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Graduate Record 2017-2018 
    
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Graduate Record 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Kinesiology (MEd, PhD)

Return to: Curry School of Graduate Education: Departments/Programs  

Kinesiology

Graduate degrees in Kinesiology are offered at the master’s level (M.Ed.) and doctoral level (Ph.D.). The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program is designed to develop an understanding of major factors affecting specific aspects of physical activity, sport, and exercise. The program area offers specializations in athletic training, exercise physiology, kinesiology for individuals with disabilities and pedagogy. Requirements within each option are distributed among: (1) a core of related courses usually taken within the department; (2) a supporting area suitable to the student’s specialty; (3) research projects, independent study, thesis, and/or practicum experiences as recommended by the advisor; and (4) electives. Graduates are prepared to work in settings such as schools, hospitals, athletic organizations, and private industry. The program also provides opportunities for the development of research skills and preparation for advanced graduate study. A minimum of 36 graduate credits must be earned for the M.Ed. degree, including the successful completion of a comprehensive examination or 30 credits and a thesis.

The doctoral program (Ph.D.) in Education is organized to provide an in-depth analysis of specializations in kinesiology through a course of study shaped by a faculty advisor, a doctoral program committee, and the student. Graduates are able to initiate, conduct, and evaluate research related to specific aspects of kinesiology and to demonstrate teaching behavior appropriate for college or university faculty. The program of study is shaped to meet the requirements of the selected specialization and the skills and qualifications of the student.

Master of Education - Kinesiology - Athletic Training (Post-Professional)

The post-professional masters program in athletic training is designed to provide advanced instruction and clinical and research experiences to students who are already certified athletic trainers (ATC) or are eligible to sit for the BOC certification exam. Equal emphasis is placed on didactic coursework, mentored clinical experience, and an original research experience. The goal of the month program is to prepare athletic trainers to be scholarly practitioners in athletic training and sports medicine.

Students complete 36 hours of coursework during the 13-month, intensive program. Students take 27 credits of didactic courses, 6 thesis credits, and 3 practicum credits.  All courses provide advanced instruction related to Athletic Training and are taught by athletic training faculty for post-professional athletic training students. Courses are designed to meet the six core competencies of graduate health care education: 1) evidence-based practice, 2) interprofessional education and collaborative practice, 3) quality improvement, 4) healthcare informatics, 5) professionalism, and 6) patient-centered care. All students perform a mentored clinical experience at one of our affiliated sites and receive a paid internship that requires them to work clinically at one of our affiliated clinical sites. Experienced clinical supervisors at each site provide clinical and professional mentorship to the masters students.

Total Number of Credits Required

36

Required Courses may include

  • KINE 5670 Art & Science of Sports Medicine (3 credits)
  • KINE 7600 Translational Research in Athletic Training
  • KINE 7610 Pathology and Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries
  • KINE 7620 Evidence-Based Sports Medicine
  • KINE 7630 Modalities in Athletic Training
  • KINE 7650 Anatomical Bases of Sports Medicine
  • KINE 8600 Clinical Biomechanics
  • KINE 8610 Orthopedic Bases of Sports Medicine
  • KINE 8980 Practicum in Athletic Training (3 credits)

  • KINE 8995 Current Trends in Concussion Research 
  • KINE 8999 Masters Thesis (6 credits)

Culminating Experience

All students are required to complete a masters thesis consisting of an original research project supervised by one of the program’s core faculty members.

Admission Requirement

Applicants must be a certified athletic trainer (ATC) or eligible to sit for the BOC certification exam.

Additional Information

This program will not accept any new students after June 1, 2017.

Master of Education - Kinesiology - Kinesiology for Individuals with Disablities

The Master’s Program in Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities at the University of Virginia is a one-year program, which includes two summers and two semesters (fall and spring). Internationally known experts in the fields of kinesiology individuals with disabilities, and special education teach coursework. The program is best known for its emphasis on practical experiences. Students serve as ½ time adapted physical education specialists and have the opportunity to work with occupational and physical therapists in local Albemarle County Public Schools. In addition, students to serve as volunteer coaches with our local Special Olympics program, and they have an opportunity to volunteer with other disability sports programs at the VA School for the Deaf and Blind, Challenger Baseball, Wheelchair Basketball and Sportables (Paralympics sports program in Richmond, VA).

Total Number of Credits Required

36

Required Courses may include

Summer 1 (6 credits)

  • KINE 5140 - Qualitative Analysis of Fundamental Movement Patterns (3 credits)
  • KINE 5220 - Program Planning and Evaluation in Kinesiology (3 credits)

Fall (14 credits)

  • KINE 5240 - Kinesiology for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (3 credits)
  • KINE 5280 - Seminar in Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities (2 credits)
  • KINE 5270 – Physical Education for Children w Autism (3 credits)
  • KINE 8980 - Practicum in Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities (6 credits) 

Spring (13 credits)

  • KINE 5250 – Physical Education for Children w Severe Disabilities (2 credits)
  • KINE 5260 - Adapted Physical Education: Physically and Sensory Impaired (3 credits)
  • KINE 5280 - Seminar in Adapted Physical Education (2 credits)
  • KINE 8980 - Practicum in Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities (6 credits)

Summer 2 (3 credits)

  • KINE 5230 - Sports, Recreation, and Camping for Children with Disabilities (3 credits)

Culminating Experience

Students are required to pass a comprehensive examination, which is the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) Examination for physical educators who are seeking to become nationally certified as an adapted physical educator (CAPE). Those who are not interested in becoming certified CAPE can take an alternative comprehensive examination.

Master of Education - Exercise Physiology

The Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology is a two-year program (typically one year for UVA undergraduates who complete the B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology and enter the accelerated Master’s program in their 4th year). The program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of human physical activity, sports performance, nutrition, vascular physiology, neurological, and biochemical components of human movement. Focus on the prescription of exercise and promotion of physical activity with proper diet for healthy individuals, athletes, and/or clinical populations are our primary focus for improving well-being. The field of exercise physiology thus overlaps considerably with public health, epidemiology, medicine, and athletics.

Our students take courses in metabolism, physiology, nutrition, strength and conditioning as well as disease prevention. Students acquire an ability to provide competent leadership for exercise classes involving healthy and high risk patients, and a thorough knowledge of procedures for exercise testing that includes electrocardiograms, maximal oxygen consumption, body composition, vascular function and clinical biochemistries. Dietary intake and behavior throughout the lifecycle as well as exercise prescription based practice will be developed. Students also gain skills in the ability to analyze and interpret basic data obtained during exercise tests, and a working knowledge of research design, methodology, and statistics. Overall, this experience provides a unique platform for students gain knowledge at effectively counseling healthy adults, athletes, clinical populations, and children about lifestyle choices.

Program options (tracks) in Exercise Physiology

Thesis Option: Students are prepared for advanced graduate research study in Exercise Physiology by focusing on fitness adaptations, obesity, energy metabolism, nutrition, vascular physiology and sports performance for potential academic/research careers. The thesis consists of a thesis proposal and Master’s Thesis (6 Credits). The advisor (chair) and 1 other Kinesiology faculty member with an option for additional UVA faculty members comprise of the committee. Successful defense of an oral presentation and completion of a thesis document is required.  This document is usually in the format of a manuscript.

Clinical Option: Students are prepared for clinically-oriented careers in fitness/exercise and health promotion, physical activity intervention, cardiac rehabilitation, and/or strength training and conditioning. This option consists of additional experiences in health and wellness centers (6 Credits; e.g. cardiovascular wellness and strength & conditioning, etc.) during the 2nd year. Successful defense of a comprehensive exam (KINE 5475; 1 Credit) is required. 

Combined Option: A Master’s degree specialization that allows students to combine options 1 and 2. Students take didactic courses, practicum course work, including Master’s internships, and a Thesis Project.  However, students are not required to take the comprehensive exam in their 2nd year (KINE 5475; 1 Credit), as they will complete a Thesis Project.

Total Credits required

36 credits*

*UVA students who have completed the B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology with more than 120 hours can count approved graduate credits toward the M.Ed. degree, but must complete an additional 24 credits minimum in their 2nd year.

Required Courses may include

Fall 1 (13 credits)

  • KINE 5495   Physiology I  (3 credits)
  • EDLF 7420   Educational Statistics: Stat II (3 credits)*
  • KINE 5430   Advanced Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
  • KINE 5450   Exercise Principles in Health & Fitness (3 credits)
  • KINE 5475   Seminar in Exercise Physiology

*Stat I may be substituted for STAT II based on competency and dicussion with advisor

Spring 1 (9 credits, must have 12 credits in the second semester -  see elective list below)

  • KINE 5440  Exercise Physiology Lab (3 credits)
  • KINE 5470  Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise (3 credits)
  • KINE 5460  Clinical Exercise testing, Evaluation, and Presctiption (3 credits)

In the second year, there is room for electives, additional practicums or thesis/independent study

Fall 2

  • KINE 5480  Exercise Intervention in Disease (3 credits)
  • KINE 5485  Lifecycle Nutrition (3 credits)
  • KINE 5475  Seminar in Exercise Physiology (1 credit)

Spring 2

  • KINE 6400  Changing Behavior to Improve Diet and Physical Activity (3 credits)
  • KINE 5475  Comps review seminar required for all non-thesis students (1 credit)

Suggested Electives

  • KINE 7400  Lifestyle Intervention and Cardiopulmonary Rehab (3 credits)
  • KINE 7410  Principles and Practice of Cardiopulmonary Rehab (3 credits)
  • KINE 8980  Practicum (3 credits)
  • KINE 8998  Research Master’s Internship (3 credits)
  • KINE 8999  Master’s Thesis (3 credits)
  • EDLF 5330  Descriptive and Inferential Statistics: Stat I (3 credits)
  • EDLF 8310  Correlation and Regression Analysis: Stat III (3 credits)
  • EDLF 8350  Multivariate Statistics (3 credits)
  • GNUR 6010 Advanced Pathophysiology (4 credits)

In addition, students interested in compltion of the strength and conditioning internship may select either thesis or clinical options. Coursework is geared towards integration of bioenergetics, cardiovascual physiology and applied neuromuscual coonditioning with both Exercise Physiology faculty and a highly competitive internship through the athletics program.

Suggested timeline for the master’s program

Thesis Option: By the end of the 1st semester (or early into the second semester), of the first year, students should develop a thesis project in conjunction with their advisor, and begin to prepare a thesis proposal. The student, in consultation with their advisor, should identify the membership of their thesis committee. Potential committee members should be consulted concerning their interest and availability to serve. The committee should be formed before the thesis proposal; the student’s advisor should send an e-mail to the Graduate Program Director (GPD) with the names, affiliations and role (e.g. Chair, Member, Outside Member) of the proposed committee.

The student should register for thesis proposal credits (KINE 8999 Master’s thesis credits), normally in year 2. As part of the proposal preparation, an Informed Consent Document must be written and approved by the University-level Institutional Review Board as appropriate. Be aware that this approval process may take considerable time (e.g. 3-4 weeks).

  • Before the student commences work on the thesis, the proposal must be presented to and approved by the thesis committee. The thesis proposal will be presented in an open forum where all graduate students and faculty from the department are invited to attend. At least one week (preferably two weeks) prior to the proposal date, copies of the proposal document should be presented to the thesis committee. At the same time, a copy of the proposal document, a short abstract, and an announcement flyer must be given to the GPD for public display in the Kinesiology Department.
  • After approval by the thesis committee, appropriate steps should be taken to complete the study.
  • Thesis credits (KINE 8999 Master’s thesis credits, 6 credits total) should be taken at the appropriate time in consultation with the student’s advisor. These are usually spread over two semesters if appropriate, but not required (i.e. can be fall or spring only).
  • Except for preliminary pilot data, data collection for the thesis should not begin until the thesis committee has approved the thesis proposal. Throughout the period when the data are being collected and analyzed, the student should keep the thesis committee informed of progress.
  • When the thesis is complete, a thesis defense date acceptable to all committee members will be scheduled. The defense will follow a format similar to that of the thesis proposal. As with the proposal, thesis copies should be presented to the committee at least one week (preferably two weeks) prior to the defense date. The format of the thesis should be in manuscript format, with a title page, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, acknowledgements, references, figures and tables. At the same time, a short abstract, and announcement flyer must be given to the GPD for public display in the Kinesiology Department.
  • Prior to the defense, the student should prepare 2 signature pages — 1 for the GPD and one for the student to include in the manuscript following the title page. Upon successful defense, signature pages will be signed by the thesis committee. The thesis defense must be scheduled and passed before the deadline date of the degree period to which the student is applying.
  • After thesis defense the student will electronically submit one copy of thesis to the thesis Committee Members. The student will submit the thesis document with signature pages and the original signatures to the Chair of the Committee.

Clinical Option: Each semester students will work in conjunction with their advisor to prepare courses for the desired professional clinical career. Students will enroll in a clinical practicum during the 1st year that focuses on clinical exercise prescription for health and fitness. In year 2, students will enroll in additional practicum (e.g. KINE 7400, KINE 7410) and/or clinical internships (KINE 8980) that focus on clinical cardiac rehab as well as health fitness and well-being through local community hospitals and fitness corporations. During these internships, evaluation will be based on competency exams for respective tasks at the end of the semester. Successful completion of the clinical option will culminate with passing of a series of in class and take home written exams during the Comprehensive Exam Seminar (KINE 5475) held in Spring of 2nd year.

Culminating experience

All students must complete a master’s thesis under the direction of the Exercise Physiology faculty, or pass a comprehensive exam. Students who are not doing a thesis are expected to participate in additional practicum experiences behond the KINE 5450/5460 series.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education - Kinesiology

This program of study is designed to prepare graduates for college or university positions in specific disciplines (e.g., Exercise Physiology, Sports Medicine, Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities) or for positions within research organizations with specific areas of curricular expertise. The program includes coursework, a research and clinical apprenticeships, and practical experiences to prepare graduates to produce original research that contributes to the knowledge base in the science of kinesiology.

The primary purpose of the Ph.D. program is to prepare highly qualified scholar-researchers who will be able to take a variety of positions in higher education settings (both public and private). Graduates will be well prepared for employment as research scholars, clinicians and faculty members in higher education or clinical programs.

There are three focus areas in the PhD in Kinesiology department:

Kinesiology: Exercise Physiology: The specialization in Exercise Physiology is designed to prepare students to conduct original research in aspects of Exercise Physiology and Physical Activity and Nutrition Intervention, and interpret and communicate the results of this research as authors, university faculty, and/or governmental or research agency officials. The Ph.D. program allows students to develop unique, individualized areas of study under the direction of a major advisor in Exercise Physiology and a faculty Doctoral committee. The emphases of the program include aspects of human exercise physiology, measurement and etiology of physical activity, dietary intake and nutrition and clinical and community based interventions. 

Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities: The doctoral program is designed to prepare future college/university professionals and public officials in adapted physical education. The emphasis at this level is on developing research skills and applying these skills to current questions in the field. Past graduates of the program have had an impact on adapted physical education through employment in higher education in the United States and abroad as well as in public school administration.

Kinesiology: Sports Medicine: The PhD program in Sports Medicine is designed to prepare graduates for academic careers in athletic training, physical therapy, or other disciplines related to the study of musculoskeletal injuries. The program is research-intensive and includes formal course work and research intensive experiences in preparation for completing the dissertation. Students work with primary Sports Medicine-focused faculty as well as several other faculty members in kinesiology, orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and other units across the University.

Core Requirements

The Ph.D. program in Kinesiology requires a minimum of 72 credits including regular coursework, research mentorship credits, and credits related to the dissertation research study. Students must complete at least 54 credits of coursework which includes content courses and research methodology courses, and up to 3 credits of research apprenticeship per semester. At least 36 course and apprenticeship credits must be completed after admission to the program. Students work with primary advisors and research mentors to determine specific core courses in conjunction with students’ areas of professional interest and career pathways. Students can apply up to 12 credits of dissertation work towards the total of 72 required credits.

Other Requirements

Assessment
Assessment of student progress through the program is multifaceted and includes components of assessment conducted both by faculty and by students themselves.

Student Annual Report
Each student will complete an annual report describing his or her growth and accomplishments.

Pre-dissertation Research Manuscript
Prior to their third year of study, students complete a research project that results in a manuscript of the quality appropriate for submission to a referreed journal. Research mentors will work with students to shape these papers toward eventual publication; co-authored papers are acceptable.

Dissertation
Students will complete a dissertation proposal and a dissertation meeting the criteria described in the Curry Dissertation Manual.