Courses

This course that prepares students to better understand clinical exercise physiology, sport physiology, and exercise testing and prescription. Students will understand the bioenergetics, energetics of human movement, lactate metabolism, cardiovascular and pulmonary exercise physiology, and both acute and chronic hormonal responses to exercise. (3 Units)

This course provides an introduction to research methods designed to acquaint the student with reading and analyzing literature. Material will include basic statistics, quantitative and qualitative research methods. (3 Units)

Internship experience designed to provide the students with practical knowledge of sport related careers. Internship sites and duties are arranged by the student with the assistance and approval of the faculty advisor. (3 Units)

Required for students wishing to take a comprehensive examination to complete degree requirements for a Master of Science in Kinesiology. The course is not repeatable for credit. Students may retake the course once if the final examination is unsuccessful. (1 Units)

This course provides an extended research experience for the student. Under the direction of a faculty chair and thesis committee, the student will conduct further empirical research after completing KIN 580 through the preparation and defense of a thesis. In the event the student does not successfully defend by the end of the course, the student will retake the course the next semester it is offered. If the thesis defense is not successful after two attempts the student will meet with the program director and enroll in the comprehensive examination to fulfill the examination requirement. (3 Units)

This course explores the behavioral and psychological determinants of exercise adoption and adherence, emphasizing the application of evidence-based behavior change theories and counseling strategies within clinical and performance settings. Students will analyze, evaluate and apply major theoretical models such as the Transtheoretical Model, Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory to facilitate long-term lifestyle modification in diverse populations with chronic disease or functional limitations. Guided by a faith-informed understanding of human motivation and holistic well-being, students will develop practical skills in motivational interviewing, goal setting, relapse prevention and client-centered communication to promote physical, mental and spiritual health. (3 units)

This course will prepare students for laboratory based clinical exercise assessments through hands on experience and guided case studies. Focus will be given to cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary assessments. This course will discuss the underlying pathology of a variety of metabolic and lifestyle disease with specific emphasis on exercise prescription for the prevention and treat of lifestyle diseases. This course will center on 4 primary domains: 1) Patient/ Client Assessment, 2) Exercise Prescription, 3) Program implementation/ongoing support, 4) Leadership and Counseling. (3 Units)

This graduate-level course provides advanced instruction in the theory, administration, and interpretation of exercise stress testing and electrocardiographic (ECG/EKG) analysis in clinical exercise physiology settings. Students learn to conduct and interpret graded exercise tests (GXT) across healthy, athletic, and clinical populations with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases. Emphasis is placed on safety procedures, test termination criteria, medication effects, and clinical decision-making aligned with ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. (4 units)

This course provides an in-depth examination of human movement mechanics with a focus on applying biomechanical principles to strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and athletic performance. Students will explore advanced concepts in kinematics and kinetics, musculoskeletal modeling, force analysis, and movement optimization. Emphasis is placed on interpreting biomechanical data to inform individualized training design, technique refinement, and evidence-based performance enhancement. Through hands-on laboratory experiences and motion analysis projects, students will integrate theory and practice to evaluate and improve human movement efficiency and safety. A faith-informed perspective will encourage ethical application of biomechanical principles that honor the design and stewardship of the human body. (3 units)

This course provides a foundation in the science of exercise nutrition and bioenergetics. These foundational principles will be used in constructing sound nutritional recommendations as they apply to human physical activity and sports medicine. Current research concerning pharmacologic and nutritional ergogenic aids, disordered eating, fluid balance and thermoregulation, and body composition will be discussed. (3 Units)

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the physiological, biomechanical and methodological foundations of strength and conditioning. Students will integrate scientific principles with applied practice to design, implement and evaluate advanced training programs for athletes and tactical populations. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based programming, periodization models, performance assessment and recovery optimization. Students will critically analyze contemporary research and apply NSCA CSCS-aligned competencies to improve athletic performance, prevent injury and support long-term athlete development. A faith-informed perspective encourages the ethical and holistic application of strength and conditioning practices that promote stewardship of the body and servant leadership in coaching. (3 units)