Graduate Areas of Study

    * the effects of heat exposure on the stress responses during exercise and ways to mitigate these responses;

    * the use of exercise, particularly resistance exercise, as a means of reducing the risk of diseases associated with inactivity

      (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc.) through the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms; and

    * the influence of acute and chronic exercise on immunological function/response in various populations (athletes, elderly

      persons). 

Coursework is designed to provide students with a sound theoretical background in basic and applied physiology, and research methods. The exercise physiology emphasis is meant to prepare students for further graduate study, employment in research settings, and other occupations dealing with exercise and health.

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Motor Control - Motor Control is an area of emphasis which focuses on questions concerning how movements are coordinated, controlled, and learned. The area is diverse in both its academic foundations (neuroscience, biomechanics, and experimental psychology) as well as its practical applications (Physical Education, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation, Human Factors Engineering). Students completing this area of emphasis would be prepared for careers in a variety of movement-based professions and/or doctoral studies.

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Sport Psychology - This area of emphasis is designed for students who are interested in obtaining a knowledge base in the psychological antecedents and consequences of physical activity participation. Students will be exposed to major psychological theories, classic and contemporary empiricism, and relevant applications in various physical activity settings including competitive sport, recreation, exercise, and physical education. Particular emphasis is placed on utilization of psychological techniques to enhance sport performance and psychological benefits and ramifications of the youth sport experience. Students completing this area of emphasis will be prepared for careers in coaching, physical activity leadership opportunities, or doctoral studies.

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Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Chronic Disease - This area of emphasis is designed for students who are interested in understanding the role of nutrition and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, and factors that influence energy intake and expenditure. The course work will provide the students with a strong background in topics including: Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Disease; Obesity; Exercise Physiology; Research Methods; and Exercise Metabolism and Endocrinology. Students who graduate with this emphasis will be prepared for doctoral studies.

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Labs - The Kinesiology Department has four state-of-the-art laboratories where teaching and research dealing with human movement are conducted at all levels. Class lab activities, undergraduate  senior research projects, master's theses, and faculty research projects are all carried out in these labs. The labs provide an excellent hands-on learning experience to supplement classroom learning. The labs are:

• Exercise Physiology
• Motor Control
• Sport Psychology
• Metabolic