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M.S. Concentration in
Psychosocial Aspects of Sport
and Physical Activity

The master's degree concentration in psychosocial aspects of physical activity focuses on both a practical and theoretical understanding of psychological, sociological, and social psychological variables involved in sport and physical activity. This area of scientific study encompasses two fields of study, sport psychology and sport sociology.

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Sport psychology examines the influence of psychological variables on motor performance and the influence of sport and physical activity participation on psychological phenomena.

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Sport sociology examines social structures on sport and physical activity, as well as the social significance of sport and physical activity from different theoretical perspectives.

Course Work

The requirements for the M.S. degree in kinesiology include a minimum of 30 credits in specified areas of study. A typical program plan for master's degree students in psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity includes some of the following courses. The exact program of study is specified in an individual program plan approved by the student's advisor.

  1. Required course - 3 credits
bulletKIN 871 - Research Methods in Kinesiology (3 credits)
  1. Psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity concentration - minimum of 9 credits
bulletKIN 840 - Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Activity (3 credits)
bulletKIN 841 - Stress Management Techniques in Athletics (3 credits)
bulletKIN 845 - Sociocultural Practices in Sport (3 credits)
bulletKIN 858 - Issues and Techniques for Student-Athlete Development
(3 credits)
bulletKIN 870 - Physical Activity and Well-Being (3 credits)
bulletKIN 890 - Independent Study in Kinesiology (1-6 credits)
  1. Breadth requirement - minimum of 6 credits of KIN graduate-level courses outside of the student's concentration for students who did not complete an undergraduate degree in kinesiology

  1. Elective courses - additional credits in courses related to psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity.

Capstone Experiences

Master's degree students in the Department of Kinesiology choose one of four capstone experiences in consultation with their advisors and guidance committees. Each of the four options includes a certifying examination.

bullet Plan A Thesis. Students who choose this option complete a research study as part of KIN 899 - Master's Thesis Research (1-6 credits). In addition, they must complete a 400-900 level research methods course in addition to KIN 871 to prepare for the thesis research. The defense of the completed thesis serves as the certifying examination.
bullet Plan B Project. Students who choose KIN 897 - Project in Kinesiology (1-4 credits) develop a tangible product such as a position paper, teaching aid, instructional videotape, web site, on-line course materials, journal article, publishable literature review, lab manual, curriculum, etc. The defense of the product serves as the certifying examination.
bullet Plan B Internship. KIN 893 - Internship in Kinesiology (1-6 credits) involves practical learning experiences in the field under the supervision of a qualified mentor. The student must complete a minimum of 60 hours in the field per semester credit. The defense of the internship report serves as the final certifying examination.
bulletPlan B Course Work with Certifying Examination. Students who elect to meet degree requirements through a minimum of 30 semester hours of course credits are required to demonstrate their ability to clearly communicate their understanding of events, issues and resolutions to problems in Kinesiology via a written certifying examination. Students are expected to synthesize the knowledge and understanding gained from course work and related experiences during the master's degree program.

Expectations

Expectations of KIN master's degree students are individualized because of the different concentrations offered within the department and the students' various educational goals. Commonalities in expectations of master's degree students include: (a) professional growth and involvement; (b) demonstrated ability to teach within the context of the student's chosen field; and (c) knowledge and skill as a consumer of research. Students who intend to pursue doctoral study or research careers are also expected to develop ability to plan, conduct, and disseminate research. Departmental expectations related to that goal are described in Expectations of M.S. Students, and related learning experiences are described in Professional Development Opportunities. These expectations are individualized for students during advising and guidance committee meetings.

Related Web Sites

bullet Institute for the Study of Youth Sports
bullet Student-Athlete Support Services

Admissions

Jo Ann Janes
Graduate Studies Secretary
Department of Kinesiology
3 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049

Phone: (517) 355-4736
Fax: (517) 355-1689
Email: kingrad@msu.edu

Contact Information

Contact the following faculty member about the concentration in psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity. Click on the name for the faculty member's bio. Click on an email address to send a message.

Dr. Martha Ewing
Department of Kinesiology
201 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049

Phone: (517) 353-4652
Fax: (517) 353-5363
E-mail: mewing@msu.edu

Dr. Deborah Feltz
Department of Kinesiology
134 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049

Phone: (517) 355-4732
Fax: (517) 353-2944
E-mail: dfeltz@msu.edu

Dr. Dan Gould
Department of Kinesiology
210 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049

Phone: (517) 432-0175
Fax: (517) 353-5363

E-mail: drgould@msu.edu

Dr. Yevonne Smith
Department of Kinesiology
210 IM Sports Circle
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049

Phone: (517) 353-6497
Fax: (517) 353-5363
E-mail: smithy@msu.edu