Kinesiology

Degrees offered include the Master of Science and the Educational Specialist. At the master's degree level, students may specialize in Exercise Physiology (see listing below for more information about this program) or complete a teacher certification program (traditional master’s program for those holding a valid B level certificate in physical education or the alternative master’s program for those NOT completing an undergraduate physical education teacher education program). The traditional master's and the educational specialist link teacher certification with the graduate program in physical education. For example, the M.S. awards the level A certificate and the Ed.S. is linked to the AA certificate. Each program requires a teaching certificate in physical education at the previous level (e.g., B certificate for admission to the A level, except the Alternative A program, and the A certificate for admission to the AA certificate).

Dispositions

Faculty individually review the professional dispositions (behaviors and attitudes) of students within each course in accordance with the School of Education’s policy and procedure.  Additionally, faculty will collectively review student dispositions and overall progress in the program at the end of each semester.  Dispositional areas identified as deficient could result in termination from the program.

Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Exercise Physiology

The Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology serves the purpose of preparing students to work in higher education, as a fitness instructor, wellness educator, researcher, coach, secure a leadership position in a fitness facility, or pursue doctoral studies.

Thesis Option

The thesis option consists of 33 credit hours. This path is for those seeking to further their academic research skills in preparation for doctoral study or a career in research. Students who choose this path are required to take 6 credit hours of thesis research. The thesis option will require successful completion of the thesis defense. The thesis option requires students to follow a specific timeline; this is essential to completing their degree on time. Failure to comply with the timeline will result in delays. The thesis timeline can be located on the Graduate School’s website.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option consists of 36 credit hours and the successful completion of a comprehensive exam. This path is designed to give students a foundation in Kinesiology, while also focusing on content relevant to their areas of interest. This option allows students to choose more electives that align with their interests while taking a comprehensive exam at the end of the program.

The Non-thesis option will require successful completion of a comprehensive exam. Comprehensive exam dates and timelines can be found on the Exercise Physiology Website. Students will register the semester before the semester they complete their comprehensive exam, which is during their final semester (if completing the program within 3 semesters) or the semester before their last semester (if completing the program in more than 3 semesters). The exam will be completed on a Friday during the semester they registered for and no collaboration nor outside help is allowed during the 4-hour exam. Failure to independently complete the comprehensive exam will result in an automatic no-pass score and the student will be required to retake the exam the following semester. They must complete the comprehensive exam before they will be allowed to graduate.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission to the Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology:

· Completed undergraduate degree (any major) from a regionally accredited institution

• Pre-reqs courses required before acceptance (grade of C or better)
  • Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology

· An official copy of all transcripts

· GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale

· Resume/CV

· Statement of purpose

· Three Letters of recommendation

· GRE is not required

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Physiology

The certificate will help provide fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct exercise testing and prescription in clinical and non-clinical settings. The certificate can be completed as a stand-alone certificate for undergraduate or graduate students majoring in exercise science or related fields (nutrition, biomedical science, biology, community health, and health education). Or may be used as part of the Graduate School’s Master’s Degree of Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS).

Students who have completed a master’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from UAB are not eligible to complete the graduate certificate in clinical exercise physiology.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Physiology:

· Completed undergraduate degree with an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale OR current UAB undergraduate student in good standing with 60+ credit hours completed (36 of these credit hours must have been taken at UAB) and an institutional GPA of 3.0 (Applicants do not need to have earned a degree in kinesiology nor be currently pursuing a degree in kinesiology).

· Applicants must submit a certificate-seeking application for admission to the UAB Graduate School.

Note:  Undergraduate students cannot use the graduate credit hours from this certificate program toward their undergraduate degree.

Graduate Certificate in Coaching the Intercollegiate Scholar Athlete

This program will provide current or aspiring athletic coaches throughout our state, and the region, with access to a strategically designed practitioner-focused credential to support their career competencies and advancement. The certificate will be offered as a stand-alone to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in exercise science or related fields (nutrition, biomedical science, biology, community health, and health education). Or may be used as part of the Graduate School’s Master’s Degree of Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS).

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Physiology:

· Completed undergraduate degree with an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale OR current UAB undergraduate student in good standing with 60+ credit hours completed (36 of these credit hours must have been taken at UAB) and an institutional GPA of 3.0 (Applicants do not need to have earned a degree in kinesiology nor be currently pursuing a degree in kinesiology).

· Applicants must submit a certificate-seeking application for admission to the UAB Graduate School.

Note:  Undergraduate students cannot use the graduate credit hours from this certificate program toward their undergraduate degree.

Students can start this 15-hour Coaching the Intercollegiate Scholar Athlete Graduate Certificate in either the fall, spring, or summer. Applicants do not need to have earned a degree in kinesiology.

Accelerated Learning Opportunities

Master in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology via the Accelerated Bachelors/Masters (EPH-ABM) Program

Exercise Physiology offers an Accelerated Bachelors/Masters (ABM) option for high-achieving undergraduates. Distinct advantages of EPH-ABM include the use of up to 12 hours of shared credit this is applied to both your BS and MS degrees, taking graduate courses at the undergraduate tuition rate, and additional opportunities for academic advising and mentoring.

Admission Requirements

· Junior status (60 credit hours, 36 of these hours at UAB)

· Minimum 3.5 undergraduate GPA

· Complete the following pre-requisite courses: BY 115, BY 116, CHHS 140, CHHS 141, KIN 136, KIN 307, & KIN 400

· UAB Transcript (uploaded by Graduate School)

· ABM Form

· Application Fee

· Essay

· Resume

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA average in undergraduate Exercise Science courses while in the EPH-ABM
• Receive a B (or better) in graduate courses taken while still an undergraduate student
• Maintain full-time-student status at UAB (with exceptions for medical emergencies)

The following courses are approved for shared credit for students pursuing an ABM in Exercise Physiology: KIN 585, KIN 639, KIN 640, KIN 641, KIN 645, KIN 649, KIN 656, KIN 672, and KIN 674

Note: If any of the requirements are violated, the student will be withdrawn from the EPH-ABM program. If a student is withdrawn, they will retain credit for the courses already taken in the program, but no credit sharing will be allowed even if later the student enrolls in a graduate program in the Department of Human Studies. Once the undergraduate student has completed all course requirements for graduation, their undergraduate degree will be awarded.

Once the student graduates with a B.S., they continue to take additional coursework to fulfill the degree requirements of their M.S. program. The M.S. degree will be awarded after those requirements.

Deadlines for all Applicants:

· Fall: August 1

· Spring: December 1

· Summer: May 1

For More Information: 

Please contact Dr. Gordon Fisher (Graduate Program Director; grdnfs@uab.edu), or visit our website: https://www.uab.edu/education/home/graduate/kinesiology/ms-kinesiology-exercise-physiology-concentration. 

Exercise Physiology

The Exercise Physiology specialization offers a master's degree option for students interested in either clinical exercise physiology or physiology research. The curriculum is multidisciplinary and can comprise of courses in the Schools of Education, Medicine, Health Related Professions, and Public Health. Two program plans are offered (detailed below). Plan I culminates with a thesis research project, and Plan II culminates with a written comprehensive exam. Resources for student participation in research include an Exercise Physiology Laboratory and Exercise & Nutritional Physiology Laboratory. Wide arrays of field experiences are also available at UAB and in local agencies and clinics. In addition to Graduate School admission requirements, prospective students must have completed undergraduate coursework in Biology or Chemistry. Listed below are the courses required in the program and a sample of elective courses.