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Psychosocial/Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity

Overview

This specialization in the Psychosocial/Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity is directed toward students who possess a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Psychology, Public Health, or other related fields and are interested in earning a Master’s degree for the purpose of: 1) pursuing future study in a doctoral program in the psychology of exercise/physical activity, or 2) working for organizations with an interest in the promotion of regular physical activity (including corporations and government agencies).

Generally, the URI Kinesiology Master’s curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the multiple forces and conditions – from the global to the cellular – which influence how and why humans are physically activity.  Specifically, the specialization in the Psychosocial/Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity within the Kinesiology Master’s degree focuses academic inquiry into the understanding of physical activity behavior.  This perspective includes knowledge of the physiologic foundations of the behavior, its role and manifestations in society in various forms, and a focus on the patterns, determinants, and physical and psychological outcomes of physical activity participation, as well as an understanding of theoretically guided interventions to promote regular physical activity.  Students take numerous foundational, required, courses, but have the flexibility to tailor their additional coursework towards career goals.

Program Requirements

Core Kinesiology Courses (11 credits)

  • KIN 515          Physiology of Physical Activity and Health (3)

                                                            OR

  • KIN 562          Advanced Exercise Physiology
  • KIN 578          Cultural Studies of Physical Activity (3)
  • KIN 508          Physical Activity Promotion: Theory and Practice (3)
  • KIN 501          Seminar in Kinesiology (1) – must be repeated twice

* It is recommended that students in the Psychosocial/Behavioral Aspects program select KIN 515

Research Courses (select 6 to 9 credits)

  • KIN 530          Research Methods and Design in Kinesiology (3)
  • KIN 599          Master’s Thesis Research (6)

                                                OR

  • KIN 591          Special Problems plus Comprehensive Exams (3)

* Students taking KIN 591 Special Problems must also complete the comprehensive         
   examination

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • KIN 563 Epidemiology of Physical Activity (3)
  • KIN 581 Psychological Aspects of a Healthy Lifestyle (3)

Recommended Electives (select 6-9 credits)

  • PSY 479 Health Promotion (3)
  • PSY 505 Community Psychology (3)
  • PSY 606 Social Psychology (3)
  • PSY 532 Experimental Design (3)
  • PSY 533 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology (3)
  • PSY 601 Physiological Psychology (3)
  • Up to 9 credits of: 1) courses in a related discipline; 2) additional psychology classes; or 3) additional KIN classes;  as approved by the Major Profess

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New PHETE in Kinesiology
-- How this will effect you
Learn about new Physical Health Education Teacher Education Program (PHETE)
WHEN: Friday 9/18 9am-10am OR Tuesday 9/22 11am-12am. WHERE Kinesiology Conference Room

New for Fall 2009!
The 2009-2010
HSS Living and Learning Community
in Butterfield Hall is a great opportunity for Kinesiology students to network with each other during their first year on campus.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS