Revised March 2007

Kinesiology

Faculty

Program Description

Degree Requirements

Course Descriptions

206 Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2260
Dr. Zetts, Chairperson
Dr. Melton, Assistant Chairperson and Coordinator of Graduate Studies

PROFESSORS

Frances Cleland, P.E.D., Indiana University
Frank F. Fry, D.P.E., Springfield College
Monica P. Lepore, Ed.D., New York University

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS

John Helion, Ed.D., Columbia University
Karen M. Koehler, Ed.D., University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Sheri A. Melton, Ph.D., Louisiana State University
Margaret Ottley, Ph.D., Temple University
Paul K. Smith, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University
W. Craig Stevens, Ph.D., Temple University
Karin Volkwein, Ph.D., University of Tennessee
John Williams, Ph.D., University of London
Raymond Zetts, Ed.D., University of Georgia-Athens

INSTRUCTORS

Terence Beattie, M.A., Canesius College
Edward Kubachka, M.S., West Chester University
Mary M. Williams, M.A., University of London

Program of Study

The Department of Kinesiology offers programs leading to a master of science degree in physical education with concentrations in general physical education, and exercise and sport physiology. A master of science in administration degree with a concentration in sport and athletic administration also is offered. The master of science degree in physical education, general physical education concentration (research project track), enriches academic preparation for teaching in the public schools or for obtaining employment in the various professions related to physical education. The master of science degree in physical education, exercise and sport physiology concentration (research report track), enriches academic preparation for working in adult fitness, cardiac rehabilitation, and other clinical programs. Both master of science degrees in physical education (thesis track) are designed primarily to meet the individual needs of graduate students who want to pursue graduate work beyond the master's degree or a career in research. It also may prepare personnel for staff positions in education, government, and industry.

The sport and athletic administration concentration in the master of science in administration program is designed to provide academic preparation for those persons interested in entering the field of sport and athletic administration, and to assist in upgrading the credentials of those persons presently in the fields of sport and athletic administration.

Certification in driver education and safe living also is offered by the Department of Kinesiology, as a summer program.

The Professor Russell Sturzebecker Scholarship

The graduate division in the School of Health Sciences in the Department of Kinesiology administers the Professor Russell Sturzebecker Scholarship. Through the generosity of Mr. John F. Unruh, a $1,000 award is made each semester to a "worthy and needy" graduate student in health and physical education. The award is donated by Mr. Unruh in honor of Professor Sturzebecker.

The recipient must be working full time in the field of health and physical education and must be a part-time student at West Chester University working towards a master's degree in his or her professional field.

Graduate students who meet the above criteria are invited to submit a letter of application for the scholarship along with a resume of their professional and academic status. These documents should be submitted to the chairperson of the Department of Kinesiology on or before December 15 for the spring semester award and on or before March 15 for the fall semester.

The Graduate Scholarship

The graduate division of the Department of Kinesiology administers a graduate scholarship. The amount of money awarded may vary somewhat from year to year depending on the funds available, but it is anticipated that the award will be approximately $300 each year.

Selection criteria include scholarship, citizenship and character, leadership, need, and ability in, and/or contribution to, specific areas of health or physical education.

Application forms are available from the Department of Kinesiology, 206 Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center.

Communication with the Department

All inquiries and other communications regarding the graduate program in physical education should be addressed to the coordinator of graduate studies and sent to the department address found at the beginning of this section.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination for graduate students in physical education is administered twice a year, in early March and late October. Each examination consists of an elective course portion, given for two hours on a Tuesday, and the required course portion, given for two hours on the following Thursday.

Students who want to take the examination must be currently enrolled, admitted to degree candidacy and should have completed all required course work. In addition, students should have completed the majority of their elective requirements. A letter of intent to take the comprehensive examination should be filed with the coordinator of graduate studies. Letters of intent should be filed by February 15 for the March examination or September 15 for the October examination, respectively.

Upon receipt of the letter of intent and with the approval of the coordinator, students will be sent a letter explaining the details, time, and place of the examination.

MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM
(Concentration in General Physical Education)

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to a graduate degree program at West Chester University, applicants must present either a baccalaureate degree earned in their anticipated major area of health or health and physical education, or equivalent preparation in a related field, and the following:

A. Undergraduate prerequisites:

1. Human anatomy

2. Human physiology

3. Kinesiology

4. Exercise physiology

B. Requirements for one of the following tracks:

1. Thesis track

a. GPA: 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale

b. GRE: 1000 (combined verbal and math) or higher recommended

or

2. Research report track

a. GPA: 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale

b. GRE: 900 (combined verbal and math) or higher recommended

C. Approval of application by the department graduate committee

Acceptance recommendations are made by the department graduate committee.

Admission to M.S. Degree Candidacy

During the 12 to 15 hours of precandidacy, students must complete any three of the departmental core courses with a minimum GPA for these and all other courses of 3.0.

Students must apply for candidacy within one semester after completing 12-15 hours of precandidacy.

Requirements for the M.S. Degree

1. Satisfactory completion of the M.S. curriculum with a minimum GPA of 3.0

2. Satisfactory performance on written and/or oral comprehensive examination

3. Successful completion of the thesis or research project

4. Oral defense of the thesis (for thesis track only)

Curriculum (33-34 semester hours)

I. Degree Core (21 semester hours)
KIN 572, 580, 585, 600, 601, 602, and 681

II. Additional Degree Requirements - Thesis Track (12 semester hours)
KIN 608 and 610
Electives selected under advisement (6)

Additional Degree Requirements - Research Report Track (13 semester hours)
KIN 606 and 607
Electives selected under advisement (9)

The thesis proposal must be formally approved during thesis seminar (KIN 608) before the student may register for thesis (KIN 610).

MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM
(Concentration in Exercise and Sport Physiology)

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to a graduate program at West Chester University, applicants must present a bachelor's degree in physical education or related field and the following:

A. Undergraduate preqrequisites:

1. Human anatomy

2. Human physiology

3. Kinesiology

4. Exercise physiology

5. Fitness assessment/exercise prescription or electrocardiography and stress testing

B. Requirements for one of the following tracks:

1. Thesis track

a. GPA: 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale

b. GRE: 1000 (combined verbal and math) or higher recommended

or

2. Research report track

a. GPA: 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale

b. GRE: 900 (combined verbal and math) or higher recommended

C. Approval of application by the department graduate committee

Acceptance recommendations are made by the department graduate committee.

Requirements for Admission to Degree Candidacy

During the 12 to 15 hours of precandidacy, students must complete any three of the departmental core courses with a minimum GPA for these and all other courses of 3.0.

Students must apply for candidacy within one semester after completing 12-15 hours of precandidacy course work.

Requirements for the M.S. Degree

1. Satisfactory completion of the M.S. curriculum with a GPA of 3.0

2. Satisfactory performance on written and/or oral comprehensive examination

3. Successful completion of the thesis or research project

4. Oral defense of the thesis (for thesis track only)

Curriculum (33-40 semester hours)

I. Degree Core (16-18 semester hours)
KIN 572, 585, 600, 601, 606/607 or 608/610, or STA 512

II. Concentration Core (9 semester hours)
KIN 681, 687, and 688

III. Electives (6-9 semester hours)
An additional nine credit hours are required for the research report track (KIN 606/607).
An additional six credit hours are required for the thesis track (KIN 608/610).

IV. Internship (6 semester hours)
KIN 611 and 612
Internship experience may be required of students in the research report track who did not have comparable experience as an undergraduate and/or have no work experience in their chosen field of study.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ADMINISTRATION
(Concentration in Sport and Athletic Administration)

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the graduate requirements for admission to a graduate program at West Chester University, applicants must submit scores from the Miller Analogies Test, Graduate Record Examination, or Graduate Management Admissions Test; an essay with a clear focus on career plans; and two letters of reference from professional supervisors that address the applicant's administrative potential. All application materials are to be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education and labeled: "Attention, M.S.A. Application of (student's name)." Following receipt of these materials, the M.S.A. director will schedule an admissions interview with the applicant.

Admission to M.S.A. Degree Candidacy

During the 15 semester hours of precandidacy, majors in the sport and athletic administration concentration must complete three of the administrative core courses, and two of the sport and athletic administration core courses with a minimum GPA for these courses of 3.0.

Requirements for the M.S.A. Degree

1. Satisfactory completion of the M.S.A. curriculum shown below with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.

2. Satisfactory performance on the written and/or oral comprehensive examination.

Curriculum (34-39 semester hours)

I. Administrative Core (18 semester hours)
ADM 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 507

II. Sport and Athletic Administration Core (15 semester hours)
KIN 513, 514, 600, 611, and 612

III. Electives (6 semester hours)
KIN 580, 601, 602, 606, 607, 680, 681, 685, or other electives (under advisement)

Certification Program in Driver Education and Safe Living (Highway Safety and General Safety Education)

A teacher's certificate may be extended to include education for safe living (highway safety and general safety education) by completing 12 semester hours of course work in the Department of Kinesiology. Courses are scheduled during summer months only. Contact the coordinator for further information.

Curriculum (12 semester hours)

KIN 561, 660, 661, and 662

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
KINESIOLOGY

Symbol: KIN unless otherwise indicated

513 Theories and Principles of Sport Management (3) This course is designed to provide an overview of the management responsibility of the sport administrator, including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling the sport enterprise. Emphasis will be placed on personnel, financial concerns, facility management, and public relations.

514 Problems and Issues in Sport Management (3) This course is designed to provide an overview of contemporary problems and issues in sport management, including an analysis of sport trends with a review of sport-governing agencies and organizations and their affect on athletic department programs.

550 Elementary Physical Education Workshop (3) Orientation for the teaching of elementary physical education. Principles and practices; appropriate activities for various grade levels.

561 Seminar in the Four-Phase Program of Driver Education (3) In-service experience for driver education teachers in the classroom. Behind the wheel (BTW), multicar method, and simulation.

572 Advanced Motor Learning (3) An investigation of the theories, research, and practical applications of the processes and conditions involved in the teaching and learning of physical skills.

580 Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Sport and Physical Education (3) Social, psychological, and cultural factors influencing sport and physical education. Discussion of pertinent issues and research applications.

581 Adapted Physical Education (3) Techniques for a program of adapted physical education in the public school. Application of activities to benefit the child with a temporary or permanent disability.

585 Biomechanics (3) A review of, or introduction to, the basic principles of biomechanics and the application of those principles to research and teaching.

600 Research Methods in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (3) Techniques of research applied to the field of health, physical education, and recreation.

601 Statistical Design for Research and Evaluation in Physical Education (3) The practical and theoretical application of the basic concepts of elementary statistics as they relate to evaluative procedures, research, and teaching in physical education.

602 Advanced Philosophy of Sport and Physical Education (3) Major philosophical theories of sport. Discussion of various conceptual, movement/aesthetic, and social-political issues.

603 Professional Literature Seminar (3) Provides students with the skills necessary to review and critically analyze the professional literature and current findings in physical education; useful for the student planning to conduct research.

605 Curriculum in Physical Education (3) Trends in health and physical education curricula at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. Surveys, reports, and analyses of curriculum practices.

606 Research Project Seminar I (2) A course for master's candidates who select the report option. Students select a problem for the research report, review literature, develop procedures, and collect data. They are expected to complete the first three chapters of their research reports during Seminar I. PREREQ: KIN 600.

607 Research Project Seminar II (2) Master's candidates register for this course after completing Seminar I. In this course, students complete chapters four and five of the research report. PREREQ: KIN 606.

608 Thesis Seminar (3) A course for the student who selects the thesis option. The candidate selects a topic, reviews the literature, develops procedures, and prepares a proposal acceptable to the thesis committee. They then register for KIN 610. PREREQ: KIN 600.

609 Independent Study and Special Projects (1-3) Students select independent study projects and develop proposals. These projects may be in support of students' research or related to their vocations. The proposals must be accepted and approved by the coordinator of graduate studies in the semester prior to registration for independent study.

610 Thesis (3) Students must register for the thesis after completion of KIN 608. One additional enrollment in KIN 610 may be allowed with the approval of the graduate coordinator. PREREQ: KIN 608.

611-612 Intern Study (3) (3) For the M.S.A. student in athletic administration who needs or desires practical experience in administering athletic programs. (The student may elect 3-6 credits of internship experience.)

615 Special Topics (1-3) In depth study of selected topics current to the interests and needs of professionals serving in the field of kinesiology.

660 History and Philosophy of Safety Education and Principles of Accident Prevention (3) The safety movement in the United States and other countries. The place of safety education in modern living; philosophies of safety-education leaders; accident causation and prevention (their research implications). Background for administering school, civil defense, and emergency safety programs.

661 Contemporary Practices and Program Evaluation in Safety Education (3) Current practices, evaluation of programs, and research of current literature in safety education. Techniques for selecting, constructing, and using instruments for evaluating safety-education programs. Problem-solving projects.

662 Problems in Traffic and Driver Education (3) Contemporary curriculum and current practices in driver and traffic education, enforcement of traffic laws and regulations, and engineering problems. Problem-solving projects.

680 Scientific Principles of Coaching (3) Recent trends in theories and techniques of teaching sports. Mechanical principles of efficient movement. Research related to competitive performance. Specialists serve as guest panelists.

681 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3) Clinical and laboratory use of exercise in evaluating, maintaining, and modifying human physiological processes: growth development, metabolism, and weight control; cardiovascular and respiratory functions in health and disease; and neuromuscular integration and performance. Stress physiology, and training and conditioning.

685 Women's Exercise and Sports (3) The physiological, psychological, and sociological effects of exercise and sport on women.

687 Applied Muscular Physiology (3) This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of skeletal muscle and its responses and adaptations to exercise.

688 Applied Cardiovascular Physiology (3) This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular function and the effects of acute and chronic exercise on these mechanisms.

691 Advanced Clinical Exercise Testing and Prescription (3) An in-depth study of how exercise is used in clinical settings for diagnostic, rehabilitative, and preventive purposes. ACSM guidelines will be emphasized. Designed to prepare the student for the ACSM certification exam (exercise specialist).

692 Clinical Practicum in Exercise Science (3) This course provides experience in a clinical setting under the supervision of qualified medical staff. Experiences will include prescription and supervision of exercise for patients in settings such as hospitals and outpatient clinics. PREREQ: Approval of graduate coordinator.

SERVICE COURSES

The following courses are open to students in all curricula, with no prerequisite in health or physical education required: KIN 550, 561, 580, 581, 585, 605, 650, 660, 661, 662, 680, and 685.

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