Kinesiology Graduate
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Kathleen Knutzen (360) 650-3055 OR 650-3763, Kathy.Knutzen@wwu.edu
Department
of Physical Education, Health and Recreation
Western Washington University, Mail Stop 9067
516 High St.
Bellingham, WA 98225-9067.
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The Exercise Science graduate degree is a dynamic combination
of theoretical, applied, and experiential training. Theoretical
aspects include current concepts in physiology of exercise,
biomechanics, functional anatomy, motor control/learning, plus
independent thought and research within those areas. Typical
activities include involvement in familiarization with laboratory
equipment, ongoing research projects, case studies, analysis
of real cases, problem solving, and interaction with clients
in wellness and fitness assessment/leadership programs. Experiential
training includes internships in a variety of settings: corporate
fitness programs, hospitals, and the campus fitness program
among others.
The Exercise Science program meets the needs of students
who are seeking a terminal degree for employment in the fitness
assessment and exercise prescription fields. Examples of employment
sites include hospital health and fitness laboratories, health
and fitness centers, and physical therapy clinics. This degree
is also popular for the continuing education of athletic trainers
and physical therapists. Additionally, the exercise science
specialization can serve as a preparation for further studies
at the doctoral level.
The Exercise Science degree can only be completed during
the academic year. Students must attend for a minimum of two
years, since courses are offered on a two-year alternating
basis. The content of the degree contains heavy emphasis in
Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics with support courses
from Motor Control/Learning, Statistics, and
Research Design. Electives can also be taken from Biology,
Chemistry, Physics, or other areas. Additionally, students
are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of ongoing
research activities in both the Biomechanics and Exercise
Physiology Laboratories. A thesis is required and an eclectic
approach is taken whereby students can select topics of interest
and explore them within the constraints of finances and sophistication
of equipment.
Exercise Science Option plan
of study.
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Directed toward educational, behavioral, and applied orientations,
the sport psychology specialization is designed to prepare students
to serve as performance consultants for athletic teams, and
health- and fitness-oriented businesses, as well as community
organizations which sponsor organized recreational and youth
sport programs. Students can also design this specialization
to emphasize the psychology of coaching or to prepare themselves
for continuing graduate studies in sport and exercise psychology.
In addition to core courses, students can choose several
elective courses in psychology and exercise science to complete
their course of study. One of the unique and attractive features
of this applied program is the availability of internships
in sport and exercise psychology with Western’s intercollegiate
athletic teams and Adult Fitness programs. Internships in
sport and exercise psychology are designed to serve as culminating
experiences, which highlight the applied nature of this specialization.
A thesis in sport and exercise psychology is required.
Sport Psychology Option plan
of study.
Sport Psychology Option Admission Criteria.
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Brilla, Lorrie, Ph.D., Exercise Physiology
/ Nutrition
Chalmers, Gordon, Ph.D., Motor Control
Knutzen, Kathleen, Ph.D., Biomechanics /
Functional Anatomy
Martin, LeaAnn, Ph.D., Pedagogy
Mears, Derrick, Ph.D., Pedagogy
Row, Brandi, Ph.D., Biomechanics / Functional Anatomy /
Exercise Physiology
Suprak, David, Ph.D., Biomechanics / Exercise Programming and Design
Vernacchia, Ralph, Ph.D., Applied Sport Psychology
/ Sociology
For more information on the graduate program, contact
the appropriate kinesiology or pedagogy faculty member for individual program questions
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Graduate
Guidelines
Thesis Projects completed over
the past several years.
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