and schedule another pre-determined window to modify and improve the submission via the online platform. This process and the subsequent re-evaluation and grading will take no more than one week to complete. If a student fails the re-take, (s)he must register for at least 3-credit hours in the next semester and re-apply to take it again then.
  • Thesis and Oral Presentation: Students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree would benefit more from completing the thesis track in preparation for dissertation research. In order to complete the thesis, students must work directly with a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology to facilitate the completion of the written document. This will require students to be physically present on campus for two semesters (typically the last two semesters of the degree program) to complete the applied research courses and related face-to-face work. The remaining courses required to complete the thesis track will be offered 100% online.    
  • Students selecting the thesis track will present their research and defend it to their committee as their final requirement for graduation. The M.S.K. Graduate Program Director will oversee the selection and appointment of the thesis committee that will be comprised of a minimum of two faculty members from the Department of Kinesiology, with the M.S.K. Graduate Program Director being one of them. The faculty member with expertise and research interests most closely aligned to the student’s research area and methodology will be appointed the Chair of the committee. After completion of the oral presentation, the committee will evaluate and deliberate about whether the research paper and presentation demonstrate the required level of expertise to confer completion of the degree. In the event that the thesis does not meet the necessary standard to confer degree completion, the student will be given one week to make the suggested modifications and improvements to satisfy the committee.
     

Non-Thesis Option


Total Hours for the Degree: 36 Hours


Thesis Option


Total Hours for the Degree: 36 Hours


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