MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHWEST
Overview:
Welcome to the Department of Education. Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance at the University of the Southwest. We have created an online one year thirty three (33) hour fast-track graduate program to accommodate interested individuals with a desire to work in health care. We provide a quality learning environment through lecture, lab, practical experience, and internships to prepare our students for a career as a health care professional. Our program allows the flexibility for interested students to enter during any time of the academic year except summers. Thanks for your interest in our department.
Program Description
Two of the most notable issues in society today are the provisions of health care and the rising concern with the epidemic of obesity. Many more Americans are becoming aware of their health and its relationship to the quality of life with health and aging. Although they may understand the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining good health, they often are uneducated or untrained as to proper exercise techniques and how to ensure proper nutrition. Hence, there is an increasing demand for trained health care professionals who can serve the general public by raising awareness and providing quality instruction, both of which may help reduce health care costs and assist individuals in improving and maintaining their health.
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Health and Human Performance will develop trained professionals. The coursework has been designed to allow students to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of clinical evaluation, fitness assessment, nutrition, and exercise prescription. As student’s progress through the program they will have opportunities to work with normal, healthy individuals, active ager’s, cardiac patients, and centenarians and will gain experience working with populations with chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiac conditions, to enable them to understand and assist in their treatment.
In developing this program, the department has carefully studied the needs of current health care professionals, teachers, coaches, corporate wellness employees, and assistants in athletic programs. Graduates of the program will be able to pursue advanced career opportunities such as: Sub-disciplines: Exercise Physiology, Sport History, Motor Development, Sport Pedagogy, Motor Learning, Sports Medicine (Athletic Training, Pre-PT), Biomechanics, Sport Philosophy, Sport Psychology, Sport Sociology, Sport Management, Adapted Physical Education, Health Education, Physical Education, Leisure, and Recreation.
Careers
College Professor Exercise Physiologist Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist Biomechanist Sport Psychologist City Sports Recreation Director Strength and Conditioning Coach Personal Fitness Trainer Sports Official Athletic Trainer Recreation Leader Physical Education Teacher Health Education Teacher Athletic Coach Athletic Director Physical Education Administrator Public Health Education Sports Facilities Manager Aquatics Specialist Choreographer Camp Director Sports Information Director Recreation and Intramural Director Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or continue towards their doctorate in their related field.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. An applicant with a GPA slightly below 3.00 may, with permission of the program chair, enter the program on probation; he or she must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the graduate curriculum to continue. Other applicants with an undergraduate GPA slightly below 3.00 but who have earned at least a 3.00 GPA in six or more credit hours of graduate work may be admitted unconditionally. All applicants must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework in kinesiology; at least half of those credit hours must be in upper-division courses, and it is strongly recommended that every applicant has completed eight credit hours (two courses) in human anatomy and human physiology. Applicants who do not meet these requirements, or whose degrees are not in the field of kinesiology, may be admitted conditionally.
Applicants who are international students must have a minimum score of 550 or the equivalent on the TOEFL [a minimum TOEFL of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer based), or 79 (Internet based)], or the equivalent on another appropriate examination, such as the IELTS.
Admission Procedure
The application for admission to the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Graduation Requirements
Students must maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA throughout program. All degree requirements must be completed within six years of matriculation. Every student must pass a comprehensive exam prior to enrolling in the advanced practicum or internship.
Program Length
Courses in the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance are offered in eight-week- long online sessions. Assume satisfactory progress, the entire program can be completed in one academic year (two regular semesters plus summer). Full time graduate students normally take two courses each session, and complete 12 credit hours each semester, thus completing 24 credit hours within two semesters. Immediately following completion of the first 24 credit hours, all students must take and pass a comprehensive exam, thereby qualifying them to enroll in the advanced practicum or internship (KES 5009) during that following summer, thereby completing the remaining nine credit hours of coursework required for the degree. A suggested sequence of course completion is available on request from the department. Graduate students who elect to enroll in less than a full time course load will, of course, take longer to complete the program.
Credentials for Faculty
Each faculty member will hold an earned doctorate from an accredited university and who is currently teaching as a full-time or adjunct status. The following faculty have agreed to teach in the newly designed degree program.
Dr. Kaelin Young, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma
Dr. Jim Hector, Ed.D., East Texas State University
Dr. Scarlet Clouse, Ed.D., Texas A&M Commerce
Dr. Stefanie Latham, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma
Dr. Crishel Kline, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University Dr. Julio Guerrero, Ph.D., Texas A&M University
Dr. Larry Guerrero, Ed.D., Oklahoma State University
Degree Requirements Credit Hours: 33
FALL SEMESTER 1ST EIGHT WEEKS
KES 5003 Physiological Basis of Human Performance
KES 5013 Research Methods
FALL SEMESTER 2ND EIGHT WEEKS
KES 5023 Advanced Human Nutrition
KES 5033 Issues in Sports Law
SPRING SEMESTER 1ST EIGHT WEEKS
KES 5043 Diagnostic Tests & Measurements in Exercise Science
KES 5053 Neurological Basis for Motor Learning and Control
SPRING SEMESTER 2ND EIGHT WEEKS
KES 5063 Group Dynamics
KES 5073 Health and Human Behavior
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL
(PASS/FAIL)
SUMMER SESSION
KES 5009 Advanced Practicum or Internship/Project in Exercise Science
ACADEMIC REGULATIONS FOR MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMS The University of the Southwest provides graduate programs which will enable the student to enrich his or her study in a specialized field. The aim of the graduate program is to build greater breadth and depth of knowledge in the field of study. Advisors will provide direct counseling to students in their major field of study. Students desiring to pursue work in a teacher certification program at the graduate level are also advised by the Director of Teacher Education. Each graduate student will be assigned a committee of faculty members prior to taking the comprehensive examination. The student shall complete all assigned work and receive recommendations of the committee and the Dean of the College before a degree will be awarded.
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Admission to Graduate Studies is required of all post-baccalaureate students when enrolling in graduate-level courses at the University of the Southwest. Applications for admission should be addressed to the Center for Enrollment Services. Each applicant will be notified in writing of acceptance or rejection for admission. Students may seek admission to Graduate Studies by applying for admission to a master's degree program or by applying for admission as a non- degree student.
I. ADMISSION TO THE MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM
A student seeking admission for the purpose of pursuing a master's degree must hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Official transcripts reflecting all college work attempted and degree(s) conferred should be on file in the Center for Enrollment Services at least ten days prior to initial registration as a graduate student.
There are two levels of admission to a master's program, full and probationary. Approval of the major department is required for admission at either level. The following criteria will be used in determining the eligibility for admission to the appropriate level.
A. FULL ADMISSION
Applicants must have official transcripts and test scores sent to the Center for Enrollment Services, University of the Southwest. The Center for Enrollment Services will compile and tabulate the documentation submitted and submit a file on each applicant to the major academic department. Following the departmental review of the file, the Center for Enrollment Center will communicate to the applicant the admission status to be granted. One of the following criteria must be met for full admission status.
1. A 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale calculated on the last 60 hours prior to the issuance of the bachelor's degree.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all previous undergraduate work. Full admission may also be granted to applicants who hold a master's degree from accredited colleges or universities and who have the approval of the department in which they propose to do work.
Full admission status does not imply an absence of additional departmental requirements (leveling work, higher GRE scores, etc.). Reference should be made to the various departmental graduate programs in the Catalog for more information.
B. PROBATIONARY ADMISSION
1. Probationary admission may be granted with the approval of the major academic department if a student has submitted transcripts of baccalaureate work and having satisfied at least one of the requirements specified in criteria number one for full admission. The probationary student must satisfy all conditions which are required by the major department and must maintain a 3.0 grade point average on all courses attempted for graduate credit. Upon the completion of 12 semester credit hours with a 3.0 grade point average or higher, the student may be upgraded to full admission status upon the recommendation of the chair of the major department and with the approval of the Dean of the College. Failure to maintain a 3.0 grade point average during the probationary period will result in dismissal from the graduate program.
2. Probationary status also may be granted to any student.
The responsibility for monitoring the probationary student's compliance with all conditions of admission rests with the Center for Enrollment Services. The Center for Enrollment Services will track all probation admitted students each semester, secure information as necessary from the department chairs and communicate to the major department chairs changes of status which are made. During the entire probationary period, the student is responsible for maintaining close communications with the major department and, as called upon, with the dean/director of the College or division.
II. ADMISSION AS A NON-DEGREE STUDENT (citizens of the United States)
Students who are not pursuing a degree, but who are interested in graduate work for professional or personal reasons may be admitted as non-degree student provided they present the following:
1. Application for admission. 2. An official transcript with a baccalaureate degree posted from an accredited institution. 3. Approval of the department chair in the department where course work will be undertaken.
Students who decide to apply for a change of status to pursue master's degree work must meet the requirements for admission to a degree program as stated in Section I of this policy. The change of status must be approved by the chair of the major department and the dean/director of the College or division. Students should be aware that, in transferring from non-degree to degree seeking status, no more than 12 semester hours earned prior to admission to degree seeking status can be used to meet the degree requirements of the program.
The Graduate Record Examination is not required of non-degree students if they have maintained a 3.0 in the first 12 semester hours when they decide to apply for a change of status to that of a master's degree student.
III. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students must meet the requirements for admission as stated in Section I of this policy. In addition, they must file the following items in the Center for Enrollment Services:
A. Evidence of Financial Responsibility. This may be satisfied by an Affidavit of Support (Immigration Service Form 1-134) or a signed statement from a U.S. citizen or foreign national committing the necessary resources in U.S. dollars for student's expenses.
B. Evidence of English language proficiency as demonstrated by any one of the following:
1. A TOEFL score of 520; or
2. Twenty-four hours of undergraduate work with a 2.0 average at an accredited U.S. college or university, or 12 graduate hours with a 3.0 average at an accredited U.S. college or university; or
3. A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university; or
4. Prospective students may petition the Director of Records and Registration in writing requesting an individual oral assessment of English proficiency. Applicants granted an interview will be notified of the date, time, and location of the interview. The interview panel must deem the applicant's oral English proficiency adequate to successfully complete the program. The interview panel will file the results of the assessment in the Center for Enrollment Services. The Director of Records and Registration will notify the student of the decision in writing.
In addition to the above requirements, students must submit the following:
1. An application fee of $50.00 in U.S. Currency (non-refundable).
2. A housing deposit of $100.00 in U.S. Currency.
3. Proof of Health Insurance and Immunization.
ALL ITEMS MUST BE ON FILE IN THE CENTER FOR ENROLLMENT SERVICES AT LEAST ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE ANTICIPATED DATE OF REGISTRATION.
IV. TRANSFER STUDENTS THERE IS NO AUTOMATIC TRANSFER FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF CREDITS APPLICABLE TO A GRADUATE DEGREE. A request for transfer of hours must be made to the major advisor at the time a degree plan is prepared. No requests for transfer of hours will be accepted after the degree plan is prepared without written approval of the major advisor and the Dean of the College prior to enrollment in the course at another institution. Graduate students will not be permitted to apply toward the master's degree more than twelve semester credit hours of transferred credits, military service credits, non-collegiate educational experiences, undergraduate courses taken for graduate credit, graduate-level independent study courses, or any combination of these. Such courses must be pertinent to the candidate's program of study.
A student may request transfer of a maximum of twelve semester credit hours in a 36-hour non- thesis program or six semester hours in a 30-hour thesis program from an accredited college or university provided the course work has been approved by the student's major advisor and the Dean of the College. Before courses will be approved for transfer, they must meet the following standards:
1. The grade for each course must be at least a "B"
2. The course must be unmistakably designated as graduate credit on the official transcript, which must be on file in the Center for Enrollment Services
3. The time limit of six years must not have expired at the projected time of graduation,
4. The total number of hours taken at the University of the Southwest must be 24.
Course Descriptions
KES 5003 Physiological Basis of Human Performance- The purpose of this course is to prepare the student in the areas of exercise physiology. The goals of this course are to provide the student with an active learning experience that will increase their knowledge of (a) energy metabolism and nutrition, (b) aerobic and anaerobic principles of work and exercise, (c) body composition measurement themes in exercise science, (d) cardiorespiratory / renal responses to exercise, and (e) muscular / neural responses to exercise, and (f) thermoregulation during exercise in differing environments. Historical and contemporary concepts of exercise physiology will be discussed to improve the students understanding of the genesis and progression of exercise physiology throughout the twentieth century. This course will prepare the student for practical applications of exercise physiology in school and professional settings.
KES 5013 Research Methods- This course provides students with integrated background in exercise science and prepares them for research testing in procedures commonly found in exercise science research. Students are introduced to current trends and research topics coupled with laboratory techniques in areas of motor behavior, biomechanics and exercise physiology. will access research information, read, critique, and discuss applications of research in Kinesiology and exercise science. Students will delineate a research problem, develop appropriate methodology and data analysis technique as part of a written proposal for a research study. Students will demonstrate knowledge of APA style in preparing a research paper, in citing sources and in developing a reference list.
KES 5023 Advanced Human Nutrition- The content of this course will be focused on the metabolism of food by various tissues of the body and its relation to exercise. The role of diet in the development and treatment of some chronic diseases will be discussed along with the application of nutritional principles to enhance overall lifestyles. This course provides an integrated overview of the physiological requirements and functions of energy and the major nutrients that are determinants of health and diseases in human populations.
KES 5033 Issues in Sports Law- This Sport Law course is designed to enable graduate students to expand their knowledge of some of the laws, rules and regulations that apply to the sport and the exercise science industry and that impact the work setting of sport organizations. Students will learn about and analyze substantive legal concepts in the following core areas of law: constitutional, employment, antitrust, labor, intellectual property, agency, and contract and business law. The purpose of the course is to provide graduate students with an understanding of the legal issues involved in the operation and management of organizations in the sport business industry, and to equip students with the skills and strategies needed to effectively work with business executives and lawyers to resolve these issues. The course will focus on the practical application of laws, rules and regulations to situations current students will likely face (and decisions current students will likely need to make) if they are employed in the field of sport and exercise science. In-class discussions on current legal issues and emerging legal topics in sport and exercise science will constitute a significant portion of this class.
KES 5043 Diagnostic Tests & Measurements in Exercise Science- This course will provide students with the background on the appropriate design structures, both qualitative and quantitative, for research projects. Within the different framework of experimental designs and emphases will be on how to collect and organize data, data cleaning, statistical analysis and the interpretation of data. At the conclusion of the course the student should have identified and be comfortable applying the appropriate experimental design for their thesis/project. The student will be able to appropriately apply, computer analyze and interpret various statistical techniques found in exercise science research, such as the t-test (dependent and independent), ANOVA (repeated measures and between-subjects designs), regression analysis and others.
KES 5053 Neurological Basis for Motor Learning and Control- This course is designed to provide an understanding of psychological/physiological principles involved in motor learning, control, and performance in skill acquisition for school age children and adult populations. This course will focus on how people learn skills and perform them, how they develop skills, and how skills are used in various situations. The study of motor learning is a relatively permanent change in performance resulting from experience or practice which leads to ways of determining success is related to the quality of movement that the performer produces.
KES 5063 Group Dynamics- This course is designed to have two interrelated goals: 1) acquaint you with theory and research on small groups 2) improve your skills as participant in & observer of small groups To accomplish these goals, readings, lecture, and discussion are paired with group exercises and hands-on practice in observing and interpreting group dynamics. Students will complete a case analysis, post regularly on the graduate blog, and comment on the blogs of other grad students. They will observe and give feedback to the groups & collaborate in pairs on a literature review paper.
KES 5073 Health and Human Behavior- This course will review behavioral and biomedical theory and research with regard to the contributions of psychological factors to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and illness. Students will consider the effect of activity and exercise as they relate to illness and disease. The course also defines and explores adherence and psychoneuroimmunology, which examines behavior related to the diseases of cancer and hypertension, explores treatment recommendations, and reviews coping strategies for the patient and family. Prevention and wellness are presented in the context(s) of intentional and unintentional injuries. A discussion of health, life expectancy, and quality of life will conclude the course.
KES 5009 Advanced Practicum or Internship/Project in Exercise Science- This internship is designed to follow-up with your educational background and work history. Upon completion of the internship, the graduate student will present a professional presentation to the faculty of where they performed their internship, the organization, and the duties performed while working for the organization. The graduate student will reflect on their experience - what they learned about the job, and discuss what they learned about themselves. In conclusion, how well their classes at the University of the Southwest prepared them for their careers. Criteria will include- samples of work, relationships with colleagues, organization skills, verbal and written communication, and technical competence.