Master's of Science in Sport Studies

Sport Behavior and Performance Program Concentrations:
The sport behavior and performance program is designed to provide breadth and depth of knowledge concerning the behavior of participants in competitive sport. While the primary knowledge orientation is psychological, students are expected to engage in cross-disciplined inquiries. Cognate courses in this area, therefore, also examine sport behaviors from developmental, physiological, historical, and socio-cultural perspectives. The majority of students in this program also complete internships in coaching or other sport-related positions. Students are prepared for work as teachers, coaches, and counselors in the public and private sectors. Students have been accepted into doctoral programs at the University of Illinois, Michigan State University, the University of Oregon, the University of Virginia, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Many students have found collegiate coaching positions, and a few have joined the professional coaching ranks.

For completion of the 36 hour program the following courses are required for Sport Behavior and Performance Program majors:

KNH 621 Critical Perspectives on Knowledge Systems in Exercise, Sport, and Health Studies (2 credits)
KNH 622 Quantitative Methodological Research Approaches in the Exercise, Health, and Sport Studies Fields (2 credits)
KNH 623 Qualititative Methodological Research Approaches in the Exercise, Health, and Sport Studies Fields(2 credits)         
KNH 632 (4 credits) Psychological Foundations of Sport
KNH 633 (4 credits) Psychological Interventions in Sport
KNH 634 (3 credits) Social Psychology of Sport and Exercise

and
 
KNH 611 (3 credits) Behavioral Approaches to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
or
KNH 654 (3 credits) Studies in Exercise Behavior
or
KNH 673 (3 credits) Developmental Perspectives on Youth Sport Participation
or
KNH 675 (4 credits) Career Patterns in Sport I
or
KNH 676 (4 credits) Career Patterns in Sport II
or
KNH 685 (3 credits) Exercise, Aging, and Health Promotion

and
 
KNH 620 Research Problems (4 credits)
OR
KNH 700 Thesis Preparation (4 credits)
 
For students completing thesis option:
EDP 667 Behavioral Statistics (3) or another course suited to your analytical perspective

Sport Organization Program Concentration:
The sport organization program is designed to provide breadth and depth of knowledge concerning how play, games, and sport relate to general features of social organization and social relations, and thereby, to gain comprehensive insights into the institutional arrangements and cultural values of society. The major premise is that play, games, and sports are culturally central to the life experiences of social classes and status groups in our society and to the power relationships that are characteristic of the interactions between them. Coursework provides opportunities for students to evaluate how social class, ethnicity, race and gender contour our enculturation into and via play, games and sport. It also enables students to understand the historical development of contemporary sporting practices. The content of the courses is not just descriptive; rather, it is critical and evaluative. Students have been accepted into doctoral programs such as the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Illinois. Interns have been placed in organizations such as the United States Olympic Training Center, the Cincinnati Reds, and the United States Gymnastics Federation.

For completion of the 36 hour program the following courses are required for Sport Organization Program majors:

KNH 621 Critical Perspectives on Knowledge Systems in Exercise, Sport, and Health Studies (2 credits)
KNH 622 Quantitative Methodological Research Approaches in the Exercise, Health, and Sport Studies Fields (2 credits)
KNH 623 Qualititative Methodological Research Approaches in the Exercise, Health, and Sport Studies Fields(2 credits)
KNH 675 Sociocultural Perspectives in Sport I (4)
KNH 676 Sociocultural Perspectives in Sport II (4)
 
Four of the following (13-16 cr.):
KNH 571 Sport, Leisure, and Aging (4)
KNH 572 Sports in Schools and Colleges (4)
KNH 574 Sport and Modernization (4)
KNH 575 Women, Gender Relations, and Sport (3)
KNH 673 Developmental Perspectives on Youth Sport Participation (3)
KNH 553 Special Topics with SO focus (3 cr.) (must be approved by SO advisor)
or
KNH 610 Internship (max. of 4 cr.) (must be approved by SO advisor)
or
KNH 700 Thesis Preparation (1-10 with 4 required in catalog) (must be approved by SO advisor)
 
One course outside concentration and within Sport Studies Program (2-4 cr.)
KNH 632 Psychological Foundations of Sport (4)
KNH 633 Psychological Interventions in Sport (4)
KNH 634 Social Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3)
KNH 553 Special Topics with Sport Behavior and Performance focus (2-4) (must be approved by SO advisor)
 
One course outside Sport Studies Program (2-4 cr.), including but not limited to:
KNH 509 Nutrition for Sports and Fitness (3)
KNH 562 Health Promotion, Planning, and Evaluation (3)
KNH 654 Studies in Exercise Behavior (4)
KNH 612 Foundations and Theory of Health Promotion and Education (3)
KNH 681 Human Motor Learning and Control (4)
EDL 625 Social Foundation of Education (3)
MKT 611 Professional Services Marketing (3)
WMS 510Q Queer Theories (3)
WMS 601 Introduction to Women's Studies (3)
WMS 602 Feminist Theory and Methodology (3)