ABOUT THIS RESOURCE

This resource is designed to provide a comprehensivelook at the field of kinesiology. In this resource, weexplore why kinesiology is important, what you can dowith a master’s degree in kinesiology, and how tochoose a master’s degree in kinesiology program. Wewill also explore how Pacific Lutheran University’sMaster of Science in Kinesiology is uniquely preparedto give you the knowledge, experience, andbackground you need to build a career in exercise,sport, performance and health related fields.

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ABOUT PACIFIC LUTHERANUNIVERSITY

Pacific Lutheran University purposefully integrates the liberalarts, professional studies and civic engagement in the beautifulPacific Northwest. Founded in 1890 by Norwegian immigrants,PLU continues the distinctive tradition of Lutheran highereducation as it seeks to educate students for lives of thoughtfulinquiry, service, leadership and care – for other people, for theircommunities and for the Earth. 

PLU is committed to the advancement of knowledge, thepreparation of citizens in service to the world and to its ongoingreform. The faculty and staff at PLU’s Department of Kinesiologyare committed to nurturing the development of whole persons—in body, mind, and spirit.

CONTENTSM O V E M E N T I S K E Y T O H U M A N H E A L T HA N D H A P P I N E S S

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C O N N E C T W I T H P A C I F I C L U T H E R A NU N I V E R S I T Y

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MOVEMENT ISTHE KEY TOHUMAN HEALTHAND HAPPINESS

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In this next section we willdiscuss the importance of thefield of kinesiology in modernacademics.

The awareness of physicalactivity and its beneficialhealth effects is becomingincreasingly more prevalent.

Movement is easy to take forgranted. The ability to move freely,regularly, and without pain is a keycomponent of human health andhappiness.  

Physical inactivity is a major publichealth issue globally, and itcontributes to many public healthcrises like obesity, mental healthdisorders, sleep disorders, diabetes,heart disease, stroke, high bloodpressure and certain types ofcancer. In fact, the World HealthOrganization identifies physicalinactivity as the fourth leading riskfactor for global mortality.

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Much of this physical inactivity canbe traced to changes in how wework and live over the last century.People’s jobs and home lifestyles areincreasingly sedentary, a major shiftfrom the past generations wheremovement was a natural, integratedpart of life. Advances in technologyand knowledge work, whilebeneficial in some ways, have takena major toll on the amount of physicalactivity required of the averageAmerican.

Some have responded to thisdecrease in “built in” physical activity byjoining gyms or fitness communities.Recreational jogging became popular asrecently as the 1960s. Today, manyAmericans schedule in time to tend to theirphysical health, spending hours every weekrunning, walking, cycling, or doing highintensity training. But it is a struggle toremain active enough by choice tocounteract our sedentary lifestyle.

The rise of conscious physical activity andthe rise of health issues related to mobilityand movement have created a growingdemand for professionals in the health,rehabilitation, fitness, and sports industries,including the field of kinesiology.

Professionals in the field of kinesiology aretrained in the science of human movement,and how our bodies are designed to functionand move.

When you build a career in the field ofkinesiology, you are helping patients andclients improve their mental, physical, andemotional well-being through the promotionof healthy habit building and healthymovement and activity.

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UNDERSTANDINGTHE FIELD OFKINESIOLOGY

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Kinesiology is the study ofhuman movement,encompassing many fields ofinterests that lead to diversecareer options.

Kinesiology is the science of humanmovement. Kinesiology studies theprinciples of movement and investigatesthe complexity of the mechanical,physiological, and psychologicalcomponents of movement. The study ofkinesiology involves deep understandingof various biological systems as well asbehavioral theories. Many people areintroduced to the concept of kinesiologythrough a sub-field like physical therapyor sports medicine, but kinesiology is thelarger umbrella term for the theory andpractice of human movement.

The American KinesiologyAssociation (AKA) defines kinesiology asa “discipline which involves the study ofphysical activity and its impact on health,society, and quality of life."

exercise sciencesports managementathletic training and sports medicinesocio-cultural analyses of sportssport and exercise psychologyfitness leadershipphysical education - teachereducationpre-professional training for physicaltherapyoccupational therapymedicineother health related fields

It includes, but is not limited to, such areasof study as:

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As the AKA makes clear, careers inkinesiology can be theoretical or practical,ranging from roles in education andresearch to roles as in health care, sportsmanagement, and more.

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If you are interested inbuilding a career in sports,fitness, physical education, orhealth care, a master’sdegree in kinesiology is agreat way to study thetheoretical and practicalfoundations of human activity.

A master’s degree in this fieldwill also significantly improveyour job and careerprospects. Let’s look at five majorreasons why you shouldpursue a kinesiology master’sdegree.

5 REASONS TOPURSUE AKINESIOLOGYMASTER'SDEGREE

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Expand your professional opportunities

A master’s in Kinesiology opens the door to full-time teaching,coaching and strength- and-conditioning positions in collegesand universities, as well as administrative and leadership rolesin the health and fitness industry.

Get advanced certifications

A master’s in Kinesiology allows you to pursueadvanced credentials, including Certified MentalPerformance Consultant (CMPC-AASP) and ClinicalExercise Physiologist (CEP-ACSM).

A master’s in Kinesiology gives you the knowledgeand skills you need to improve your practice andenhance your ability to serve others and theprofession. Working professionals in health andfitness careers, public service professions andpublic health can enhance their ability to betterserve the needs of society in relation to physicalactivity promotion and disease prevention.

Specialize your knowledge and skills

Build a career with meaningCareers in kinesiology related fields are orientedtoward evidence-based service of others.Professionals in these fields get to build a lifehelping others overcome tough physical andmental challenges and meet and surpasssignificant movement related goals. Promotinghealthy activity and movement can change anindividual’s quality of life for the better, bringingthem greater joy, comfort, and confidence.

Teachers who earn a master's degree make an average of$7,000-$9,000 more than those with a bachelor's degree.

Increase your earning potential

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WHAT CANYOU DO WITHA MASTER'SDEGREE INKINESIOLOGY?

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We’ve explored how amaster’s degree inkinesiology functions as anentry point to a whole rangeof industries and careers.Now let’s talk specificallyabout the types of jobs youcan pursue and what yourcareer and salaryexpectations will look like.

All information regarding salary anddemand (when available) is based onnumbers from the Bureau of LaborStatistics (BLS).

clinics, hospitals, and the military.Athletic trainers in Washington statemake an annual mean wage of$50,510.

Career Options and Job Titles

Design and develop exercise programsfor individuals recovering from illnessand injury. In the Seattle-Tacoma areaspecifically, the annual mean wage forexercise physiologists is $52,330.

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Work with athletes, individuals, orgroups in gyms, health clubs, andwellness centers to meet fitness goals,including providing training programs,personalized coaching, and exercisemodifications based on need. Exercisetrainers in Washington state make anannual mean wage of $55,750.

Exercise Trainers and GroupFitness Instructors -

Athletic Trainer -

Exercise Physiologist -

Work with athletes, individuals, orgroups and with other medical professionals to prevent, treat, andrehabilitate injuries in settings likeschools, colleges, professional sports,

This is one of the highest mean salarynumbers in the country. In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area specifically, thisnumber increases to an average of$60,490. Employment for this

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occupation is expected to grow 13% inthe next eight years, much faster growththan the average for all occupations.

Develop strategies to help clients (likeathletes, performing artists, executives,military personnel) create mental andlife habits that allow them to accesspeak performance in difficult conditions.

Mental Performance Consultant -

Teach principles of healthy movementand physical fitness to students ineducational settings.

Physical Education Instructor -

Sport Psychologist -

Apply the principles of physics andengineering to analyze humanmovement and improve the quality ofinteraction between humans andobjects.

Biomechanist -

Use mental health techniques andprinciples of psychology to helpathletes optimize performance, meetfitness goals, or recover from injury.

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Develop fitness plans for athletesdesigned to promote long-term musclehealth, natural movement, endurance,and mobility and work alongside othercoaches to monitor athlete health andperformance.

Strength and Conditioning Coach -

Conduct experiments, develop newbiomechanical prototypes, andcontribute to ongoing research andstudies in the field of kinesiology.

Kinesiology Research Lab Assistant -

Help patients improve movement andmobility and manage pain due toillness, disability, or injury. The annualmean salary for this position in theSeattle-Tacoma area is $89,150.

Physical Therapist -

Professor of Kinesiology -

Conduct research, study, and teachprinciples of kinesiology to the nextgeneration of practitioners.

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Help patients regain or develop the ability toperform everyday tasks, providing ongoing andoften long-term support to those with mental orphysical disabilities. The annual mean salary forthis position in the Seattle-Tacoma area is$84,930.

Occupational Therapist -

Incorporate health care and movement goalsinto daily, recreational activities, helpingpatients recover health and confidence fromphysical and or mental disability through leisureactivities and community engagement. Theannual mean salary for this occupation in theSeattle-Tacoma area is $68,180.

Recreational Therapist -

Work specifically with patients suffering fromchronic cardiopulmonary issues likeemphysema, asthma, and heart disease. Theannual mean salary for this occupation in theSeattle-Tacoma area is $73,380, andemployment of respiratory therapists is projectedto grow 21 percent from 2018 to 2028, muchfaster than the average for all occupations.

Respiratory Therapist -

Use massage and manipulative techniques toaddress muscle pain and soft tissue issues,often working in coordination with otherrehabilitation professionals. The annual meansalary for this occupation in the Seattle-Tacomaarea is $67,180.

Massage Therapist -

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WHAT TOLOOK FOR INA MASTER'SPROGRAM INKINESIOLOGY

Not all kinesiology programsare created equal. If you areconsidering a master’s inkinesiology, it’s worthexploring what excellence ina master’s in kinesiologyprogram looks like.

Here’s a quick list of qualities youshould look for in a master’sprogram in kinesiology.

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A great kinesiology master’s program willprovide you with a deep grounding in thescience and theory of kinesiology, but willalso offer you plenty of opportunity forpractical application and experience.

Look for a program that emphasizesboth theory and practice

As with most graduate programs, thevalue of a master’s in kinesiology isdirectly related to the quality of therelationships you form with your peers,faculty, and others in the industry. Choosea program that emphasizes close, workingrelationships between students andfaculty.

Choose a program where you havelots of access to faculty andmentorship

What are the school’s rankings like? Whatis its local reputation? Do they havestrong community relationships that willhelp you find a job or network as you gothrough the program?

Consider the school's reputation andalumni network in the field

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Will the program prepare you for theindustry certifications you want to pursue?Look at the concentrations offered, theareas of expertise of faculty, and considerwhether the program will prepare you tosucceed on certification exams.

Think about which specializations orcertifications you are looking for

When you work in health, rehabilitation,fitness, or sports performance, you mustbe prepared to work effectively withpeople from all walks of life and diversepopulations. Choose a program thatexplicitly focuses on methods anddispositions that will help you serve allcommunities.

Ask yourself if the program ispreparing you to serve diversepopulations

A CLOSERLOOK AT PLU'SMASTER OFSCIENCE INKINESIOLOGY

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Our Master of Science inKinesiology program has somuch to offer our students.See why PLU's programcould be the right fit for you!

Ranked by Niche as the top Kinesiologydepartment in Washington state andthe Pacific Northwest, the Kinesiologyprogram at PLU brings a tradition ofexcellence into the Master ofScience degree.

Unique features of our program includea commitment to diversity and inclusion,along with intentional mentorship andleadership development opportunities. Through coursework, mentoringsupport, and an applied project, M.S.candidates develop the knowledge andskills they need to become effectiveevidence-based practitioners who canenhance their own career whilepositively impacting those they serve.

The Master of Science inKinesiology at Pacific LutheranUniversity combines a rigorousacademic experience with real-world,relevant and impactful applicationsdesigned to intentionally addresscritical gaps in kinesiology training andpractice. This master’s program alsoincludes two rigorous concentrationoptions.

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The M.S. in Kinesiology emphasizes:

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May be completed in as few as 14 months, or over the courseof 26 months. Classes occur in the evenings and are a mixof traditional and hybrid in design.

Flexibility

Uses evidence based, best practices that critically evaluate,integrate and apply current, primary research andestablished theoretical concepts. Coursework focuses onbuilding an evidence-based practice through rigorouscoursework applied to real-world situations. All studentscomplete an applied project as part of the program.

Theory to Practice Focus

Engages multiple perspectives and demonstrates inclusivepractices and leadership. Two required courses in theprogram examine issues of diversity, justice and inclusion inorder to inform how we do our work and how we can bestserve a diverse population. All students are assigned afaculty mentor who also serves as lead advisor for theapplied project.

Inclusive Practice, Leadership, and Mentorship

Uses a range of effective communication strategies anddemonstrates professional behavior to best serve the needsof clients. The program is designed to serve high growthprofessions and to enhance the skill set of novice andexperienced practitioners in exercise, sport, performanceand health related careers.

Career Growth and Professionalism

Program Lengths: one-year or two-year option.Credit Hours: 34 semester units

Classes are in the evenings on one or two nights per week and a mix oftraditional and hybrid in design.  Students with flexible work schedulescan generally work part-time or even full-time.

PROGRAM FORMAT

Explore a full list of course descriptions

Applied Sport PsychologyConcentration

The program of study for the AppliedSport Psychology concentrationfocuses on integrating theory, researchand application related to factors suchas motivation, communication,feedback, attribution and leadershipthat impact experiences andperformance in sport and physicalactivity.

The concentration is designed toprepare students to serve asperformance consultants in a widevariety of settings including athleticprograms at all levels, physical activityrelated organizations and businesses,and branches of the U.S. military.

Athletic coaches, health-and-fitnessteachers and others interested inmaximizing human performance arealso a good fit for this focus area. AMaster’s degree is required to becomea Certified Mental PerformanceConsultant through the Association forApplied Sport Psychology.

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Applied Exercise ScienceConcentration

The Applied Exercise Scienceconcentration blends theoretical,applied and research training into adynamic program focused onpreparing practitioners who caneffectively bridge the theory-to-practicegap and provide evidence-based,inclusive practices in the field.

Courses in this concentration focus onthe design and implementation ofindividual and group exerciseprograms. Physiological adaptationsto acute and chronic training,functional anatomy, exercise testingand prescription, and applications todiverse populations are areas ofemphasis within the program.

The Applied Exercise Science degreesupports the needs of those wishing topursue specific credentials such as aCertified Strength and ConditioningSpecialist (NSCA), CertifiedExercise Physiologist (ACSM), andClinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM).

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HEAR FROMSTUDENTS INPLU'S MASTEROF SCIENCE INKINESIOLOGYPROGRAM

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Sarah Johnson and Kyle Druggeshare their thoughts anddreams about pursuing theMaster of Science inKinesiology. Hear what theyhave planned for the future anda little about where they camefrom.

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I came to PLU during [myundergraduate years] from a big stateuniversity. [The] Kinesiology departmentwas where I knew I had a place.  I couldgo and talk to my professors...and theyreally cared about me as a person, nota number. I have learned so much withthe classes in the Kinesiology departmentof both physical as well as mental health. It is truly amazing how being physicallyactive can have such a positive impact onour lives. I would not trade what I havelearned from PLU for anything.  I havehad access to so many opportunitieswith travel, internships, research andACSM Northwest Meetings. I now know I have a passion for helpingpeople both with their physical andmental outlooks and finding tools for themto unlock their best life.

What inspired you to join the MSK program at PLU?

SARAH JOHNSON

What are you most excited tolearn?I am most excited to dive deeper intoSports and Exercise Psychology withinthe MSK. Some topics include stressmanagement, imagery, concentration,arousal control, self-talk, confidence, goalsetting, team building, adversity and thepower of FUN!

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How would you use this degree in your future career?

After I finish the MSK program I want to look into certifications I can earn throughthis degree. Then I plan to take a gap year to start looking into OccupationalTherapy programs. I am looking forward to applying the mental tools I learn in thisprogram to the OT world!

What tips would you share with undergraduate studentswhen considering a graduate program?

Find what makes you passionate. What areas of study naturally give you energyand a desire to learn more?  Once you find those areas, learn as much as you canand go to programs that are worth your money.  There are many graduateprograms out there, but not all are created equal.

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I have a strong desire to deepen mycompetence in the field ofKinesiology, specifically sportpsychology.  I majored in businessfor my undergraduate (BBA ’18) atPLU, but minored in exercise andsport psychology and that is reallywhen I figured out that I wanted topursue a master’s program in thisfield. Amazing faculty, the scopeand style of the program, and anopportunity to coach at theuniversity, were all strong reasonsfor me to choose the PLU MSKprogram.

What inspired you to join the MSK program at PLU?

KYLE DRUGGE

What are you most excited tolearn?I am most excited to learn moreabout the science of sportpsychology, but I am even moreexcited to learn about how to usethat information ethically andcompetently in an applied setting.The faculty and my peers have somuch knowledge, I just can’t wait tocollaborate and learn from all ofthem.

How would you use thisdegree in your future career? Well I don’t know yet exactly what“job” or “career title” I’m after, but Iwant to be in a coach or teacherrole. Whether I become a collegegolf coach, a sport psychologyconsultant, or a doctorate student insport and performance psychology,those are some of the routes that Iam interested in.

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I mostly love learning this stuff, and want to be able to help people using theinformation that I will acquire from this program. I’m sure I will start to zero in on mypath as I progress through the program.

What tips would you share with undergraduate students whenconsidering a graduate program?

For students that are considering a graduate program, my advice is two-fold. First, do your homework. So much of a graduate program is less about thatdegree/diploma itself and more about the opportunities, who you want to surroundyourself with and what you plan on doing after the program. Take into consideration faculty, is it more research-based, applied-based, or ablend, and think about where you will be challenged to grow the most. Second, make sure that you really want it and that you really love to learn what youare studying. If you are considering a graduate program because it will give you aprofessional advantage over your peers, or because it is the next degree to get,while that may be true, I personally believe those reasons aren’t strong enough tomake it worth your while.

If you have a rock-solid desire to know your stuff, use it ethically, and use it for thebetterment of yourself and those around you, then you are probably on the righttrack for a graduate program!

Get to know more of the PLU Kinesiology community by exploring ourFacebook page!

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Because human movement is a central part of life, there will always be a need forskilled, evidence-based practitioners in the field of kinesiology. A master’s degreein kinesiology prepares you for a career serving o hers, helping them improve andmeet physical goals.

Request More Information

We invite you to get in touch with us for more information and to ask any specificquestions you may have about the PLU Master of Science in Kinesiology. Beginyour journey to a career in kinesiology today!

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gradadmission@plu.edu(253) 535-8570

12180 Park Avenue South | Tacoma, WA 98447-0003

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